Affiliate marketing is an excellent way for influencers to make money. When influencers promote products and services to their audiences, they’ll earn commissions for purchases.
Thousands of affiliate programs are available, so choosing the ones that align with your audience and niche is essential to generating commissions.
This post explores the best influencer affiliate programs and networks for various niches. First, however, let’s understand the differences between influencers and affiliate marketers.
Improve your affiliate marketing strategy with these reads:
Influencers vs. affiliate marketers
Influencer marketing is a collaboration between popular social media users and brands to promote products or services. An influencer focuses on building a significant presence and followership on social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook. Popular influencer niches include fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle, travel, food, home furnishings, pets, relationships, and dating.
Affiliate marketing is also a partnership between content creators and brands/merchants. However, content channels go beyond social media to include blogs, websites, podcasts, and email marketing. Affiliate marketers focus on getting free and paid traffic to their content, and affiliate programs are available for almost every niche.
Influencers usually command a flat fee or receive free products in exchange for brand promotions. By contrast, affiliate marketers earn commissions for leads and sales through unique referral links.
While building trust with audiences is critical, influencers prioritize community engagement, whereas affiliate marketers aim to provide helpful information, reviews, and product recommendations.
Naturally, there is some overlap between influencers and affiliate marketers because both produce content, promote companies, and use tracking links.
| Influencer | Affiliate Marketer | |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Brand awareness, engagement, and sales | Lead generation and sales |
| Key metrics | Social media followers and YouTube channel subscribers | Website traffic and email subscribers |
| Main content channels | Social media and YouTube | Blog, website, email marketing, and YouTube |
| Income sources | Varies, but can include sponsored content, product gifting, flat rate fees, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing commissions | Affiliate marketing commissions, advertising revenue, e.g., Google AdSense, and digital product sales like online courses |
Learn more about the differences between affiliate marketers and influencers on our marketing podcast:
GetResponse for influencers
GetResponse is a top-rated email marketing platform that helps influencers grow their businesses and income. It offers various tools, including email marketing, autoresponders, marketing automation, website and landing page builders, opt-in forms, sales funnels, and ecommerce integrations. GetResponse is the perfect influencer solution because of its robust features and affordable plans.
GetResponse also has a lucrative affiliate program, paying a 33% recurring commission rate or an upfront payment of $100. Influencers get an industry-leading 120-day referral window, marketing materials, a deep link generator, promotional events, and full-time affiliate support.
Best affiliate programs & networks for influencers
- Amazon Influencer
- Walmart Creator
- Etsy Creator
- YesStyle Influencer
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Ulta Beauty
- Target
- Booking
- Expedia
- Chewy
- PetSmart
- eHarmony
- Meetup
- Impact
- CJ Affiliate
- ShareASale
- Rakuten Advertising
- FlexOffers
- Sovrn
- Skimlinks
Some companies, like Amazon and Walmart, have distinct influencer programs. However, in most cases, influencers will join affiliate programs.
1. Amazon Influencer
Amazon is a global ecommerce and cloud computing company. It is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and is one of the world’s largest online retailers. It offers many products, including books, video games, electronics, clothing, jewelry, furniture, food, and more. Amazon also offers a subscription service called Amazon Prime, including free two-day shipping, movies and TV shows, and music streaming.
Amazon Associates is the name of Amazon’s affiliate marketing program. The program has existed since 1996 and is available in over 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, and Brazil. Amazon Influencers is an offshoot of Amazon Associates and targets social media content creators using Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. An additional benefit of its influencer program is the ability to create a storefront, a personalized page on Amazon’s site.
Being the titan that it is, Amazon has products for every niche. Amazon’s affiliate and influencer programs offer the following benefits:
- Suitable niches: All
- Commission rate: Up to 10%
- Referral window: 24 hours
- Affiliate software/network: In-house
2. Walmart Creator
Walmart is a multinational retail corporation that operates discount departments and grocery stores. Walmart is known for its low prices and thousands of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, home goods, and more. In addition to its physical stores, Walmart has a strong ecommerce presence, allowing customers to shop online and have their purchases shipped to their homes or made available for in-store pickup.
Walmart has an affiliate program on Impact, which is open to everyone. It also has a program called Walmart Creator for content creators and influencers. Although no number of followers is required, creators must be 18 or older and live in the US.
Walmart’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Niches: All
- Commission rate: Up to 4%
- Referral window: 3 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
3. Etsy
Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell handmade, vintage, and unique jewelry, clothing, home decor, and craft supplies. Etsy promotes creativity and supports independent artists and entrepreneurs. Sellers on Etsy come from around the world and offer various unique and often handcrafted items.
Etsy has an affiliate program for bloggers, media companies, and editorial publications. Alternatively, Etsy’s influencer program supports social media creators.
