Approximately 78.6% of U.S. marketers within companies exceeding 100 employees were projected to leverage influencers for marketing endeavors. On a global scale, the influencer marketing market reached a valuation of 21.1 billion U.S. dollars for 2023.
Whether you’re an Instagram star, a YouTube creator, or a TikTok sensation, affiliate programs offer a win-win opportunity: you earn commissions by promoting products you genuinely love, while brands gain access to your highly targeted audience.
But with countless programs and networks out there, where should you start? In this article, we’ll explore the top affiliate programs for influencers!
Top high-paying affiliate programs for influencers
1. Amazon Influencer Program – The largest influencer affiliate program
Affiliate Portal: Amazon Influencer Program
Amazon Influencer Program is one of the largest and most versatile influencer affiliate programs, making it a go-to choice for influencers. From tech gadgets and beauty products to books and home essentials, Amazon offers everything an influencer might want to promote. This versatility ensures influencers in any niche – beauty, fitness, lifestyle, or tech – can find items that resonate with their audience.
Commission rates vary by product category, ranging from 1% to 10%. For example:
Luxury beauty: 10%; Furniture/home improvement: 8%. Though some rates are lower compared to niche programs, the sheer range of products compensates for it.
Amazon Associates has a cookie duration of 24 hours, but items added to the cart extend it to 90 days if purchased.
In 2023, US-based sellers sold more than 4.5 billion items – an average of 8,600 items every minute.
What’s more?
Amazon’s trusted brand and fast shipping encourage higher conversion rates. You can cater to international audiences through Amazon’s country-specific programs.
2. Temu – Popular eCommerce affiliate programs for influencers
Affiliate Portal: Temu Affiliate Program
Temu is a fast-growing e-commerce platform known for its wide range of affordable products, spanning categories like fashion, beauty, home decor, gadgets, and more. With its budget-friendly prices and trendy offerings, Temu has become the best alternative for Amazon.
Temu’s low prices are appealing to cost-conscious audiences, making it easier for you to drive sales. Their affordable price is the reason Temu always has a top spot on the list of the best influencer affiliate programs.
Temu frequently updates its inventory with the latest trends, ensuring you always have something fresh to promote. Deals and discounts make Temu products shareable and clickable across all platforms.
See more: Difference between affiliate marketing & influencer marketing
3. Shopify – B2B affiliate program for influencers
Affiliate Portal: Shopify Affiliate Program
Shopify, one of the leading e-commerce platforms, empowers entrepreneurs to create, manage, and grow online stores. Its affiliate program is designed for influencers, educators, and content creators passionate about helping others build their businesses.
The Shopify Affiliate Program offers a generous payout structure:
- Flat Rate: Earn up to $150 for each referred merchant who signs up for a paid plan.
- Recurring Commissions: For certain Shopify services, affiliates may earn recurring commission
Shopify’s affiliate program is ideal for influencers with a business-savvy audience. By focusing on Shopify’s ability to empower entrepreneurs, influencers can inspire their followers to start their own online ventures while earning substantial commissions. The key is authentic, value-driven content that highlights Shopify’s strengths and real-world applications.
4. Amazon Audible – Audiobook, podcast affiliate programs
Affiliate Portal: Audible Affiliate Program
Audible, Amazon’s audiobook and spoken-word platform, offers a world of stories, education, and entertainment. Its affiliate program is a perfect match for influencers targeting book lovers, podcast fans, students, and professionals looking to learn on the go.
With flexible earning options and a trusted brand behind it, the Audible affiliate program helps influencers turn their content into revenue while inspiring their audience to explore the joy of audiobooks.
From bookworms to busy professionals, Audible’s offerings resonate with various niches.
The best part?
Subscribers often stay long-term, increasing lifetime value for affiliates.
To maximize engagement and conversion, you should focus on some sub-niche like “Best Audiobooks for Entrepreneurs” or “Top Mysteries to Listen to This Month.”
