Best Affiliate Programs for YouTubers

Article last updated on:
June 03, 2024

This guide presents you the top-rated affiliate programs for YouTubers. We’ll show you which apps/tools pay you the most to have an affiliate link for them.

Join us!

TOP 8: Affiliate Programs for YouTubers

Currently, these companies pay YouTuber affiliates the most: Thumbnail Test, vidIQ, TimeBolt, VEED, and the YPP.


1. Thumbnail Test

Join here: thumbnailtest.com/affiliate-program

ThumbnailTest.com's affiliate program
  • Affiliates start at a 40% commission rate…
  • Which increases to 50% once they earn over $200 per month.
  • The referral cookie window is 30 days.

Thumbnail Test offers the biggest commission: 40% to 50%.

Payments are made via PayPal at the beginning of each month, with a minimum payout threshold of $50.

Successful affiliates can earn +$1,000 monthly.

2. vidIQ

Join here: vidiq.com/affiliate

vidiq.com - website homepage

Pros:

  • Commission Structure: Competitive rates that incentivize referrals.
  • Comprehensive Dashboard: Access to detailed analytics and insights.
  • Marketing Resources: Provided banners, links, and promotional content.

Cons:

  • Entry Requirements: Potential limitations or qualifications for joining.
  • Competition: Facing competition from other affiliates in the same niche.
  • Payout Thresholds: Minimum earnings required before receiving commissions.

3. TimeBolt

Join here: timebolt.io/affiliate-sign-up

Pros:

  • Flexible Commission Structure: Timebolt offers a customizable commission plan, allowing affiliates to tailor their earnings based on performance.
  • Diverse Product Range: Affiliates have the opportunity to promote a wide range of products and services offered by Timebolt, catering to various audiences and niches.
  • Timely Payouts: The affiliate program promises timely and reliable payments, ensuring affiliates receive their commissions promptly.

Cons:

  • Limited Marketing Support: Affiliates may find the marketing resources provided by Timebolt to be limited compared to other programs, potentially requiring more effort in creating promotional materials.
  • Complex Performance Metrics: Understanding and optimizing for performance metrics within Timebolt’s affiliate dashboard may require a learning curve for some affiliates.
  • Exclusive Focus: Timebolt’s affiliate program may be limited to a specific industry or niche, potentially restricting the target audience and market reach for affiliates.

4. VEED

Join here: veed.io/affiliate

Pros:

  • Generous Commission Rates: Veed offers competitive commission rates, providing affiliates with the potential for significant earnings through referrals.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Affiliates gain access to a intuitive dashboard that facilitates tracking of performance metrics and optimization of marketing strategies.
  • Diverse Marketing Assets: Veed equips affiliates with a variety of marketing assets such as banners, links, and promotional content to support their promotional efforts.

Cons:

  • High Competition: The popularity of Veed’s affiliate program may result in increased competition among affiliates, potentially making it more challenging to stand out.
  • Payment Processing Delays: Affiliates may encounter delays in receiving their commissions due to processing times or minimum payout thresholds.
  • Limited Affiliate Support: Affiliates may find that the level of support provided by Veed’s affiliate program is lacking compared to other programs, potentially requiring more self-reliance in navigating challenges.

5. YouTube Partnership Program

Join here: Requirements Page

Official conditions to join the YPP: YouTube Partner Program

Pros

  • Monetization without leaving the platform: You can earn money directly through YouTube without having to rely on external traffic sources.
  • Large potential audience: YouTube has a massive built-in audience, so you have a good chance of reaching a lot of potential customers.

Cons

  • Strict eligibility requirements: You need to have a large channel with a lot of views to be eligible for YPP.
  • Low CPM (cost per mille): The amount of money you earn per ad view can be very low.
  • Relying on ad viewers: You have no control over the ads that are shown on your videos, and some viewers may skip the ads altogether.

6. Shopify

Join here: Shopify Affiliates.

Shopify's Affiliate Program Landing Page

Pros

  • Well-known brand: Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform, making it an easier sell to potential customers.
  • Plans for all sizes: Caters to merchants of all sizes, from startups to established businesses, broadening your audience reach.
  • Decent commission rate: Offers a competitive commission for each referred paying Shopify user (though not recurring).
  • No recurring commissions: Commissions are one-time for each referred paying user, unlike programs offering a percentage of the customer’s ongoing subscription.
  • Limited payment method: Currently, PayPal seems to be the only payout option.
  • Competition: The e-commerce space is competitive, so attracting users who convert might require a strong marketing strategy.
  • Not for everyone: May not be ideal for YouTubers with a broader content focus; works best for those targeting aspiring entrepreneurs or e-commerce content creators.

7. Amazon

Join here: Amazon Affiliate.

Amazon's Affiliate Program

Pros

  • Massive product selection: Promotes practically anything imaginable, giving you vast flexibility in product recommendations.
  • Trusted brand: Leverages Amazon’s brand recognition and customer trust, potentially increasing conversions.
  • Variety of commission rates: Rates range from 1% to 20% depending on the product category, offering some earning potential.

Cons

  • Low commission rates: Compared to other affiliate programs, Amazon’s commission rates can be on the lower end.
  • Short cookie duration: Only 24 hours, meaning you only earn commission if a viewer clicks your link and purchases within that timeframe.
  • Strict program policies: Amazon has strict guidelines for affiliates, requiring careful adherence to avoid account suspension.
  • Payment threshold: You need to reach a minimum amount ($10) in commissions before receiving a payout.

8. ClickBank

Join here: ClickBank’s Affiliate Program.

ClickBank's affilite program

Pros

  • Wide variety of digital products: Offers a vast selection of digital products like ebooks, software, and courses, catering to diverse niches.
  • High commission rates: Some ClickBank vendors provide very attractive commission rates, sometimes exceeding 50%, potentially leading to higher earnings.
  • Recurring commissions: With subscription products, you can earn ongoing commissions for referred customers who stay subscribed.

Cons

  • Product quality can vary: ClickBank allows a wide range of vendors, so careful research is necessary to ensure you’re promoting high-quality products.
  • Refund risk: ClickBank’s 60-day money-back guarantee can lead to commission clawbacks if customers refund purchases.
  • Competition: High competition among affiliates promoting similar products, requiring effective marketing strategies to succeed.
  • Lower barrier to entry: Since anyone can sell on ClickBank, some products might be less reliable or trustworthy.

So, who pays the most?

Thumbnail Test is definitely the most rewarding affiliate program, starting at 40% of each sale they make.

In fact, it is the most well-paying affiliate program in the whole YouTube industry. Why not join if you’re publishing often on YouTube?


Thank you for reading this,
Thumbnail Test

About the author

David is the head of the editing team at ThumbnailTest. With his help, the editorial team is able to provide you with the best free guides related to YouTube thumbnails and A/B testing.