What is an Affiliate Program?

Affiliate programs are a marketing network strategy that teams brands with content creators to promote their products or services. When a content creator collaborates with a company as an affiliate, they receive a commission for each sale made through their unique affiliate link.

It's a great way for brands to reach new customers - content creators promote products or services that they believe in and enjoy, and earn a commission for doing so. Barring exclusivity clauses, content creators can even join a variety of affiliate programs simultaneously, each having their own distinct advantages.

Here are some of the most common types of affiliate programs that content creators can benefit from:

• Influencer and Blogger Programs: These affiliate programs are ideal for bloggers, influencers, and YouTubers. By partnering with relevant brands, content creators can find creative ways to promote products, include product links in their posts or videos, and earn a commission for every purchase made through their links.
  

• Coupon Sites: These sites drive traffic to brands and their products by offering discounts and coupon codes. In return, content creators receive a commission for every sale made through the link.
  

• Email Marketing: If you send out email newsletters, email marketing programs are a great way to monetize them. Creators can include promote products and include affiliate links within their newsletters, and make money via commissions when readers purchase through the links.
  

• Pay-per-Click Programs: These programs are perhaps the most simple, and are similar to Pay-per-Click (PPC) advertising - affiliates make money when visitors click the link and visit the sponsor's website.
  

How Do Affiliates Make Money?

Tracking cookies are used by brands to track the sales made by affiliates. When a follower clicks on the link, the ‘cookie’ recognizes that the deal was made through the affiliate marketing program link, and the content creator receives a commission.

Content creators can incorporate affiliate links into their content in various creative ways without disrupting the user experience. You can add affiliate links to your blog posts, social media posts, email newsletters, product reviews, and more. You can choose to partner with brands whose products you already use, for a more seamless affiliate marketing experience that's easier for you to promote.

Affiliate Network vs. Affiliate Program: What’s the Difference?

Affiliate programs are initiated solely by a brand, while affiliate networks serve diverse brands.

Affiliate programs are ideal for content creators who want to partner with a specific brand, whereas affiliate networks are great for those seeking a broader range of options.

Through many affiliate networks, you can actually access several brands' affiliate programs, and then select those that suit your needs.

12 Top Affiliate Marketing Programs

If you're still not sure where to start with affiliate marketing, look no further. Here are 12 of the top affiliate marketing programs, handpicked for content creators like you - each of them provide ample opportunities for you to collaborate with advertisers to earn commissions, perks, bonuses, and passive income, to get those payouts coming in.

1. Amazon Associates

As one of the best affiliate programs available, Amazon Associates provides a vast array of products to promote. With a robust commission structure that allows for up to 10% on qualifying products, Amazon Associates is a great starting point for content creators who wish to get into affiliate marketing. The program also features customizable banners and widgets, as well as tracking systems that help monitor your performance.

Streamers and musicians can especially make good use of being an Amazon Associate by linking to products they use on stream and for live events - for instance, microphones, headphones, musical instruments, lighting, and more. You do cooking streams? Link to all the pans, utensils, and ingredients you use. IRL streamers, get paid by linking to your camera gear, bicycles, backpacks, and adventure clothing. The commission rates can change depending on product category, so do some research when deciding what to list.

Learn more about how to join Amazon Associates.

2. Rakuten Advertising

A leader in affiliate marketing programs, e-commerce platform Rakuten Advertising offers various unique ways to earn commissions. Rakuten Advertising features partnerships with a variety of brands in fashion, beauty, food, and other popular Rakuten content niches (rates vary per advertiser.) As a Rakuten Advertising affiliate, you'll have access to advanced reporting and analytics to track your performance in real-time.

Rakuten Advertising’s Influencer program can also get you invited to private events and opportunities to meet other influencers, as well as chances to participate in giveaways, insider info on how to help you maximize revenue, and additional partnerships.

Learn more about Rakuten Advertising and start monetizing your content on their platform (click on “Publishers,” then “Publisher sign up.”)