5. Adidas – Sport wear affiliate links for influencers
Affiliate Portal: Adidas Affiliate Program
Adidas, a global leader in sportswear and athletic gear, is a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and fashion-forward individuals. The brand combines performance and style, making it highly appealing for influencers across fitness, lifestyle, and streetwear niches. The Adidas affiliate program allows influencers to earn by promoting its premium-quality products to their audience.
According to Investing, Adidas’s worldwide net sales reached $21.234 billion in 2021, and $22.511 in 2022.
Fitness influencers can highlight performance wear, while lifestyle influencers can promote stylish athleisure looks.
Whether through social media, blogs, or YouTube, promoting Adidas’ blend of style and performance can help influencers connect with their audience while maximizing their revenue potential.
6. NordVPN – Tech & security affiliate influencer programs
Affiliate Portal: NordVPN Affiliate Program
NordVPN is a leading provider of virtual private network (VPN) services, known for its robust security, speed, and user-friendly features. With an extensive customer base and high demand for online privacy, the NordVPN affiliate program is a lucrative opportunity for influencers in the tech, travel, gaming, and business niches.
You can earn up to 40% commission for every new customer’s subscription.
Renewal commissions are also available, offering an ongoing earning potential.
The NordVPN affiliate program allows influencers to tap into a growing market while earning impressive commissions. By integrating NordVPN into relatable content, influencers can educate their audience about online privacy while driving conversions and building trust with a globally recognized brand.
7. Skillshare – Self-education affiliate program for influencers
Affiliate Porta: SkillShare Affiliate Program
Skillshare is an online learning platform offering thousands of classes on topics ranging from graphic design and photography to business and personal development. With a diverse audience that includes students, professionals, and hobbyists, Skillshare is ideal for influencers who create content around creativity, education, and skill-building.
Influencers in creativity, education, or self-improvement can easily integrate Skillshare into their content.
Skillshare often offers free trials, encouraging sign-ups and increasing conversion rates.
With ongoing updates to classes, audiences remain engaged, making Skillshare a relevant and consistent promotion opportunity.
8. GymShark
Affiliate Portal: Gym Shark Athletes
Gymshark is a global leader in fitness apparel and accessories, known for its stylish, high-performance activewear and strong community focus. With a massive following among fitness enthusiasts, Gymshark’s affiliate program is perfect for influencers in the fitness, wellness, and lifestyle spaces.
Gymshark is one of the most sought-after brands in the fitness industry, making it an easy sell for fitness influencers. The sleek, stylish designs are perfect for showcasing on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
You can share workout routines or gym tips in TikTok or YouTube videos while wearing Gymshark gear. With its strong presence and visually appealing products, Gymshark seamlessly integrates into fitness-related content, helping influencers engage their audience and earn commissions along the way.
Trusted affiliate networks for influencers
1. Impact Radius
Impact Radius (also known as Impact.com) is a leading affiliate marketing platform that connects brands with publishers, influencers, and affiliate marketers. It provides powerful tools to track, manage, and optimize partnerships across multiple channels, making it a popular choice for businesses and affiliates alike. In 2020, Impact Radius affiliates generated over $1.2 billion in sales for advertisers, showcasing its significant impact on the affiliate marketing landscape.
Pros:
- Diverse partner network: Access to thousands of brands across industries, including household names like Uber, Shopify, and Airbnb. The platform supports collaborations with influencers, content creators, and traditional affiliates.
- Advanced tracking & reporting: Real-time performance tracking with detailed analytics. Offers deep-linking capabilities and cross-device tracking to ensure accurate attribution.
- Customizable payment: Influencers can choose their preferred payment frequency (e.g., weekly, or bi-weekly). Multiple payout options, including PayPal, direct deposit, and wire transfer.
- Global reach: Impact supports multiple currencies and languages, making it ideal for international influencers.
Cons:
- Strict brand requirements: Some brands on the platform have rigorous approval processes, which may limit new affiliates.
- Platform fees for advertisers: Businesses using Impact Radius pay fees, which could influence the commissions they offer.
- Payout thresholds: Some payout methods have minimum thresholds, delaying earnings for smaller affiliates.
