In 2025, the global affiliate marketing landscape is more competitive than ever, and affiliate marketers are constantly searching for platforms that deliver high conversion rates, strong commissions, and consistent payouts. Among the top-performing platforms in this space are Temu, AliExpress, and Shein — three e-commerce giants with unique affiliate programs and global appeal. This comprehensive guide breaks down each platform’s strengths, weaknesses, commission structures, and real-world ROI to help affiliate marketers choose the most profitable option in 2025.
The affiliate industry has evolved beyond traditional referral links. In 2025, AI-driven analytics, personalized ad placements, and multi-platform promotion dominate the scene. With more than 70% of online shoppers influenced by affiliate content, choosing the right platform has a direct impact on your revenue. Temu, AliExpress, and Shein have all built robust global operations — but which one truly maximizes earnings for affiliates?
Temu is a fast-growing online marketplace known for offering low-cost products, free shipping, and aggressive marketing campaigns. It’s backed by PDD Holdings, the parent company of Pinduoduo, and has quickly gained traction among U.S. and European consumers.
Commission Rate: Up to 20% per sale, depending on category and promotional tier
Cookie Duration: 30 days, providing strong long-term conversion potential
Payout Method: PayPal or direct bank transfer
Average Conversion Rate: Between 3–7%, depending on niche and region
High Product Demand: Thousands of fast-moving, trend-based items
Attractive Incentives: Seasonal bonus campaigns and exclusive referral contests
User Trust: Backed by heavy advertising and frequent discount offers
Low Average Order Value (AOV): Since most Temu products are cheap, earnings per sale can be smaller unless volume is high
Competition: Increasing number of affiliate promoters entering the same space
AliExpress, owned by Alibaba Group, remains a cornerstone of global e-commerce. It has been serving affiliates since 2010 and offers a massive product catalog across thousands of categories.
Commission Rate: 2% to 9%, depending on product category
Cookie Duration: 15 days, shorter than Temu’s
Payout Options: WebMoney, PayPal, or AliPay
Conversion Rate: 2–4% average, varying by niche
Diverse Product Range: Millions of products across all categories
Long-term Credibility: Trusted by global buyers, reducing refund disputes
Automation Tools: Advanced API integration and product data feeds
Lower Commissions: Especially for low-cost items
Slow Shipping: Long delivery times may reduce buyer confidence
Competing Platforms: Many new users have shifted to Temu or Shein for faster delivery
Shein has redefined fast fashion, offering trendy clothing, accessories, and beauty products at unbeatable prices. Its visual appeal and frequent new arrivals make it a magnet for social media marketers and influencers.
Commission Rate: 5% to 10% on every sale
Cookie Duration: 30 days
Payout Methods: PayPal, bank transfer, or wire
Conversion Rate: 5–8%, especially high among Gen Z audiences
Strong Social Media Presence: Perfect for influencer-driven affiliate marketing
High Engagement: Targeted primarily toward fashion-forward young audiences
Regular Discounts: Easy to promote during seasonal campaigns and flash sales
Limited Product Categories: Primarily fashion and lifestyle
Niche-Restricted: May not be ideal for affiliates outside fashion or beauty niches
Temu offers the highest commission rates, making it the best option for marketers focusing on volume and global reach
Shein provides excellent engagement through visual content, suitable for influencers and social media creators
AliExpress remains strong in technical niches, but its slower logistics and lower commission structure reduce its ROI in 2025
Platforms like TikTok Shop, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are dominating the affiliate ecosystem. Promoting Temu or Shein deals with short-form video content drastically improves click-through rates.
Use keyword variations such as:
“Temu affiliate vs AliExpress”
“Best affiliate platform for 2025”
“Make money with Temu affiliate program”
High CPC search terms like these can drive lucrative ad revenue alongside affiliate income.
Integrate Temu or Shein offers within an email marketing funnel that nurtures users with exclusive coupons, product updates, and shopping guides.
Writing comparison posts like this one is among the highest-converting content types in affiliate marketing. Include side-by-side feature breakdowns and “best picks” to boost engagement.
When analyzed for commission rates, cookie duration, and conversion efficiency, Temu takes the lead as the most profitable affiliate platform in 2025. Shein follows closely for niche influencers focusing on fashion and lifestyle, while AliExpress continues to serve as a dependable choice for tech and gadget promoters. To maximize ROI, smart affiliates often combine all three—targeting Temu for general products, Shein for lifestyle audiences, and AliExpress for technical items. This multi-platform strategy ensures steady income streams throughout the year.
Affiliate marketing in 2025 is all about diversification, data-driven promotion, and content authority. The key is to pick platforms like Temu, AliExpress, and Shein that align with your niche and audience behavior. By using SEO-optimized blogs, engaging social media campaigns, and strategic product selections, affiliates can scale their earnings exponentially. Start experimenting today, track your conversions closely, and build a portfolio that maximizes ROI — because in 2025, success favors those who adapt fast.