9 Best Affiliate Programs For YouTubers To Make Big Bucks

So, you’ve got your own YouTube channel and are considering monetizing your videos in your free time? Let me introduce you to the top affiliate programs designed specifically for YouTubers.

Why bother with affiliate marketing on YouTube, you ask? Well, here’s the lowdown. In 2023, there were 2.7 billion monthly active users on the video streaming giant. YouTube is no longer just a hub for teenagers; it’s a digital hotspot for folks of all ages. Even your grandma and grandpa might be tuning in—stats from 2023 reveal 9.7% of global users are 65 or older.

Now, let’s talk trust. Despite the presence of some wild conspiracy theorists on the platform, people generally trust YouTubers. A study from Ofcom even found that teens prefer getting their news from YouTube over traditional media outlets.

So, no matter your audience or product, YouTube affiliate marketing is a savvy choice to get results. So, let’s dig into the details and check out the top affiliate programs for YouTubers.

Best Affiliate Programs For YouTubers

1. ClickBank

So, when you really think about it, ClickBank is basically more of an affiliate network than just a regular old affiliate program.

Now, ClickBank has been hanging around since ’98, making it a true OG in the internet marketing scene. Started off as a bunch of friends messing around in a garage, and look at it now – a massive multibillion-dollar industry player.

At first, ClickBank was all about digital goods, but here’s the twist – now their marketplace has over 4,000 items, and not all of them are digital anymore.

So far, ClickBank has paid out over $4 billion in commissions. That’s a ton of chances to earn money by promoting their products through affiliate marketing.

Do you want advice on how to better utilize ClickBank in your YouTube advertising strategies? Read our in-depth guide on how to make money with Clickbank.

• Commission rate: Up to 90%
• Cookie duration: Varies

2. Amazon Associates

YouTube is a massive platform that attracts a diverse audience, making it ideal for promoting almost anything.

If you’ve ever wanted an affiliate program where you can endorse a wide range of products, look no further than Amazon Associates.

With around 350 million items on Amazon at any given time, as an Amazon affiliate, you have the flexibility to choose what suits your YouTube audience.

However, let’s be honest – Amazon’s affiliate program has some less-than-ideal terms and conditions. That’s just the way life goes, right?

The downside is that the average commission rate typically ranges from 1% to 5% across the board. But wait, there’s a positive side – luxury beauty products, which are beloved on YouTube, offer an attractive 10% commission.

Here’s the catch: those commissions expire after a day. In other words, you won’t be making much money through the Amazon affiliate program unless the people you refer are genuinely interested.

• Commission rate: 1% – 10%, depending on product category
• Cookie duration: 24 hours

3. Etsy

Etsy is a significant online marketplace with a unique twist – it’s not your typical Amazon or eBay. Etsy focuses on creators, including artists, crafters, and independent merchants.

Unlike Amazon or eBay, Etsy stands out for authentic handmade and vintage goods, and there’s far less competition in this niche.

If your audience aligns with the products featured in your videos, joining Etsy’s affiliate program could be a smart move.

Here’s an interesting approach: create videos where you review specific Etsy products and include your affiliate links. It’s a way to earn some extra income, possibly even enough to transition away from your day job – similar to what you can do with Amazon and eBay.

Now, the details: Etsy offers a 4% commission on all sales through your affiliate link. While it may not be a massive earning, the positive side is that the cookie window is longer compared to major players like Amazon and eBay.

• Commission rate: 4%
• Cookie duration: 30 days

4. eBay

eBay, one of the oldest and biggest online marketplaces, currently lists a whopping 1.4 billion products, with around 80% being brand new. It’s not just a hub for small shops and street vendors; you can also find products from well-known companies like Adidas, Nespresso, and Philips.

If you’re an affiliate marketer looking to promote products through YouTube videos, eBay is a solid choice, similar to Amazon. However, it’s crucial to be aware of some downsides to eBay’s affiliate program, officially known as the eBay Partner Network.

The commission structure is akin to Amazon’s, with the top tier offering only a 4% commission, and the cookie window is limited to 24 hours.

Despite these drawbacks, there’s a significant advantage to being part of an affiliate program with high visibility.

Even if your YouTube subscribers don’t dive into the nitty-gritty details, they’re likely to trust the platform nonetheless.