Impact Radius is a powerhouse for influencer affiliate marketing, offering versatility and advanced tools to maximize performance
2. CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
CJ Affiliate is one of the most established and trusted affiliate networks in the world. Known for its vast marketplace, it connects affiliates with top-tier global brands across various industries, including retail, technology, travel, and finance.
CJ facilitates partnerships with over 3,800 advertisers and a vast pool of affiliates, helping influencers and marketers access lucrative opportunities. In 2022 alone, CJ affiliates earned more than $2 billion in commissions, highlighting the platform’s effectiveness for high-performing partnerships.
Pros
- Access to premium brands: Partner with renowned companies like Lowe’s, J.Crew, Priceline, and Office Depot. CJ is ideal for influencers looking to promote established, trusted names.
- Advanced tracking technology: Uses Cookieless Tracking to ensure accurate attribution even in a privacy-focused digital world. The platform provides detailed insights into campaign performance with real-time reporting.
- Global reach: CJ Affiliate works with advertisers and affiliates worldwide, supporting multiple currencies and languages. Suitable for influencers targeting international audiences.
- Flexible commission structures: Affiliates can earn through various compensation models, including cost-per-sale (CPS) and cost-per-lead (CPL). Opportunities for recurring commissions on subscription-based products.
- Customizable deep linking: You can create influencer links to specific product pages, helping influencers deliver a seamless shopping experience for their audience.
Cons
- Challenging approval process: Many advertisers have strict requirements, making it difficult for new affiliates to get approved.
- Learning curve for beginners: The platform’s advanced features and reporting tools can feel overwhelming to newcomers.
- High competition: The sheer size of the network means popular brands attract a large number of affiliates, increasing competition.
CJ Affiliate’s $16 billion in annual sales facilitated is a testament to its effectiveness as a platform. For influencers aiming to scale their affiliate marketing efforts, CJ provides both the tools and partnerships needed to succeed.
3. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising, part of the global e-commerce giant Rakuten, is one of the largest affiliate marketing networks in the world. Rakuten has more than 1,000 advertisers, including well-known brands like Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s, making it a prime platform for influencers in a variety of niches. Rakuten’s network has been a key player in affiliate marketing since 1997 and continues to provide solid earning opportunities for both influencers and businesses.
Pros
- High-quality advertisers: Rakuten features premium brands like Walmart, Forever 21, and Crocs. It’s Perfect for influencers looking to promote trusted, established brands.
- Global reach and scale: Operates in multiple countries and supports various languages and currencies, making it an ideal network for influencers with international audiences.
- Real-time reporting and analytics: Provides detailed performance metrics to help affiliates optimize campaigns and track earnings. The platform also offers intuitive, easy-to-use tools for monitoring affiliate activity.
- Customizable commission structures: Supports multiple commission models, including cost-per-sale (CPS), cost-per-action (CPA), and cost-per-lead (CPL). It’s great for influencers working with diverse types of products and services.
- Exclusive affiliate promotions: Rakuten partners often offer exclusive deals, discounts, or promotions to affiliates, which is excellent for influencer promotions.
Cons
- The approval process can be slow: Rakuten’s network requires affiliates to apply for approval for each brand, which can sometimes take longer than expected.
- The interface can be challenging for beginners: While Rakuten offers powerful tools, the interface can be overwhelming for newcomers, especially those who are just starting in affiliate marketing.
- A limited number of advertisers compared to larger networks: While Rakuten features premium brands, it may not have as vast a selection as larger networks like Amazon or CJ Affiliate.
Rakuten operates in over 200 countries and territories globally, offering affiliates access to a vast international market. For influencers looking to collaborate with premium brands in a global marketplace, Rakuten Advertising offers an excellent opportunity with a reliable, well-established platform.
4. ShareASale (owned by Awin)
ShareASale, founded in 2000, is one of the largest and most well-known affiliate marketing networks, offering a wide variety of products and services to promote. With more than 4,500 advertisers across diverse industries, including fashion, health, technology, and home improvement, ShareASale provides a platform for influencers to promote trusted brands and earn commissions through affiliate links.
