14 Best Affiliate Programs for Content Creators & Beginners in 2025

Wondering how influencers and content creators turn posts into profit? Best affiliate programs give you a way to earn money by recommending products you already love—no inventory, no customer service hassle. Just share a unique link, and if someone signs up or buys through it, you get paid! If you blog, make YouTube videos, or post on social media, choosing the right affiliate program can turn your content creation efforts into a steady income.

However, not every affiliate program is a good fit. Some don’t align with your niche or target audience, others pay very little, and a few leave you scratching your head in confusion as to how they work in reality. This guide explains the best affiliate marketing programs—both popular picks and hidden gems—that are simple to start and can lead to repeat earnings. We will share them all here, with how to apply and their real pros and cons. Keep reading to find programs that can help you build a lasting side business.

Best Affiliate Marketing Programs

Affiliate marketing offers creators and influencers a way to earn passive income by promoting products that they care about. Here’s a list of some of the best affiliate programs to help you get started:

1. brandID 

The brandID affiliate program helps creators and influencers monetize faster—especially if you’re exploring the best affiliate programs for beginners without a website. brandID’s affiliate program lets you earn faster with more than 2,000 brands and millions of ready affiliate products available on the brandID platform. Launch a free landing page, paste your unique link once, and start promoting top products in every niche. Enjoy high commissions (up to 40%), built-in analytics for tracking your affiliate performance, and instant setup without any complicated process.

brandID is easy to use and offers a secure payment gateway system and built-in marketing tools to drive more targeted traffic toward your affiliate links. Brands can also join the brandID affiliate program for free to connect with relevant influencers who are ready to promote the right products to the right engaged audiences.

How to Apply for the brandID Affiliate Program? 

1. Visit brandID.app and click on the “Sign Up” button to create your brandID dashboard.
2. Click on “+Add products/links” → “Affiliate Products”.
3. You can search among millions of affiliate products and collaborate with more than 2000 trusted brands available on the brandID platform, which offer highly profitable commission rates (up to 40%). Additionally, you can add your affiliate links from other affiliate programs(e.g., Shopify Collabs, Amazon Associates, eBay Partner Network, Walmart, Etsy, Target, AliExpress) and start promoting them with brandID’s built-in marketing tools, like its powerful link in bio tool or email marketing for receiving maximum profit from your affiliate marketing efforts. 
4. Enter product details (name, image, price) and click “Save.” Your affiliate product with a trackable link is ready to share.

brandID Affiliate Program Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Easy & free to set up your brandID page	Commission rates vary by brand and product
Quickly search and find affiliate products/brands that fit your niche or interests
Secure payment gateway system for your affiliate marketing efforts
Not limited to specific countries (global creator access)
Simple and user-friendly dashboard
Advanced customized and niche-specific templates are available to create unique, branded brandID pages
Up to 90 days cookie window for affiliate links

The brandID affiliate program is designed for active influencers and creators who aim to monetize their influence and are looking for a simple, fast, and zero-cost way to earn from affiliate products—not for those expecting instant results without consistent effort.

2. Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates is Amazon’s affiliate program. You share special Amazon product links on your blog, YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. When someone buys after clicking your link, you earn a commission without needing to handle shipping or customer service—Amazon does that for you. There are millions of Amazon affiliate products to recommend, making this affiliate program more attractive for finding items that fit your audience.

To apply for the Amazon Affiliate program, first visit Amazon Associates and create your Amazon account. Next, add your website, app, or social profiles so Amazon knows where you’ll share affiliate links. Then choose a store ID and briefly describe your niche or content topic. After that, verify your information to complete the setup. To stay approved, make three sales within your first 180 days.

Note that there’s about a two-month (60-day) waiting period after the end of the month you earned it. For example, money you earn in January is payable at the end of March. Payments can be sent by direct deposit, Amazon gift card, or check.

Amazon Associates Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Huge product choice (Amazon Affiliate Products fit almost any niche)	Lower pay in some categories
Higher conversions	Short cookie window (~24 hours unless added to cart)
Easy link tools (SiteStripe)	Strict rules (no cloaking; careful image/pricing usage)
Earn on full carts after your click	Email restriction (no affiliate links in emails)
Promos & bounties can boost earnings	Payment restrictions: bank transfer is not available everywhere
Detailed reporting (clicks, orders, commissions)
Free to start (no upfront cost)

If you focus on high‑ticket products and want higher commissions, rely heavily on email for affiliate sales, need longer tracking, or want short, branded affiliate links, consider other affiliate programs. You can still keep Amazon Associates as a side stream while using higher‑paying options elsewhere.