3. TripAdvisor

If you're a travel blogger or influencer, TripAdvisor's affiliate program may be perfect for you. By promoting TripAdvisor's vast collection of hotels, you can earn at least 50% of the commission TripAdvisor receives from their hotel booking partners when users come to Tripadvisor via your trackable affiliate link, and then click out to TripAdvisor partners. You’re not required to do sponsored posts - simply weave TripAdvisor affiliate marketing program links into your content in a way that fits and complements your work.

Learn more about the TripAdvisor Affiliate Program and their easy application process, to earn some revenue toward your own travels.

4. Etsy Affiliate Program

The Etsy Affiliate Program offers a massive collection of eclectic handcrafted products that affiliate marketers can promote to your readers and followers. As a partner, you'll earn a commission on sales that come from your affiliate link (rates are commissioned on a case-by-case basis.)

Etsy also features unique and creative assets, such as Etsy-curated lists and editorial content, which are easy to integrate into your platform no matter what your niche.

Get more information on how to join the Etsy Affiliate Program.

5. eBay Partner Network

eBay's Partner Network offers affiliates access to millions of products across multiple categories, including electronics, fashion, home decor, and more. As an affiliate, you can earn 1% to 4% commissions on qualifying sales through the eBay Partner Network. You also gain access to a variety of promotional tools, including easy-to-use product banners, text links, and search widgets.

Joining the eBay Partner Network is simple, and you can start earning in just a few clicks.

6. Commission Junction (CJ)

Commission Junction, or CJ, is one of the largest affiliate marketing networks available to influencers and content creators. With partnerships with some of the biggest brands in apparel, tech, and home goods (think HelloFresh, J. Crew, Office Depot, Overstock), Commission Junction offers competitive payouts for affiliates. Commissions vary, but start at around 5% per sale, plus bonuses for reaching sales thresholds. Commission Junction also provides real-time tracking tools and access to insightful data and analytics.

Learn how to become a CJ affiliate through their Influencer Marketing program.

7. Shopify Affiliate Program

Shopify's affiliate program is ideal for creators who want to promote eCommerce solutions to their audience, to help them become entrepreneurs. By promoting Shopify's tools and features, such as creating online stores, you can earn “fixed bounty” commissions on each Shopify sale. 

Join Shopify’s Affiliate Marketing Program today and take advantage of their easy-to-use platform.

8. ShareASale

ShareASale is an affiliate network that offers partnerships with a wide range of global brands in almost 40 consumer categories, including food, fashion, and beauty. ShareASale affiliates earn commissions on each sale, as well as access to intuitive analytics, reporting tools, and real-time tracking to help grow your ShareASale earnings.

Get all the details and then start getting those payouts on ShareASale's affiliate network.

9. Awin

Awin offers partnerships with brands from around the world in various niches, including fashion, home goods, health, and beauty (HP, UnderArmour, Nike.) As an Awin affiliate, you can earn up to 30% commission on sales plus bonuses. Awin also provides access to comprehensive reporting and data analytics tools and promotional materials, and making product links is easy with their Chrome extension, which saves you time for more content creation.

Learn more about Awin's affiliate program and enjoy their program benefits.

10. Target Partners and Target Creators

Target now has two affiliate programs, Target Partners and Target Creators. Both are great choices for content creators interested in promoting Target's popular range of products, including home goods, electronics, and fashion.

As a Target Partner affiliate, you can earn up to 8% commissions on completed sales made through your affiliate link, and Target cookies are a full week long, which means you get credit for any order within 7 days of the original click placed by the customer. Target affiliate programs also offer  various promotional tools, including banners, text links, and affiliate managers.

Learn how to team up with Target through their affiliate programs, Target Partners and Target Creators. ‍

‍TikToker @kyrapg shares her “It Girl” picks from Target’s beauty/cosmetics department.

11. Booking.com

Booking.com offers affiliates opportunities to earn commissions by promoting hotel bookings and travel-related products. Affiliates can sign up quickly, and earn a commission of up to 4% for each completed booking made through their affiliate link - qualifying bookings can include accommodations, transportation options, and attractions. The program also features regularly updated promotional materials, including link tools and banners.