Pros
- Wide variety of products: ShareASale boasts an extensive range of advertisers across various niches such as fashion, beauty, fitness, and technology, offering influencers numerous options for promotion. It’s perfect for influencers who focus on specific niches and want access to tailored products.
- High-quality brands: ShareASale partners with many well-established brands, including WP Engine, Reebok, Etsy, and Bluehost, making it ideal for influencers looking to work with reputable businesses. Influencers can promote popular brands and products with high consumer demand.
- Easy to use: The ShareASale platform has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, even for those new to affiliate marketing. It provides a simple process for signing up and getting started with affiliate programs.
- Reliable reporting and analytics: ShareASale provides detailed performance reports, allowing influencers to track their clicks, conversions, and commissions easily. Real-time tracking ensures influencers can measure the success of their campaigns and optimize them for better results.
- Global reach: Works with both U.S.-based and international brands, making it an ideal choice for influencers with global audiences.
Cons:
- Payment threshold: ShareASale requires affiliates to earn a minimum of $50 in commissions before they can request a payout, which may take time for new affiliates. While not a huge barrier, it could be challenging for influencers starting with fewer conversions.
- Approval process for some programs: Certain advertisers have specific approval processes, which can take time, especially with high-demand brands.
ShareASale generated over $4 billion in sales for its advertisers in 2020, showing its effectiveness in driving affiliate marketing results. ShareASale is an excellent affiliate network for influencers who want to diversify their income streams by promoting trusted, high-quality brands.
5. Awin
Awin is one of the leading global affiliate marketing networks, connecting over 15,000 advertisers with 200,000+ affiliates. It provides access to a wide range of industries, from fashion to finance to tech, making it a great option for influencers in virtually any niche. Awin operates in over 180 countries, with a focus on creating long-term relationships between affiliates and brands.
Pros
- Global reach: Available in 180+ countries, supporting multiple currencies and languages.
- Wide variety of products: Features a broad range of industries including fashion, travel, finance, health, and tech.
- Strong advertiser network: Awin connects affiliates with top-tier brands such as HP, Etsy, Nike, and more.
- Advanced reporting tools: Provides detailed, real-time performance tracking with easy-to-read dashboards and analytics.
- Recurring commissions: The platform offers opportunities for recurring revenue, especially with subscription-based or membership products.
Cons
- Sign-up fee: Awin requires a $5 sign-up fee, which may deter some new affiliates.
- Complex interface: The platform’s interface can be overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive features and options.
- Payment threshold: Awin has a $20 minimum payout, which can take longer to reach depending on your commission rate.
Awin generated over $15 billion in sales for its advertisers in 2020, proving its influence in the affiliate marketing space. Awin is perfect for influencers looking for a variety of partnerships, global reach, and long-term opportunities.
6. FlexOffers
FlexOffers is an established affiliate network offering affiliates access to more than 12,000 advertisers across a wide range of industries, including fashion, electronics, financial services, and healthcare. With over 12,000 advertisers, FlexOffers gives affiliates access to a wide range of products and services to promote. FlexOffers affiliates generated over $2 billion in sales in 2020, proving its potential for affiliates to earn substantial commissions.
Pros
- Global reach: Operates in over 180 countries, providing global affiliate opportunities.
- Wide variety of products: Access to over 12,000 advertisers in niches like fashion, electronics, home & garden, finance, and travel.
- High commission rates: Some programs offer high commission rates of up to 75%, including recurring commissions for subscription-based products.
- Flexible payment options: Offers various payment methods, including PayPal, direct deposit, and check.
- Real-time reporting tools: Provides detailed analytics for affiliates to track performance and optimize campaigns.
Cons
- High payout threshold: Requires a $50 minimum payout, which can be harder to reach for new affiliates.
- Limited support for beginners: The platform’s interface and options may be intimidating for newcomers without much experience in affiliate marketing.
- Fewer big-name brands: While there are many products and services, FlexOffers may not have as many top-tier, well-known brands as some larger networks like Awin or CJ Affiliate.