3. Shopify

Shopify’s affiliate program lets influencers, bloggers, and teachers earn money by sending new merchants to Shopify. When someone signs up for an eligible paid plan through your special link, you get a one‑time commission. Because Shopify is trusted and offers helpful tools, many creators see it as one of the top affiliate programs, especially if you sell digital products.

How to Get Approved in the Shopify Affiliate Program? 

1. First, go to the Shopify Affiliate page and click on Apply now.
2. Next, make a free Shopify ID.
3. Then add your website, or social links, and explain your niche and audience.
4. After that, read the rules, accept the terms, and submit your form.
5. Once approved, you get your unique referral link.
6. Finally, share helpful content, track clicks and sign‑ups, and request payouts to your bank or PayPal.

Shopify Affiliate Marketing Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Big, trusted platform	Mostly one‑time payouts (not recurring)
Up to about $150 per new referral	30‑day cookie; late buyers may not count
Creative library, lead magnets, newsletter
Easy tracking; USD payouts via bank or PayPal
Works for blogs, YouTube, TikTok, and email

4. Impact

Impact is a marketplace that connects creators with big brands like Levi’s and Adidas. You join for free, apply to brand programs, and get links to share. It’s a good choice for influencers, bloggers, and niche sites that want lots of affiliate marketing programs in one place.

 How to Apply for the Impact Affiliate Program? 

1. First, go to impact.com and sign up for Free.
2. Then, fill out your profile with your website or social pages, your niche, and basic traffic info.
3. Set up how you want to get paid, add tax details, and verify your email or domain.
4. After that, browse the Impact Affiliate Marketplace. Pick the brands that fit your audience and apply to each program.
5. Once approved, open the brand page to copy your tracking links, coupons, and banners.
6. Post your content with proper disclosure, track clicks and sales in Impact, and withdraw money when your balance reaches $10.

Impact Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Free to join; many brands in one Marketplace	Rules, rates, and cookies change by brand
Low payout limit ($10)	You must wait for brand approvals
Helpful automation, tracking, and reports	Dashboard can feel complex at first
You can message advertisers directly
Many programs use ~30‑day cookies

Don’t use Impact if you want one simple affiliate program with the same rules for all brands, instant approvals, or lifetime recurring pay. If you don’t like comparing offers or learning a pro dashboard, a single‑brand option may be easier. If you can handle a little setup work, Impact gives you a broad mix of affiliate marketing programs you can grow over time.

5. Etsy

 Etsy’s affiliate program lets you earn a small commission by promoting unique handmade and antique products sold on Etsy. You get paid when someone buys through your affiliate link. The average commission is 4%, and payouts are made monthly through bank transfer, international wire, or Automated Clearing House (ACH).

It’s perfect for creators who love sharing creative, unique products and want to join one of the best affiliate programs to make money promoting artistic, handcrafted items.

How to Apply? 

1. Go to Awin.com (Etsy’s affiliate partner network) and create a free publisher account.
2. Pay a small, refundable $5 sign‑up fee to activate your account.
3. Then, search for Etsy in Awin’s marketplace and click Join Program.
4. Fill in your website or social media info and describe how you plan to promote Etsy products.
5. Upon approval, you’ll get access to tracking links, banner images, and the affiliate dashboard.
6. Finally, add Etsy links to your blog, YouTube, or social posts and earn money whenever people buy through your links.

Etsy Affiliate Program Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Access to millions of handmade, vintage, and niche products	Low commission rates (4% for publishers, 2% for social creators)
Trusted global marketplace with creative sellers	Lower earn
Easy to join and great for beginners without a website
Monthly payouts and 30‑day cookie window
Supports small creators and artists

You may want to skip the Etsy affiliate program if you focus on high‑ticket digital tools, software, or recurring‑commission products. The 4% payout may feel small compared to other best affiliate programs that offer higher or recurring earnings. If your audience isn’t into crafts, handmade goods, or vintage finds, you’ll get better results with other programs that match your niche and pay higher rates.

6. Grammarly

This program pays you when people use your affiliate link to sign up for Grammarly. You earn $0.20 for a free account and $20 if the user upgrades to Grammarly Premium. Payments arrive within 25 days after the month ends, and the tracking cookie lasts 90 days. This program works well for bloggers, teachers, students, YouTubers, and newsletter writers who recommend writing tools. Compared with the best affiliate marketing programs, Grammarly is simple to start and often converts well.