• Commission rate: 1% – 4%, depending on product category
• Cookie duration: 24 hours

5. ShareASale

ShareASale has been a prominent player in the affiliate network scene since the early 2000s, standing as one of the “OGs” alongside ClickBank.

While ShareASale may not feature as many well-known brands as some competitors, it stands out with over 16,000 affiliate programs that offer impressive payouts, reaching up to $350 per sale.

This platform is particularly appealing for content creators who focus on B2C content, especially those creating videos tailored for the retail market.

In terms of commissions, ShareASale adopts a program-specific approach, which is typical in the affiliate marketing world. With affiliates earning a total of $1 billion in commissions in 2022, there’s a promising opportunity to transform your efforts into a steady stream of passive income.

• Commission rate: Varies
• Cookie duration: Varies

6. Shopify

You don’t need to run an online store to be familiar with Shopify; it’s a major player in the e-commerce industry. Over 1.7 million online retailers across 175 countries rely on Shopify’s e-commerce platform, driving sales exceeding $200 billion annually.

Now, onto the exciting details. The maximum one-time commission you can earn as a Shopify affiliate is $598, equivalent to 200% of the subscription fee for either the Shopify Advanced, Shopify, or Shopify Basic plan. Enterprise sales bring in an additional $2,000, a fantastic bonus.

Of course, to rake in that kind of money, your videos need to be of very high quality. Success with long-form videos, software reviews, or product comparisons requires in-depth knowledge of your subject matter.

• Commission rate: Up to $2,000
• Cookie duration: 30 days

7. ShopStyle

ShopStyle stands out as one of the best affiliate programs for YouTubers due to its massive fashion and lifestyle shopping platform, which strategically incorporates influencers into its business model.

Over 20,000 influencers leverage the ShopStyle Collective’s affiliate program to monetize their online content.

The Standard and Advanced programs are distinct entities; their differences are outlined below:

• Standard: This program compensates budding influencers for generating clicks in affiliate marketing.
• Advanced: Affiliates earn commissions on sales resulting from the promotion of Advanced products. This program is tailored for established content creators.

Financially speaking, the Advanced affiliate program takes the lead, but acceptance typically requires a substantial YouTube subscriber base.

• Commission rate: Varies
• Cookie duration: Varies

8. RewardStyle

RewardStyle, now rebranded as LTK, operates as an e-commerce site with the mission of connecting retailers, content creators, and consumers.

Boasting a roster of over 5,000 fashion merchant partners, LTK drives annual sales exceeding $2.9 billion.

If your YouTube channel aligns well with the fashion and lifestyle niche, signing up with LTK is a smart move.

What sets LTK apart is its patented technology, enabling content creators to produce mobile-first content that’s readily purchasable.

This versatility makes it an excellent choice for monetizing not only your YouTube channel but also your profiles on TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. After all, it’s wise not to put all your eggs in one basket.

• Commission rate: Varies
• Cookie duration: Varies

9. MaxBounty

Finally, here’s another affiliate program worth considering.

MaxBounty seamlessly connects YouTubers with over 2,000 affiliate programs spanning various niches, increasing the likelihood of finding a program aligned with your interests and expertise.

Like any network, these programs come with distinct terms and conditions. So, delve into the appropriate categories to pinpoint the ones offering the most potential for earning.

When it comes to monetization, MaxBounty goes the extra mile by assigning you a personal affiliate manager. This manager acts as a consultant, guiding you on which campaigns to run and how to leverage digital marketing for more visitors and increased earnings.

Moreover, MaxBounty is globally compatible, ensuring peace of mind for creators whose videos primarily target viewers outside of the United States and Europe.

• Commission rate: Varies
• Cookie duration: Varies

Conclusion

So, now that you’ve got a rundown of the top affiliate programs for YouTubers, should you promote them on your channel?

It’s worth pondering if it’s the right fit for your efforts. Remember, there are other ways to earn through YouTube, like sponsorships; it’s not all about affiliate marketing.

However, in my experience, it’s a fantastic starting point for newcomers looking to pocket some quick cash. As a beginner, scoring paid endorsements from big companies isn’t an overnight feat—it takes time.

Considering YouTube’s massive monthly user base, combined with Google’s reach, it’s one of the prime spots to showcase affiliate offers. The real magic happens when you blend both approaches: sharing your offers in both video content and blog posts.

If you need more guidance, sign up for my online business coaching.