7. ClickBank
Established in 1998, ClickBank has been a pioneer in the affiliate marketing industry and has since grown to include more than 6 million products in a variety of niches, including personal development, fitness, health, and online education. The platform boasts a user-friendly interface and provides a range of high-commission opportunities that are particularly appealing to influencers looking to monetize their audience with digital products.
Pros
- High commission rates: Offers up to 75% commission on digital products, which is higher than many other affiliate networks.
- Recurring revenue: Many products on ClickBank offer recurring commissions through subscription-based services, which provide a long-term income stream.
- Easy to join: No approval process is required for most products, allowing influencers to start promoting immediately.
- Wide variety of digital products: Focuses on digital and downloadable products, which are perfect for niches like eBooks, courses, and software.
- Robust analytics: Provides real-time tracking, detailed performance reports, and analytics for affiliates to optimize their campaigns.
Cons
- Limited physical product options: While ClickBank excels with digital products, it doesn’t offer as many physical products, which could limit options for influencers in physical product niches.
- Less-known brands: Some of the products on ClickBank come from smaller or lesser-known brands, which may be harder to promote to larger audiences.
- Competitive market: Due to its popularity, some niches on ClickBank are highly competitive, making it challenging for new affiliates to stand out.
ClickBank is ideal for influencers who want high commissions, recurring revenue opportunities, and access to a vast variety of digital products, particularly in online education, self-improvement, and health niches.
Pro tips to success in the tip affiliate programs for influencers
Partner with brands that match your audience’s interests
It’s crucial to select affiliate programs and brands that align with your audience’s passions, needs, and values. If your followers are into fitness, promoting workout gear, supplements, or health programs will resonate much more than promoting unrelated products. Choose brands that share similar values and cater to your followers’ interests to maintain trust and authenticity.
Create engaging content to promote affiliate links
Simply sharing a link won’t cut it. Create high-quality, engaging content around your affiliate products to capture your audience’s attention. Instagram reels, YouTube tutorials, and unboxing videos are all great ways to show your followers the benefits of the products you’re promoting. When creating content, make sure it feels natural and unforced – your audience will appreciate the honesty and creativity.
Monitor performance and tweak strategies
Constantly evaluate how your affiliate promotions are performing. Use tracking tools and insights to monitor your click-through rates, conversions, and overall sales. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. Test different strategies, whether it’s changing your call-to-action or trying different types of content. By optimizing your efforts based on real-time feedback, you’ll continuously improve your performance.
Choose a winning product
Not every product will be a perfect fit for your audience. Before fully committing, do some research to ensure the product is high quality, aligns with your audience’s needs, and has a good reputation. Look for products that offer attractive commissions and long-term potential. It’s also important to pick products that you truly believe in – your authenticity will shine through and increase your chances of success.
FAQs
1. Can you do affiliate marketing without being an influencer?
Absolutely! While being an influencer can certainly help you reach a larger audience, you don’t need a massive social media following to succeed in affiliate marketing. There are plenty of ways to promote affiliate products without being an influencer. You can build a blog, start an email list, or create niche websites focused on specific topics. Additionally, affiliate marketing through paid advertising, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, can also be a viable strategy. The key is to focus on high-quality content and targeted promotions to attract the right audience.
2. Can you do affiliate marketing without social media followers?
Yes, you can definitely do affiliate marketing without having a large social media following. While having followers can help, it’s not a necessity. You can start with other platforms like blogs, websites, or YouTube. Building a website or niche blog around a particular topic allows you to rank for specific keywords and reach potential customers through search engines. Additionally, you can use paid ads or leverage email marketing to promote affiliate links. The key is to focus on creating valuable content that solves problems and attracts the right audience, whether through social media, blogs, or other platforms.
Conclusion
Influencer affiliate marketing is an exciting and rewarding way to monetize your online presence while promoting products and services you genuinely believe in. By choosing the right affiliate programs, creating authentic and engaging content, and continuously refining your strategies, you can build a successful revenue stream.
Dive in the top affiliate programs for influencers. Start with brands that align with your niche, stay consistent, and watch your affiliate marketing efforts pay off. With the right approach, you can turn your influence into a thriving business.