How to Get Approved in the Grammarly Affiliate Program? 

1. The first step is to go to the Grammarly affiliates page
2. The next step is to create an affiliate account and add your website or social media pages.
3. Next, read the rules and submit your application.
4. Once approved, grab your tracking links and ready‑made banners.
5. Lastly, add links to your posts, videos, and emails, and track clicks and upgrades.

Grammarly Affiliate Program Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
90‑day cookie helps late buyers count	The commission for free signups is small ($0.20)
Earnings on both free and premium signups	The maximum payout for the premium Grammarly upgrade is $20
Strong brand reputation	Grammarly’s popularity makes its affiliate space competitive
High conversion rates
Flexible payout methods

This program is not for you if your audience rarely signs up for copywriting and editing tools, you focus on high‑ticket or recurring offers, or you want software with a monthly revenue share. But if your readers do need a trusted writing tool, Grammarly can add steady, low‑effort earnings to your mix.

7. Adobe

The Adobe Affiliate Program lets you earn money by sharing links to Adobe tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Acrobat Pro, Creative Cloud, and Adobe Stock. If someone buys after clicking your link, you get paid. Typical terms are 85% of the first month on monthly plans and 8.33% of the first year on yearly plans (Creative Cloud). Payments are monthly by Payoneer or direct deposit, and the tracking cookie lasts 30 days. It’s a good fit for bloggers, YouTubers, designers, teachers, developers, and writers who talk about creative software.

How to Apply?

• Go to Adobe’s affiliate page and click on Apply now.
• Create a Partnerize account and verify your email.
• Add your site or socials, describe your niche and audience, and how you’ll promote.
• Then, choose how you get paid (Payoneer or direct deposit) and finish tax details.
• Wait for approval, then open your dashboard to copy tracking links and banners.
• Publish helpful content, disclose your affiliate links, and track clicks and sales.

The Adobe Affiliate Program Pros vs. Cons

Pros	Cons
Big, trusted brand	No lifetime/recurring share beyond the first term
High intro payouts (up to 85% of first month)	A 30‑day cookie can miss slow buyers
Many products to promote (apps + Stock)	Higher prices may slow some audiences
Good creatives, links, and reports via Partnerize	Approval takes time; you need a clear plan
Monthly payments via Payoneer or bank	Starting the Adobe Affiliate program can feel complex

8. NerdWallet

The NerdWallet affiliate program lets you earn money by sharing links to its personal finance tools and guides. If you run a money blog, YouTube channel, or active social page about personal finance, you can apply. It’s one of the affiliate marketing websites that can pay up to $100 for a credit card referral.

How to Apply? 

• Go to the NerdWallet Affiliate Program page on the CJ Affiliate network.
• Make a free account and add your basic info.
• After approval, get your banners and special tracking links.
• Share your links (with a clear disclosure) to start earning.

NerdWallet Affiliate Program Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Up to $100 for some credit card sign‑ups	A 14‑day cookie is short
Huge, trusted brand with a big audience	Commission varies by product
Easy tools on CJ (links, banners, reports)	New sites may wait longer for approval
Great fit for finance blogs and creators	Mostly U.S. offers; global reach is limited
Free to join; clear rules	Some readers won’t qualify for credit products

This program may not be right for affiliates outside the personal finance niche or those with global audiences, since NerdWallet focuses mainly on U.S. financial products. If you don’t have followers interested in financial topics or credit cards, it’s better to look at other affiliate marketing websites that match your niche. Beginners without a strong financial audience might prefer simpler programs with longer cookie windows and smaller entry barriers.

9. Semrush

The Semrush Affiliate Program is one of the best SaaS affiliate programs for digital marketers and SEO enthusiasts. It offers affiliates the opportunity to earn commissions by promoting Semrush’s SEO tools and services. With a generous 120-day cookie duration, affiliates earn 40% recurring commissions on each new subscription. 

With strong support and a wide range of promotional materials, this program is perfect for SEO influencers, digital marketing experts, bloggers, and content creators who focus on SEO, digital marketing, business growth, and web development.

How to Apply for the Semrush Affiliate Program:

1. Visit the Semrush website and click Apply Now.
2. Fill out your application with the required details.
3. Wait for approval from Semrush (usually takes a few days).
4. Once approved, access the promotional materials and links from the affiliate dashboard.
5. Start sharing your referral links on your platforms (blogs, social media, emails, etc.).

