I want to share a very simple grey-hat method I recently tested. I didn't show my face, I didn't build a personal brand, and I didn't even try to "sell" anything directly. I just used an anonymous Threads account and took advantage of human curiosity.
In just 48 hours, this little test made me around $130 USD. I know it’s not Lambo money, but the setup took me maybe 15 minutes.
Here is exactly what I did.
1. The Idea: Gossip + Clickbait
Instead of doing boring product reviews, I focused on things people just cannot ignore: celebrity drama, cheating scandals, messy divorces, or shocking breaking news.
Here is a breakdown of how a simple clickbait strategy generated 14,000 clicks and ~$130 USD in a 48-hour cycle.
I target high-emotion, sensitive topics that people literally cannot scroll past:
These topics share one thing in common: extremely high public curiosity.
Instead of posting: "Celebrity A and B are getting a divorce"
You frame it as: "Finally revealed… the real reason behind their divorce. No one expected this!"
People come for the gossip, but they unknowingly enter an affiliate funnel.
2. How I set up the Funnel (The "Bait & Switch")
The second they open that TikTok link, my affiliate cookie is dropped on their TikTok app.
Why this works so well with TikTok?
With TikTok LinkShare, the cookie lasts for 14 days - This is also the secret to success. TikTok LinkShare allows off-platform traffic.
Because I dropped the cookie, if that angry user opens TikTok 3 days later and buys literally anything else (toilet paper, a phone case, makeup) from ANY shop, I get the commission. Indirect orders count!
3. My results
From just one 48-hour cycle of posting this drama: I generated 14,000 clicks from Threads adn earned around $130 in commissions.
Note: If you try this, please know that your Threads account WILL get banned or shadowbanned eventually. People will report you for clickbait.
So, my advice is:
- Treat these Threads accounts as burner accounts (Churn and burn). Make them, get traffic, get banned, make a new one.
- Use words like "Rumors say..." or "Allegedly..." so you don't get into legal trouble for spreading fake news.
That's it. It’s just massive curiosity + bait & switch + a 14-day cookie. Hope this gives you guys some ideas to test out. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll try to answer them below!
In just 48 hours, this little test made me around $130 USD. I know it’s not Lambo money, but the setup took me maybe 15 minutes.
Here is exactly what I did.
1. The Idea: Gossip + Clickbait
Instead of doing boring product reviews, I focused on things people just cannot ignore: celebrity drama, cheating scandals, messy divorces, or shocking breaking news.
Here is a breakdown of how a simple clickbait strategy generated 14,000 clicks and ~$130 USD in a 48-hour cycle.
I target high-emotion, sensitive topics that people literally cannot scroll past:
- Affairs and cheating scandals
- Messy divorces
- Relationship conflicts
- Even death or tragic breaking news
These topics share one thing in common: extremely high public curiosity.
Instead of posting: "Celebrity A and B are getting a divorce"
You frame it as: "Finally revealed… the real reason behind their divorce. No one expected this!"
People come for the gossip, but they unknowingly enter an affiliate funnel.
2. How I set up the Funnel (The "Bait & Switch")
- Getting traffic on Threads: I chose Threads because it’s super easy to go viral with text posts right now. The algorithm loves drama and controversy.
- The hook: I posted the shocking hook (like the divorce example above). Then, I left the story hanging. In the replies or my bio, I added a call-to-action: "Link to see the leaked photo/full statement."
- The redirect (Where I make money): Here is the trick. When users click that link expecting to read a news article... they don't. I redirect them straight to a random TikTok product affiliate link.
- The cookie drop:
The second they open that TikTok link, my affiliate cookie is dropped on their TikTok app.
Why this works so well with TikTok?
With TikTok LinkShare, the cookie lasts for 14 days - This is also the secret to success. TikTok LinkShare allows off-platform traffic.
Because I dropped the cookie, if that angry user opens TikTok 3 days later and buys literally anything else (toilet paper, a phone case, makeup) from ANY shop, I get the commission. Indirect orders count!
3. My results
From just one 48-hour cycle of posting this drama: I generated 14,000 clicks from Threads adn earned around $130 in commissions.
Note: If you try this, please know that your Threads account WILL get banned or shadowbanned eventually. People will report you for clickbait.
So, my advice is:
- Treat these Threads accounts as burner accounts (Churn and burn). Make them, get traffic, get banned, make a new one.
- Use words like "Rumors say..." or "Allegedly..." so you don't get into legal trouble for spreading fake news.
That's it. It’s just massive curiosity + bait & switch + a 14-day cookie. Hope this gives you guys some ideas to test out. Let me know if you have any questions, I'll try to answer them below!
