40 CTA examples for creators (that aren't salesy)

The hardest part of affiliate marketing isn't finding a great product to recommend; it's asking your audience to check it out without sounding like a used car salesman. A clunky, forceful call to action (CTA) can kill your engagement and make your recommendation feel inauthentic. The key is to guide, not push. This guide offers dozens of call to action examples for creators that feel natural, add value, and get results, whether you're on TikTok, YouTube, or writing a newsletter.

A great CTA is a clear, low-friction invitation. It tells your audience exactly what to do next and why they should do it. Instead of a hard sell, think of it as opening a door to something you genuinely think they'll love.

Call to action examples for video (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)

Short-form video demands CTAs that are quick, clear, and often delivered visually or verbally in seconds. The goal is to spark curiosity and make the next step irresistible.

To drive app downloads

These CTAs focus on continuing the story or offering an immediate benefit. They work best when your content is a clip, a reaction, or a review of a specific series.

1. Watch the rest of this episode for free on Tokime. Link in bio.
2. Find out what happens next — download the app from my profile.
3. I have to know how this ends. I’m watching the rest on Tokime.
4. This series is my new obsession. Link in bio if you want to watch, too.
5. Use my code [YOURCODE] to get 100 free coins when you download.
6. Want to see more? Search for [Series Name] on the Tokime app.
7. The first 5 episodes are free to watch. Download link in my bio.
8. I’m not spoiling it, but the ending is wild. See for yourself — link in bio.
9. If you like [Genre/Trope], you need to watch this. App is linked on my page.
10. Tap the link in my bio to watch the full series.

To encourage engagement

Sometimes the primary goal is to get the algorithm on your side. These CTAs build conversation and community around your content.

11. What do you think he’ll do? Let me know in the comments.
12. Comment your theory on what happens in Part 3.
13. Who’s your favorite character so far?
14. Stitch this with your reaction to that plot twist.
15. If this was you, what would you have done differently?
16. Tap the save button so you don’t miss the next part.
17. Share this with a friend who loves anime drama.
18. Follow me for Part 2 tomorrow.

CTA examples for livestreamers

During a stream, you have a captive audience. Your CTAs can be more conversational and repeated in different ways.

Verbal call-outs

Saying it out loud is the most direct method. Mention it naturally when there's a lull in the action or when discussing the app you're promoting.

19. By the way, if you want to check out this series we're watching, the link is in my bio. Use my code for a bonus.
20. Quick reminder for anyone just joining: we're watching a show from the Tokime app. You can download it with the link I just dropped in the chat.
21. A lot of you are asking what this is. It's a new anime short drama — I'm hooked. My code [YOURCODE] gets you 100 free coins to start.
22. Before we start the next game, I wanted to recommend this app I've been loving. It's called Tokime. Check it out with the command !tokime in the chat.
23. I'll be watching the rest of this series after the stream. If you want to watch with me, grab the app from my profile link.

On-screen and in-chat CTAs

Visual and text-based CTAs catch the eyes of viewers who might have the stream on in the background.

24. Chat Command: Set up a bot command like !app or !tokime that automatically posts the download link and your code.
25. Pinned Chat Message: "Watch this series on Tokime 📲 [Link] + Code [YOURCODE] for 100 free coins!"
26. On-Screen Text Overlay: A simple, non-intrusive banner: "App: Tokime | Code: [YOURCODE] for a bonus!"
27. QR Code: A QR code in the corner of your screen that links directly to the app store.
28. Stream Title: Include a CTA in your stream title, like: "Reacting to new anime dramas! | !tokime in chat".

Call to action examples for text-based content

For newsletters, blog posts, or YouTube community posts, you have more space to build a case before your CTA. The language can be more descriptive, and you can use visual elements like buttons.

In-line text links

Weave your CTA directly into your sentences. This feels more like an editorial recommendation than an advertisement.

29. I was completely shocked by the cliffhanger at the end of episode five, and you can watch the rest of the series here.
30. If you’re looking for a new binge-worthy show, I can’t recommend Vampire's Kiss enough.
31. The app also includes a match-3 game and collectible character cards, which you can explore by downloading it here.
32. Get the app and use my code [YOURCODE] to start with 100 free coins.

Buttons

Buttons draw the eye and create a clear, unmissable action. Keep the text short and benefit-oriented.

33. [ Watch Season 1 on Tokime ]
34. [ Download for Free (iOS & Android) ]
35. [ Get 100 Bonus Coins ]
36. [ Start Watching Now ]

Personal recommendations

Frame your CTA as a personal story. This builds trust and makes the recommendation feel more like a tip from a friend.

37. I spent all weekend watching this, and I have no regrets. If you love a good enemies-to-lovers story, do yourself a favor and check it out.
38. Honestly, I wasn't sure about these 1-minute episodes at first, but now I'm completely hooked. You can find the series on the Tokime app if you want to give it a try.
39. This is my official recommendation for what to watch this week. It’s available exclusively on Tokime. Let me know what you think!
40. For my fellow writers, the storytelling in these short dramas is a masterclass in pacing. It’s worth a download just for the inspiration.

How to ask followers to download an app

The most effective way to promote an app is to integrate it authentically into your content. Instead of a standalone "ad," make it part of the story you're already telling.

• Share, don't sell: Talk about your genuine experience. What series did you watch? What character do you love? Why are you hooked? People respond to passion, not a sales pitch.
• Focus on their benefit: The CTA isn't about what you get; it's about what they get. Frame it around the value to them: a great story, a fun experience, or a bonus for using your code.
• Use a soft ask: Phrases like "If you want to check it out..." or "For anyone interested..." feel less demanding than "Go download this now!" It respects their choice and builds trust.
• Show, don't just tell: The best promotion is showing the app in action. A reaction video, a screen recording of the cool interface, or a discussion of a plot point is far more compelling than just telling people to download it. For more ideas, see our guide on how to promote an app on TikTok.

How Tokime Partners makes it easy

At Tokime, we want your recommendations to feel as natural as possible. The Tokime Partners program is built around authentic sharing, not hard selling.

When you invite your audience to watch a series on Tokime with your link or code, they get 100 free coins as a welcome bonus. This gives you a clear, valuable benefit to include in your CTA. It’s not just "download this app"—it's "download this app and get a gift from me."

You also earn a lifetime revenue share from everything your viewers spend in the app, creating a sustainable income stream from a single recommendation. We provide a full marketing kit with trailers and key moments for every series, so you have high-quality content ready to go.

Ready to partner with us? Apply to Tokime Partners today.

FAQ

What's the best place to put a call to action?

It depends on the platform. For TikTok and Instagram Reels, the "link in bio" is standard. You can also use a pinned comment. On YouTube, you can put links in the description, a pinned comment, and end screens. For text, integrate links directly and use buttons for emphasis.

How often should I use a CTA?

There's no magic number. A good rule is to have one clear, primary CTA for every piece of content. Don't overwhelm your audience with multiple requests. Test what feels right for your community—some audiences prefer a direct ask in every video, while others respond better to occasional recommendations.

Do I need to disclose my affiliate relationship?

You are responsible for following the advertising laws in your country and the rules of the platform you are using. This often means clearly disclosing when you have a financial relationship with a brand you're promoting. Tokime does not require any specific hashtag like #ad, but transparency is key to maintaining your audience's trust. For more details, read our guide on FTC disclosure.

Can I use more than one CTA in a single post?

It's best to focus on one main goal. Asking someone to download an app, comment, and follow you all at once can be confusing and lead to them doing nothing at all. If you must have a secondary CTA (like "follow for more"), make sure your primary one (like "download the app") is much more prominent.