Semrush Affiliate Program Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
High recurring commission rate	Must meet minimum payout threshold ($50)
120-day cookie duration	Competitive affiliate space
Wide range of promotional materials	Saturation in some markets
Dedicated affiliate support	Requires high-quality content for conversions
Suitable for both beginners and advanced marketers	Payouts may take time to accumulate

10. Elementor

The Elementor Affiliate Program allows content creators, influencers, and digital marketers to earn up to 65% commission. Elementor is a powerful WordPress page builder, popular for its easy drag-and-drop features. This affiliate marketing program can be a perfect fit for web developers, bloggers, SEO experts, and eCommerce business owners. If you have an audience interested in website design, WordPress, or digital marketing, this program is ideal for you. You can promote Elementor’s website builder, hosting, AI tools, and more, earning generous commissions for both new sales and ongoing purchases.

The Elementor Affiliate Program is a perfect match for influencers and content creators in niches like:

1. Website Development & Design: If you focus on creating and designing websites, you can showcase how Elementor can simplify the process.
2. SEO and Digital Marketing: Bloggers and content marketers who teach WordPress SEO can promote Elementor as an essential tool for optimizing websites.
3. eCommerce: Influencers in the eCommerce space can introduce Elementor’s tools for building professional, high-converting online stores.
4. Technology & Business: Those with a tech-savvy audience looking to create professional websites will benefit from Elementor’s advanced features.

How to Apply? 

• Sign Up: Visit Elementor’s affiliate page and fill out a quick form to join one of the best Saas affiliate programs.
• Get Tracking Link: Once approved, access your unique affiliate dashboard and choose your tracking link.
• Promote: Use the affiliate links and banners in your blogs, videos, social media posts, or email newsletters to promote Elementor.
• Earn Commission: For every successful sale through your referral, earn up to 65% commission.

Elementor Affiliate Program Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Up to 65% commission per sale	Minimum payout threshold of $200
High conversion rates	Payments processed 60 days after purchase
90-day cookie duration	Competitive market for WordPress-related content
Trusted WordPress tool with a large user base	Need strong promotional content to generate sales
VIP affiliate program for recurring earnings	Affiliates need to have an audience intrested in web design or marketing

11. Teachable 

Teachable’s affiliate program pays you for recommending Teachable to people who want to sell courses or digital downloads. When someone uses your Teachable affiliate link to buy a paid plan, you earn up to 30% for their first year. The cookie lasts 30 days, and payouts can be daily, weekly, or monthly via bank, PayPal, or Stripe. It is among the best affiliate programs for bloggers, YouTubers, newsletter writers, and teachers whose audiences want to create and sell online courses, coaching, memberships, or downloads.

How to Apply?

Heads‑up: New applications are paused for now while Teachable updates the program. However, the previous process was as follows:

1. First, go to Teachable’s affiliate partner program.
2. Next, click on Start for free.
3. Add your website, YouTube channel, or social media pages, and describe your niche and audience.
4. Then, read the rules, choose your payout method, and submit your application.
5. Watch for an approval email and grab your tracking links in the partner portal.

Teachable Affiliate Partner Program Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Up to 30% recurring commission for the first year	Applications are paused right now
30‑day cookie gives buyers time to decide	Not ideal if your audience isn’t into courses
Daily/weekly/monthly payout options
Payments via bank, PayPal, or Stripe
Strong creatives + detailed reporting

Note: Skip this program if your audience doesn’t care about online courses/memberships, if you need lifetime recurring commissions, or if you want a longer cookie window. 

12. ClickBank

The ClickBank Affiliate Program is one of the largest affiliate marketing networks, with more than 100,000 affiliates worldwide. ClickBank lets you promote a wide variety of digital and physical products and earn commissions on every sale made through your affiliate link. This program is a good choice if you want to get started quickly, promote different types of products, and have flexible payment options. With a 60-day cookie window and high commission rates, it works well for both new and experienced affiliate marketers.

How to Get Started with the ClickBank Affiliate Program:

• First, go to ClickBank affiliates, click on Start Here, and fill out the required information.
• Dive into ClickBank’s vast marketplace and search for the products that align with your niche and audience.
• Pick the products you want to promote and generate your unique affiliate link—easy peasy!
• Share your affiliate links on your blog, social media, or in email campaigns to start driving traffic.

The ClickBank Affiliate Program is not ideal for everyone. If you are new to affiliate marketing and do not have a large audience yet, it may take a while to see results. People who are not familiar with promoting online products or lack a clear plan to stand out may find it highly challenging to generate consistent affiliate revenues.