Travel on over to Booking.com to learn about their Affiliate Program.

12. Walmart Affiliate Program

With the Walmart Affiliate Program, content creators have the opportunity to earn a commission by promoting a wide range of products from Walmart's massive inventory. Affiliates earn a commission of up to 4% for each completed sale made through their link. Walmart also provides plenty of tools that can help you improve your revenue, from weekly product newsletters to a member center with data feeds, banners, and link generators.

Find out more about becoming a Walmart Affiliate through their affiliate program.‍

@mollynicoleexo shows off a couple of Walmart home decor highlights on her TikTok.

But Wait, There’s More

The above are highlights - a dozen great picks from the many affiliate marketing programs and affiliate networks out there. But if none of these suit, there are plenty of others you might want to look into, including Flexoffers, Clickbank, SkimLinks (a favorite of bloggers), LinkConnector, Partnerstack, Semrush, Liquid Web, Avangate, and Avantlink.

Six Quick Key Elements

If you're a content creator looking to monetize your platform through affiliate programs or affiliate networks, there are a few key factors to consider before you decide to team up with a brand. Here are six quick essential elements to look for in a good affiliate marketing program:

• Commission rates and payments: The amount of commission you'll receive for each sale made through your link is a crucial factor to look for in a good affiliate marketing program or partner program. Check if the commission rates are competitive, and if the program offers timely payments. You may also want to consider if they offer bonuses or incentives for higher sales volumes.

• Cookie lifespan: A cookie is a small file that tracks visitors clicking on your affiliate link. The lifespan of a cookie determines the duration of time within which a purchase must be made for you to earn a commission. Ideally, look for affiliate marketing programs that offer longer cookie durations to maximize your potential payouts.

• Support: Good affiliate marketing programs offer guidance and support when you need it. Check if the program provides ample resources and marketing tools to help you promote their products, such as banners, assets, widgets, and link creation tools. They should also offer access to customer service and technical support to help resolve any issues you may encounter while using their platform, participating in their affiliate program, or getting your payouts.

• Exclusive affiliate deals: Some affiliate programs offer exclusive deals or high-paying commissions. Look for affiliate marketing programs that offer exclusive coupons, offers, or commission bumps only available to their affiliates.

• Payment methods: A reliable affiliate marketing program should offer various payment methods that meet the needs of their affiliates. Most reputable affiliate programs should offer a variety of payment methods such as PayPal, direct deposit, or mailed checks.

• Product relevance: Look for affiliate marketing programs that offer products that are relevant and attractive to both you and your audience. You should be genuinely interested in the products and advertisers you're promoting to maintain the trust of your audience.
  

Unlock Success with Fourthwall

Affiliate marketing programs and affiliate networks are valuable tools for content creators looking to earn from their platforms. By selecting the right affiliate partnerships and implementing them in a genuine way alongside your content, you're likely to see an increase in your revenue stream.

Fourthwall even has an Affiliate program of their own! Check out Fourthwall’s Discord to get more information on how you can strive to be part of their Referral or Affiliate programs to earn sample credits, get a special role in the Fourthwall Discord, and more.

With Fourthwall, content creators can earn even more money and get paid while doing what you love. Our creator e-commerce platform empowers YouTubers, Twitch streamers, TikTokers, musicians, dancers, artists, podcasters, and other creators to launch their websites, source and sell products in their own customized online shops, and offer memberships to their followers. Join Fourthwall and take your monetization strategies to the next level!As a content creator, monetizing your platform is essential to building a successful online presence. One way to earn good revenue from your content is through affiliate programs and affiliate networks. These promotional programs allow creators in just about any niche to team up with brands, becoming "affiliate marketers" who promote their products or services for commissions and, in many cases, ongoing passive income.

Let's dig into the top affiliate programs and affiliate networks available to content creators, checking out everything from commission rates to affiliate links, cookie rates to perks, so you can make money, get paid, and maximize your earnings as a creator!