The development of digital technology has created new opportunities for students to generate additional income through affiliate marketing. Social media has become an essential platform for promoting products, disseminating information, engaging with potential customers, and establishing personal branding as an affiliate marketer. However, achieving success in affiliate marketing requires more than simply sharing promotional content; it also depends on effective communication strategies, audience engagement, and consistent online activity. This study aims to explore the role of social media in supporting students' success as affiliate marketers. A qualitative research approach was employed using in-depth interviews with five university students who were actively involved in affiliate marketing. The collected data were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and factors contributing to their success. The findings reveal that social media plays a strategic role in building audience trust, expanding promotional reach, increasing product visibility, and improving conversion rates. Furthermore, content quality, posting consistency, audience interaction, and the ability to adapt to social media trends were identified as significant factors influencing affiliate marketing performance. This study contributes to the growing literature on digital business and affiliate marketing while providing practical insights for students interested in developing sustainable online entrepreneurial activities through social media.