13. YouTube Shopping

The YouTube shopping affiliate program lets creators earn commissions by tagging products in their YouTube videos. It works well for influencers in areas like lifestyle, tech, fashion, or e-commerce. To join, you need at least 10,000 subscribers and to be active in the YouTube Partner Program.

How to Join the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program? 

1. Ensure you meet the YouTube Shopping affiliate’s requirements:

• Your channel should be part of the YouTube Partner Program.
• You have more than 10,000 subscribers.
• You’re based in one of the eligible countries (e.g., the United States, India, Indonesia, etc.).
• Your content isn’t primarily for kids, and your audience settings reflect that.

2. Go to YouTube Studio by logging into your YouTube account.
3. On the left sidebar, scroll down and click on “Earn”.
4. If eligible, you’ll see an option for the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program. Click “Get Started”.
5. Select “Turn On” to activate the affiliate program.
6. Read and accept the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program Terms of Service to join.
7. Once activated, you can begin tagging products in your videos. Use YouTube Studio to track your performance and view commission earnings.

YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program Pros & Cons 

Pros	Cons
Seamless Integration: Easily tag products within YouTube videos, allowing viewers to shop without leaving the platform.	Eligibility Criteria: This program requires over 10,000 subscribers and participation in the YouTube Partner Program.
Diverse Product Access: Connect with a wide range of brands and products through partnerships with platforms like Shopify.	Commission Variability: Earnings depend on individual retailer commission rates and viewer purchases.
Enhanced Viewer Engagement: Viewers can discover and purchase products directly from your content, increasing interaction.	Geographical Limitations: Currently available only in some countries, including the U.S., India, and others.
Integrated Analytics: Monitor performance and earnings through YouTube Studio.	Content Restrictions: Not available for music channels or those primarily targeting children.

The YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program may not suit every creator. If your channel has under 10,000 subscribers or mainly features music, kids’ content, or topics unrelated to product promotion, this program probably isn’t right for you.

14. Skillshare

The Skillshare Affiliate Program gives creators, influencers, and content marketers a chance to earn money by sharing Skillshare’s online courses. You can earn commissions when people you refer sign up for a premium membership or a free trial. The program welcomes anyone with an established audience, such as bloggers, YouTubers, Instagram influencers, or email marketers. If your community is interested in learning and personal growth, this program could be a valuable way to boost your income.

How to Apply? 

• Sign up through Impact Radius, Skillshare’s affiliate network. You’ll need to create a free account if you don’t have one already.
• Once you’re registered, Skillshare will approve your application based on the eligibility criteria.
• After approval, you’ll receive a unique affiliate link that you can use to promote Skillshare’s courses and content.
• Start sharing your affiliate link on your blog, social media, or other platforms to refer new customers.
• Track your referrals and commissions through your Impact Radius dashboard.

Pros	Cons
High Commission: Earn 20% commission on each new customer, up to $34 per referral.	Commission for New Customers Only: You earn commission only for new members, not for renewals.
Variety of Products: Promote over 25,000 online classes, with a wide range of topics.	Competition: High competition among affiliates promoting similar courses.
30-Day Cookie: Earn commissions on referrals made within 30 days of a user clicking your link.	Payment Threshold: You must reach a certain payment threshold before receiving your payout.
Exclusive Offers: Share special promotions and offers every month to increase affiliate sales.	Not Available for All Countries: Availability may be limited in certain regions.
Real-Time Tracking: Track your traffic, referrals, and earnings via a personalized dashboard.
Monthly Payouts: Get paid each month for your referrals, offering a steady stream of income.

This program works best for people who create content about education, art, photography, or business development. If you are not interested in sharing and tracking your affiliate links regularly, it may be hard to earn consistent commissions from this affiliate program.

Conclusion 

Selecting the right affiliate program can turn aimless clicks into a steady income. Yet with so many programs and changing payout models, many creators and influencers feel overwhelmed when choosing the right fit. They worry about low earnings, complicated dashboards, unpaid brand deals, or promoting affiliate products that don’t truly align with their niche or audience.

This list cuts through the noise by highlighting trusted affiliate programs, how they pay, and who they serve best. If you want a clear, centralized hub with a simple setup, high commissions, and access to affiliate products across almost any niche and category, the brandID affiliate program is a standout choice. On brandID, you can browse 2,000+ trusted brands, millions of affiliate products with clearly defined commission rates, built-in analytics, secure payouts, and fast, branded landing pages tailored to your style. Explore the brandID affiliate program today and start building high-value, long-term affiliate partnerships your audience will confidently trust and love.

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