Why Affiliate Marketing Is a Goldmine for YouTubers

If you’re a YouTuber, you probably already know AdSense isn’t enough. It’s nice to see a little money come in from ads, but it won’t pay the bills or scale your channel into a real business.

That’s where affiliate marketing comes in.

Think of it like this: you’re already talking about gear, software, or services in your videos. Why not share a link, help your audience, and earn a commission when they buy? That’s affiliate marketing—and once you set it up, it can keep paying you even while you sleep.

Quick tip: none of this works without clicks. If people don’t click your videos, they’ll never see your affiliate links. That’s why I built PackaPop Canva templates so creators like you can boost CTR with proven thumbnail designs. And if you want an easy win, start by learning how to make your thumbnails stand out with the right colors

Let’s walk through the 10 best affiliate programs for YouTubers in 2025, and I’ll tell you exactly which ones make sense for you.

1. ShareASale – Best All-Rounder for Beginners

• Access to 4,500+ merchants across fitness, fashion, tech, and more

• Commissions range from 1% to 20%

• Easy-to-use search system to find products for your niche

ShareASale affiliate program

2. Amazon Associates – The Most Popular (But With Limits)

• Trusted by audiences worldwide

• Huge product variety

• Simple to set up

Downsides: short 24-hour cookie window + unpredictable commission cuts.

If you’re a review channel or lifestyle vlogger, Amazon is a solid starting point.
And remember: better thumbnails = more clicks = more affiliate income.

Amazon Associates Program

3. FlexOffers – Great Support & Variety

• 12,000+ merchants (digital + physical products)

• Dedicated account manager to help you pick programs

• Trusted brands like Netflix, Ulta, and The Body Shop

FlexOffers affiliate program

4. Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate) – Reliable Veteran

• Big names like Nike, Walgreens, Wayfair, Office Depot

• Dashboard feels dated but works fine

• A “steady veteran” network with a huge variety of partners

CJ Affiliate program

5. ClickBank – Digital Products King

• Focused on digital products (courses, memberships, eBooks)

• Commissions between 40%–60%

• Huge earning potential, but choose products carefully

ClickBank affiliate program

6. PartnerStack – Best for Software Affiliates

• Built for SaaS/software programs

• Recurring commissions (20–50% monthly)

• Perfect for review/tutorial YouTubers

PartnerStack affiliate program

7. Impact – Best for Brand Partnerships

• Works with Shopify, Teachable, Vistaprint, Crypto.com

• Lets you negotiate custom contracts

• Clean dashboard + long-term partnerships

Impact affiliate network

8. Fiverr Affiliates – Perfect for Services

• Earn when your audience hires freelancers

• Great for creators whose viewers need editing, thumbnails, or voiceovers

I’ve noticed creators usually fall into two groups: some want to outsource everything, and others love the DIY approach. That’s why I recommend both. Fiverr is perfect if someone needs a designer or editor right away. But if they’d rather do it themselves, PackaPop Canva templates give them ready-made designs to start with. Two solutions, one strategy—and you win either way.

Fiverr Affiliate Program

I’ve noticed creators usually fall into two groups: some want to outsource everything, and others love the DIY approach. That’s why I recommend both. Fiverr is perfect if someone needs a designer or editor right away. But if they’d rather do it themselves, PackaPop Canva templates give them ready-made designs to start with. Two solutions, one strategy—and you win either way.

9. Canva Affiliate Program – Great for Creative Channels

• Earn commissions when people sign up for Canva Pro

• Perfect for design, creative, or social media niches

• Synergy with PackaPop Canva templates

Canva Pro affiliate program

10. vidIQ Affiliate Program – Growth-Focused

• Helps YouTubers with analytics, keyword research, and thumbnail testing

• Recurring commissions for every signup

• A tool I personally recommend to clients because it actually drives growth

vidIQ affiliate program

FAQs – Affiliate Programs for YouTubers

1. Which affiliate programs actually pay the most?
Usually software (PartnerStack) and digital products (ClickBank) — commissions can hit 40–60% or even recurring monthly.

2. I’m just starting out—what’s easiest to join?
Amazon Associates and ShareASale. Super beginner-friendly.

3. Can small channels join?
Yes! You don’t need 1,000 subs. If you have content, you can apply.

4. How much can YouTubers earn?
Anywhere from $50/month to thousands — depends on traffic + thumbnails.

5. Do I need 1,000 subs before adding affiliate links?
Nope! Start from day one. Bigger audiences just mean more clicks.

6. What’s the easiest way to boost affiliate sales?
Better thumbnails → higher CTR → more views → more clicks.
Use PackaPop templates for proven designs or outsource on Fiverr if design isn’t your thing.

Conclusion: Which Program Should You Pick?

There’s no single “best” program—it depends on your niche and your viewers.

• Beginners → Amazon or ShareASale

• Review/tutorial channels → ClickBank or PartnerStack

• Business/education creators → Fiverr, Canva, vidIQ

- Want to boost CTR? Use PackaPop Canva templates
- Prefer outsourcing? Try Fiverr designers
- Want to scale with data? Sign up for vidIQ

Don’t just sign up for programs and hope for the best. If you really want to win, set yourself up properly: use the right tools, make thumbnails that get clicks, and have a strategy. That’s the difference between hoping for income and actually building it.

Author: Samant C. — YouTube Manager & Strategist at PackaPop

I lead the PackaPop team, where we help businesses and creators across every niche turn YouTube into their #1 lead source. Together, we build strategies that drive growth, leads, and real results. Let’s talk about your channel or email me at ContactDesigner@packapop.com