In a world saturated with polished content, DIY (Do-It-Yourself) videos stand out for their authenticity, creativity, and relatability. Whether it’s crafting, home décor, repairs, or cooking, DIY content engages audiences and provides long-term monetization potential. But how profitable are they? Let’s break down the return on investment (ROI) of DIY videos—and how affiliate links across platforms can turn your creativity into consistent income.
🔍 What Are DIY Videos?
DIY videos show people how to create, fix, or improve things using everyday materials. These videos are popular because they:
- Solve common problems
- Encourage creativity
- Have high replay and share value
- Require low production budgets
💡 Why DIY Videos Have High ROI
| Factor | ROI Impact |
|---|---|
| Low Setup Cost | Shoot with phone + minimal gear |
| High Watch Time | Viewers watch full tutorials |
| Niche Community | Builds loyal followers |
| Evergreen Content | Generates long-term views |
| Cross-Platform Potential | Content can be repurposed easily |
📊 ROI Breakdown Example
Video Title: “DIY Wall Organizer Using Cardboard”
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | ₹150 |
| Shooting (3 hrs) | ₹0 (self-recorded) |
| Editing (2 hrs) | ₹0 (free app) |
Revenue Streams:
- YouTube AdSense: ₹600
- Instagram Reel brand mention: ₹800
- Amazon affiliate links: ₹1200
ROI = ((2600 – 150) / 150) × 100 = 1633%
💰 Affiliate Income: The ROI Booster
DIY creators often showcase products—tools, kits, stationery, décor—perfect for affiliate marketing. Many platforms support direct linking, but Instagram and TikTok pose some limitations that creators must work around.
create your own landing page–click
🚫 Limitations on Instagram & TikTok
While many social platforms allow direct affiliate links, Instagram and TikTok restrict direct clickable affiliate links in most regular posts or video captions. Here’s how it works:
| Feature | Affiliate Link Support |
|---|---|
| Bio Link | ✅ Yes — most common method to link to a landing page or blog with affiliate links |
| Post Captions/Comments | ❌ No clickable links allowed |
| Stories & Reels | ✅ Link stickers available for business or verified accounts with sufficient followers |
| Shopping Tags | ✅ Indirect affiliate linking via product catalogs (linked website must host affiliate links) |
🔁 Workaround: Direct your followers to your “link in bio”, which leads to a landing page containing affiliate products or your blog.
🔗 TikTok
| Feature | Affiliate Link Support |
|---|---|
| Bio Link | ✅ Yes — use this space for your affiliate landing page or website |
| Video Captions | ❌ No clickable links for most users |
| TikTok Shop | ✅ Platform-native affiliate system (requires approval and eligibility) |
🔁 Workaround: Promote your bio link during your video or in the caption using phrases like “Check the link in bio for the tools I used.”
⚠️ Why These Restrictions Exist
These platforms prefer keeping users within their ecosystem and may view external links as reducing platform engagement. To control this, they limit direct affiliate links but offer a gateway through a single bio link—making landing pages essential for affiliate strategies.
create your own landing page–click
✅ Workaround Strategy: One Link to Rule Them All
- Create a central affiliate landing page using tools like Linktree, Carrd, or your own blog.
- Embed multiple affiliate links and product recommendations on that page.
- Use the same landing page URL as your Instagram/TikTok bio link.
- In posts, say “Link in bio for tools/materials” to drive traffic.
📝 Reminder: Always disclose affiliate relationships—even if the link is indirect.
📣 How Other Platforms Handle Affiliate Links
| Platform | Direct Affiliate Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Yes | Include links in posts, groups, and stories | |
| YouTube | ✅ Yes | Use in video descriptions, cards, end screens |
| ✅ Yes | Direct links allowed in pins and boards | |
| X (Twitter) | ✅ Yes | Share in tweets or threads |
| ✅ Yes | Embed links in posts and articles | |
| Snapchat | ✅ Limited | Links allowed in stories and chats |
| ✅ Limited | Use status, groups, and chats | |
| Telegram | ✅ Yes | Share freely in groups or channels |
🧩 Tools to Track ROI Across Platforms
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bit.ly | Track link clicks and user source |
| Google Analytics | Track blog visits and conversions |
| Amazon Associates | Track product link conversions |
| TubeBuddy/VidIQ | Track YouTube video performance |
| Meta Business Suite | Measure IG and FB performance |
create your own landing page–click
🧰 Tools to Make DIY Videos Easier
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| CapCut / InShot | Free mobile video editing |
| Canva | Thumbnails, infographics |
| OBS Studio | Recording + streaming setup |
| Linktree / Carrd | Build affiliate landing pages |
| Fiverr | Hire help for thumbnails, music, or editing |
📈 Long-Term DIY Video ROI Strategy
To maximize return over time:
- Focus on evergreen topics like “Fix a leaky faucet” or “Organize your desk.”
- Optimize SEO with relevant keywords for each platform.
- Place affiliate links (direct or indirect) early in the viewer journey.
- Cross-post content (e.g., cut long YouTube videos into Reels or Shorts).
- Update your landing page links as product availability changes.
- Collect email subscribers via your blog to drive repeat traffic.
💬 FAQ: DIY Videos + Affiliate ROI
❓ What’s the best platform for affiliate links?
YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook offer the least restrictions. TikTok and Instagram require indirect linking through bio or TikTok Shop.
❓ Can I earn passive income from DIY videos?
Absolutely. Evergreen content, affiliate links, and long-term watch time allow videos to keep generating income months (or years) after posting.
❓ How many affiliate links should I include?
Keep it simple: 2–5 targeted links per landing page or blog post. Use trackable short links to measure performance.
✅ Final Thoughts: DIY Videos Are a Smart Investment
DIY videos offer one of the best returns on investment for content creators:
- Minimal production cost
- High engagement potential
- Long-term monetization via affiliate marketing and ads
- Niche loyalty from hobbyists and home creators
By leveraging smart indirect affiliate linking strategies on restricted platforms like Instagram and TikTok—alongside direct monetization on YouTube, Facebook, or Pinterest—you can build a diversified income stream that scales over time.