YouTube Creators Hub Podcast Summary
Episode: The Amazon Influencer Program: Is It Still Profitable in 2025? Kathleen Kobel Interview
Host: Dusty Porter
Guest: Kathleen Kobel
Release Date: July 4, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub, host Dusty Porter welcomes Kathleen Kobel, an expert in e-commerce and the Amazon Influencer Program. The discussion centers around the profitability and evolving strategies within the Amazon Influencer Program as of 2025, Kathleen's personal journey, and actionable insights for creators aiming to monetize their online presence effectively.
Kathleen's Origin Story
Kathleen Kobel shares her extensive background in e-commerce, highlighting her 15-year journey with Amazon. She began by selling her graduate school textbooks on Amazon when it primarily focused on book sales. Over the years, Kathleen established herself by launching the Amazon sales channel for a business she worked for, later founding an Amazon marketing agency that assisted over a thousand brands in achieving success on the platform.
Key Quote:
“I was looking for a business model that would give me some more of my time back and not necessarily be trading dollars for hours.”
— Kathleen Kobel [02:19]
Kathleen eventually discovered the Amazon Influencer Program four years prior to the interview. This discovery provided her with a semi-passive income stream, which she has now turned into a full-time endeavor. Additionally, she educates other entrepreneurs and creators on building sustainable income through the program.
Is the Amazon Influencer Program Still Profitable in 2025?
Dusty Porter poses the central question: “Is the Amazon influencer program in 2025 still profitable?” He reflects on his personal experience, noting modest earnings from a limited number of videos.
Kathleen's Response:
“Most definitely. I think there's a lot of chatter online saying how different the program is today in 2025 than it was when it launched, and I completely agree with that. However, it is still a very profitable venture, especially if you know the strategy to do it the right way and you are able to pivot with Amazon's changes because they are always changing, they're always updating things.”
— Kathleen Kobel [05:34]
Kathleen emphasizes that while the program has evolved, it remains profitable for those who adapt their strategies to align with Amazon's continual updates and leverage new opportunities.
Effective Strategies in 2025
The conversation delves into the strategies that are currently effective for the Amazon Influencer Program.
Product Research:
Kathleen underscores the importance of selecting products that are already selling well on Amazon but aren't oversaturated with influencer videos. She recommends using tools like Fluencer Fruit, which scores products based on sales data and competition levels.
Content Creation:
Videos should be concise, high-quality, and focused on showcasing the product effectively without appearing overly produced. Authenticity is key; viewers prefer genuine reviews over polished, sponsored looks.
Key Quote:
“Product selection and then your video to convert.”
— Kathleen Kobel [07:42]
YouTube Integration and Content Repurposing
Kathleen discusses how she manages multiple YouTube channels to maximize her reach and income:
-
Smart Business Mom Channel:
Focuses on her Amazon storefront and product reviews, incorporating affiliate links to generate off-site commissions. -
Educational YouTube Channel:
Teaches others how to succeed with the Amazon Influencer Program through tutorials and live streams.
Key Insight:
Repurposing Amazon content for YouTube allows Kathleen to tap into YouTube's vast audience while diversifying her income streams through affiliate marketing and brand partnerships.
Content Creation Workflow
Kathleen outlines her efficient workflow for creating influencer content:
-
Recording:
Primarily uses her smartphone to record videos, ensuring flexibility and ease of use. -
Editing:
Performs basic editing on a desktop, handling minor adjustments like removing filler words. -
Uploading:
Directly uploads the polished videos to her Amazon storefront and repurposes them on her YouTube channel.
Key Quote:
“When I record, usually I will talk. Sometimes I will do a VOICEOVER LATER.”
— Kathleen Kobel [23:26]
Monetization and Income Potential
Kathleen discusses various revenue streams within and beyond the Amazon Influencer Program:
-
On-Site Commissions:
Earnings depend on the number and quality of videos. Last month, Kathleen earned approximately $5,000, with peaks reaching $12,000 during high-sales periods like Prime Day. -
Off-Site Commissions and Affiliate Marketing:
Utilizing YouTube and other platforms to drive additional traffic and commissions through affiliate links. -
Brand Partnerships:
Collaborations with brands for sponsored content and free product samples, enhancing both income and visibility.
Key Quote:
“You can pick it up and put it down and pick it up and put it down and you could still be earning every single day that you're not creating content.”
— Kathleen Kobel [28:34]
Kathleen emphasizes the passive income potential of the program, likening it to YouTube's evergreen content benefits.
Additional Income Streams
Beyond commissions, Kathleen has diversified her income through:
-
Masterclasses and Memberships:
Offering paid courses and membership groups where she shares her expertise. -
Software Affiliations:
Promoting tools like Fluencer Fruit through affiliate programs. -
Creator Connections:
Participating in Amazon's Creator Connections platform to secure higher commission rates (up to 30%) and strategic brand partnerships.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
Kathleen offers actionable advice for creators looking to enter or enhance their presence in the Amazon Influencer Program:
-
Set Clear Goals:
Determine whether you're aiming for a side income or a full-fledged business to tailor your strategy accordingly. -
Leverage Existing Products:
Start by creating content for products you already own to minimize initial investment and risk. -
Focus on Engagement:
Prioritize platforms with high engagement rates, such as TikTok, to increase your chances of program approval. -
Be Strategic with Content:
Quality trumps quantity. Focus on creating high-converting videos rather than simply increasing the number of uploads.
Key Quote:
“Don’t get discouraged if you don't get in right away when you apply because it's not that hard.”
— Kathleen Kobel [33:57]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Dusty Porter summarizing the key takeaways and directing listeners to Kathleen's resources, including her masterclass, website, and YouTube channels. Kathleen reiterates the importance of persistence, community support, and strategic content creation in succeeding with the Amazon Influencer Program.
Final Advice from Kathleen:
“This is such a fun opportunity that if this interests you at all, I recommend you just go for it because there are resources that will help you make sure that it's still fun for you, but also help you earn money too.”
— Kathleen Kobel [33:57]
Resources Mentioned
- Fluencer Fruit: A tool for product research and opportunity scoring.
- Smart Business Mom YouTube Channel: [Link in Show Notes]
- Kathleen Kobel's Masterclass and Website: [Link in Show Notes]
This comprehensive discussion between Dusty Porter and Kathleen Kobel provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the Amazon Influencer Program in 2025. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting, the strategies and experiences shared offer a roadmap to monetizing your online presence effectively.