One of the most noticeable changes Amazon affiliates have faced over the past two years is the silent disappearance of SiteStripe image links. The once-convenient “Image” and “Text+Image” formats are no longer functional as of December 2025. While reviewing older ZIDOOKA! posts, I found several empty image frames—clear evidence that SiteStripe-based image links have effectively stopped working.
This change stems from Amazon’s gradual phase-out of legacy affiliate widgets. In late 2023, Amazon officially discontinued SiteStripe image links and deprecated older ad formats. Throughout 2024 and 2025, previously generated links continued to break. Today, SiteStripe remains available, but it only produces text-based affiliate links.
There are several reasons behind this shift. As web standards evolved, Amazon needed stricter control over image licensing, mobile optimization, and content freshness. Static image links often displayed outdated product information—incorrect prices, missing stock, or old visuals—which conflicted with Amazon’s content policies. Moving everything toward PA-API, which always delivers real-time product data, was the logical next step.
As a result, the only compliant way to display Amazon product images today is to use the Product Advertising API (PA-API) through an approved tool or plugin. However, PA-API access requires additional eligibility—such as generating qualifying sales—which makes the transition more complex for new affiliates. Tools like WP Associate Post R2 offer a stable way to manage this new workflow.
The important takeaway is that Amazon’s changes happen quietly but steadily. Leaving broken SiteStripe images in place can damage user trust, reduce conversions, and negatively affect SEO. Updating older content and adopting an API-based workflow is now essential for long-term affiliate success. ZIDOOKA! has already begun this shift, and it reflects the direction the entire affiliate industry is moving.
Ref.
Amazon Associates Widgets Deprecation Announcement
https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/help/node/topic/GJV3KJAYNY5BQYPH
SiteStripe Image Link Discontinuation – User Report
https://medium.com/dirk-hill-online-business/change-in-the-amazon-affiliate-program-site-stripe-link-without-images-here-is-the-solution-c5be1b8d274c
Why Amazon Image Links Break & How to Fix Them
https://www.blogfixer.com/fix-amazon-broken-image/
How to Legally Use Amazon Product Images (PA-API Guide)
https://www.wptasty.com/amazon-images-on-your-blog
