Creator Connection
Overview
The new Creator Connection feature (also displayed as Updated Creator Outreach Rules) helps sellers connect with the right creators on TikTok Shop Affiliate.It introduces a tiered quota system that sets weekly limits on how many invitations and instant messages (IMs) you can send to unconnected creators — based on your recent sales performance (GMV).
Unconnected creators include those you're contacting for the first time or who haven't replied to your previous messages.
This feature helps you get better results by focusing your invites and messages on the right creators — not just sending them in bulk. Targeting the right creators helps your invites and messages stand out and improves your chances of getting a response.
How the Tiered Quota System Works
- Quota Allocation: Your weekly quota is based on your last 30 days of GMV (Gross Merchandise Value).
- Weekly Refresh: Quotas reset every Sunday, reflecting your most recent performance.
- Shared Quota: A single quota applies to both Target Invites and Instant Messages (IMs), giving you control over how you engage with creators.
For more specific details on the rules for each tier, look for the "Check Rules" button wherever it appears on the page.
| Target Collaboration |  |
| Manage Creators |  |
When Quota Applies (and When It Doesn’t)
Type of creators | Situations | Counts Toward Quota? |
| Connected creators |
| ❌ No |
| Unconnected creators |
| ✅ Yes |
How to Use Your Quota
Track Your Usage
You’ll be able to see:- Your total weekly quota,
- The number of new creator connections made this week (target invites and instant messages sent to unconnected creators)
- The number of remaining new connections available this week (also based on invites and messages to unconnected creators)
Invite Creators
Use the “Find Creators” tab and click “Invite”. You’ll only be able to invite creators whose follower level matches your current tier.Managing Your Creator Connection
- Quota Refresh: Every Sunday, your new quota is calculated. Use this cycle to plan your outreach (target invites and instant messages).
- Starter Quota: New sellers with no GMV history receive a one-time quota of 200 outreach opportunities (including target invites and instant messages) creators. If you're in this category, use the quota strategically to build strong initial creator relationships.
Once this initial quota is used, your outreach limit will switch to the standard performance-based system, based on your GMV over the past 30 days.
This is an example of how Creator Connection details may appear in the Target Collaboration section of the TikTok Shop Affiliate Center.
Note: The actual design labels or key information, such as your total quota, remaining outreach, may vary depending on platform updates or your region.
Best Practices
FAQs
- What actions count against the weekly limits?
- Sending either a target invite or an instant message (IM) to an unconnected creator counts toward your weekly limit.
Limits only apply to creators you haven’t contacted before or those who haven’t responded yet.
- How is the tier calculated?
- Your weekly quota tier is based on your GMV from the last 30 days, and it updates each time your quota resets (every Sunday).
- Which creators are not under the weekly limits?
- You can message or invite connected creators without using your quota. These include creators who:
-Replied to your messages or invitations
-Added your products to their showcase or shoppable videos
- Does the number of new creators I haven't contacted carry over?
- No, the number of new creators you haven't contacted doesn't carry over to the following week.
- What happens when I use my quota?
- You won’t be able to contact new unconnected creators until your quota refreshes on Sunday.