Linktree, a popular tool that allows users to share multiple links on one customizable home page, is introducing new ways for creators to monetize their content.

The platform is rolling out Sponsored Links on April 23, which allows creators to integrate commission-based partnerships into their pages with brands seeking Linktree ad placements. Early adopters include Hulu, Sam’s Club, and Harry's.

“You could think of it as an ad marketplace, but it’s not just simply putting a display banner on a Linktree where the creator has no control,” said Linktree co-founder and CEO Alex Zaccaria. “A creator will choose a link to put on their Linktree that they feel is relevant to their audience.”

On the backend, creators are offered sponsored links that Linktree has already decided are relevant to them based on a brand’s target audience. When that creator opts in, the partnership includes the disclaimer “Links may earn commission” on their page.

The platform is starting with cost per acquisition (CPA) as a payout model, but plans to roll out cost per click and cost per impression models, as well. Creators receive their payments directly through Linktree.

Zaccaria describes the product as marrying the customability of creator partnerships with the ease of integrating display ads.

Reaching an engaged audience

Nearly half (49.5%) of consumers said creator content has influenced their purchase on social media, according to a March 2024 EMARKETER survey. Linktree is offering brands real estate in a space with a smaller, but more tuned-in, audience than the main social feed—one that the platform says is even more eager to shop.

The platform is pushing this ad placement as “premium space” that cuts through the noise of

social media and targets only a creator’s engaged audience, said Zaccaria. Beyond original content, that audience is already turning to those creators for recommendations, he said.

“It’s not just about the content you’re creating,” said Zaccaria. “It’s about what you’re curating and showing people what you care about and like. Sponsored links is another version of that.”

Creating lower-lift partnerships with more creators

Linktree is looking to minimize the steps of a typical brand partnership, which are often defined by mass outreach to creators and working through several rounds of content edits, said Zaccaria.

The goal is to also involve creators who are just starting to monetize, but are also highly beneficial for brands, said Zaccaria. While 44% of B2C marketers saw the most success working with micro influencers, only 7% saw the most success with mega influencers, according to an October 2024 HubSpot survey.

For those who are just starting to approach brand deals, knowing what to charge can be particularly overwhelming, said Zaccaria.

“The status quo right now is actually pretty painful for both sides,” he said. “We’re looking to really democratize access to revenue, and give more opportunity to macro and micro creators. We’re also giving brands more access to creators that also have more authenticity and convert better.”

The affiliate marketing moment

Sponsored Links have launched with an affiliate payout model, and affiliate marketing spend is expected to grow 11.9% in 2025, EMARKETER forecasts. US social commerce sales will surpass $100 billion in 2026, EMARKETER forecasts, presenting a clear opportunity for affiliate partnerships in influencer marketing.

“Brands can now say ‘We put out this budget and we’re going to be getting this many clicks,’” he said. “Especially in the current market with impending tariffs and downward pressure on brands, that’s becoming even more important.”

Linktree hopes the heightened transparency of a centralized hub within its platform, which handles analytics and payouts, will make commission-based partnerships with creators even more attractive to brands.

“We’re finding brands are leaning much more deeply into performance-driven advertising,” said Zaccaria. “We’re looking to make creator and content marketing as attributable and reliable as performance marketing.”

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