AliExpress Affiliate Program Explained: Is It Worth It in 2026?

Affiliate marketing has exploded in popularity over the past decade, becoming a cornerstone of online income for bloggers, influencers, and digital entrepreneurs. 

With eCommerce giants like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay offering affiliate programs, competition is fierce. Yet AliExpress, the global marketplace owned by Alibaba Group, continues to attract affiliates with its self‑operated program.

In 2026, the question remains: is AliExpress’s affiliate program still a smart choice for marketers? This article takes a deep dive into how the program works, its strengths, its weaknesses, and strategies to succeed.

What Makes AliExpress Different?

AliExpress is not just another online store—it’s a marketplace connecting millions of sellers (mostly from China) with buyers worldwide. Its appeal lies in:

• Massive product catalog: Over 100 million items across categories like fashion, electronics, home goods, and niche gadgets.

• Global reach: Ships to more than 200 countries, making it accessible to international audiences.

• Budget focus: Known for affordable prices, appealing to cost‑conscious shoppers.

The affiliate program leverages these strengths, giving marketers access to a huge inventory and worldwide customer base.

How the AliExpress Affiliate Program Works

• Sign‑up process: Affiliates register through the official AliExpress portal.

• Commission rates: Up to 9% depending on product category.

• Cookie duration: 30 days, which is generous compared to Amazon’s 24‑hour window.

• Tools provided: Banners, widgets, deep links, and tracking dashboards.

• Payment: Earnings are calculated based on confirmed sales and paid out via supported methods.

Advantages of Joining AliExpress Affiliate Program

1. Higher Commissions Than Many Competitors

AliExpress offers up to 9% commission, which is significantly higher than Amazon Associates (1–3%) and Walmart (1–4%).

2. Long Tracking Window

The 30‑day cookie duration gives affiliates more time to convert clicks into sales, especially useful for indecisive buyers.

3. Enormous Product Variety

From trending gadgets to niche hobby items, affiliates can find products for almost any audience.

4. Worldwide Shipping

AliExpress’s ability to ship globally makes it ideal for affiliates with international traffic.

5. Frequent Promotions

Regular flash sales, coupons, and discounts make products more attractive to buyers.

Disadvantages You Should Know

1. Shipping Times

Delivery can take weeks, especially for international orders. This is a major drawback compared to Amazon Prime’s two‑day shipping.

2. Customer Trust Issues

Buyers sometimes complain about inconsistent product quality and complicated return processes.

3. Lower Brand Recognition in Western Markets

AliExpress is popular in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe, but less trusted in the US and UK.

4. Limited Affiliate Support

Training resources and community support are weaker compared to Amazon or eBay.

5. Regional Effectiveness

The program works best in markets where AliExpress is already strong. Affiliates in Amazon‑dominated regions may struggle.

AliExpress vs Competitors

Who Benefits Most from AliExpress Affiliate Program?

• Bloggers targeting budget shoppers: AliExpress is known for low prices.

• International marketers: Perfect for audiences outside the US.

• Niche content creators: Great for promoting unique or hard‑to‑find products.

Who Might Struggle?

• Affiliates whose audiences expect fast shipping and premium quality.

• Beginners who need extensive training and support.

• Marketers focused on US audiences where Amazon dominates.

Strategies for Success

1. Promote trending products: Tech gadgets, fashion accessories, and home goods often convert well.

2. Leverage SEO: Target long‑tail keywords to attract organic traffic.

3. Highlight discounts: Use AliExpress’s frequent promotions to boost conversions.

4. Target international audiences: Focus on regions where AliExpress is popular.

5. Be transparent: Set realistic expectations about shipping times and product quality.

Case Study: A Blogger’s Experience

Imagine a blogger in 2026 running a site about affordable tech gadgets. By joining the AliExpress Affiliate Program, they:

• Promote trending smartwatches and wireless earbuds.

• Use deep links to direct readers to product pages.

• Highlight flash sales and coupons to encourage purchases.

• Earn commissions from readers in Asia, Africa, and Europe where AliExpress is trusted.

The result: steady affiliate income, despite slower conversions in the US market.

Conclusion: Is AliExpress Affiliate Program Worth It?

The AliExpress Affiliate Program (self‑operated) remains a strong option in 2026 for affiliates targeting global, budget‑conscious audiences. Its high commissions, long cookie duration, and massive product catalog are clear advantages. However, shipping delays, weaker brand trust, and limited support mean it’s not the best fit for everyone.

Verdict: If your audience values affordability and global reach, AliExpress can be a profitable partner. But if speed and premium quality are priorities, Amazon or Walmart may be better alternatives.