Influencers get the following benefits from Etsy’s affiliate program:
- Niches: Jewelry, accessories, fashion, home furnishings, lifestyle, art, handmade, and gifts
- Commission rate: 4%
- Referral window: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale, Awin, and CreatorIQ
4. YesStyle
YesStyle is an online retailer specializing in Asian beauty and lifestyle products. The company sells a range of items, including skincare, makeup, haircare, clothing, and home goods, and it ships internationally to over 100 countries.
YesStyle has an affiliate program on ShareASale. It also has an influencer program consisting of multiple tiers and rewards, including free products, giveaways, and commissions for referring other influencers.
YesStyle’s affiliate program offers influencers the following benefits:
- Niches: Fashion, beauty, makeup, skincare, fragrance, accessories, and lifestyle
- Commission rate: 10%
- Referral window: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: ShareASale, Awin, Commission Factory, and Dynamic Yield
5. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty
Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) is a luxury fashion brand. It offers various products, including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, handbags, small leather goods, shoes, fragrances, skincare, and makeup. YSL Beauty reflects the modern woman who loves fashion. With audacious and beautifully wearable makeup, innovative skincare, and alluring fragrances, YSL defines luxury, heritage, quality, and style.
YSL’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Niches: Beauty, makeup, skincare, fragrance, accessories, and lifestyle
- Commission rate: 2% to 5%
- Referral window: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact, CJ Affiliate, and Awin
6. Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is a beauty retailer operating across the United States. It sells a large assortment of cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, accessories, and hair care products from various brands. Additionally, it offers salon services like haircuts, color treatments, and facials.
Influencers will enjoy Ulta Beauty’s affiliate program for these reasons:
- Niches: Beauty, makeup, skincare, fragrance, accessories, and lifestyle
- Commission rate: 2%
- Referral window: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
Read more:
1. How to build an email list for affiliate marketing
2. Best recurring affiliate programs to join in 2024
3. How to build a high-converting affiliate marketing funnel
7. Target
Target is a general merchandise retailer that sells various products, including clothing, home goods, electronics, toys, and more. Target is known for its trendy and affordable products and its focus on design and style. Target has a growing ecommerce presence.
Target’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Niches: All
- Commission rate: Up to 8%
- Referral window: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
8. Booking
Booking is an online travel company allowing users to search for and book hotels, vacation rentals, and other accommodations and services. The company offers a wide selection of properties, competitive prices, and user-friendly booking and payment processes.
Booking’s portfolio of brands includes Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, and Rental Cars, which all have affiliate programs on CJ Affiliate. Kayak, also owned by Booking, has a separate affiliate network to promote it, HotelsCombined, Momondo, and Cheapflights.com.
Booking’s affiliate programs offer the following benefits:
- Niches: Travel, accommodations, rentals, leisure, and lifestyle
- Commission rate: 3% to 6%
- Referral window: Up to 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: In-house and CJ Affiliate
9. Expedia
Expedia is an online travel company enabling users to search for and book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, tours, and vacation packages. The company also offers travel guides, reviews, and recommendations to help customers make informed trip decisions.
Expedia’s brands include Vrbo, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire, and CarRentals.com. You’ll find affiliate programs for those companies, mainly on CJ Affiliate.
Influencers get the following from Expedia’s affiliate programs:
- Niches: Travel, accommodations, rentals, leisure, and lifestyle
- Commission rate: 2% to 6%
- Referral window: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
10. Chewy
Chewy is an online pet supply store selling food, toys, grooming supplies, medicine, and other pet essentials from 3,500+ brands, including IAMs, Blue, and Perina. The company prides itself on its fast shipping, low prices, and excellent customer service. Additionally, it offers free delivery for purchases over $49.
Chewy’s affiliate program is potentially lucrative given the following terms:
- Niches: Pet, dog, cat, and animal health
- Commission rate: 4%
- Referral window: 30 days
- Affiliate software/network: Partnerize
11. PetSmart
PetSmart is a pet supply retailer operating physical stores and an ecommerce site. It sells pet food, toys, grooming products, furniture, aquariums, and other accessories. In addition to its retail offerings, PetSmart also provides pet training, day camps, and accommodations.
PetSmart’s affiliate program offers the following benefits:
- Niches: Pet, dog, cat, and animal health
- Commission rate: 2%
- Referral window: 15 days
- Affiliate software/network: Impact
12. eHarmony
eHarmony is an online dating website that uses a comprehensive matching system to pair individuals based on their profiles and compatibility. The company’s algorithm considers several factors, including personality traits, values, interests, and relationship goals.
Influencers get the following with eHarmony’s affiliate program:
- Niches: Dating, relationships, matchmaking, and social
- Commission rate: 20%
- Referral window: 45 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
13. Meetup
Meetup is a social networking platform facilitating offline group gatherings for individuals interested in similar activities or causes. It allows users to create events and invite others who share their interests, whether related to hobbies, professional development, political activism, or other topics. Meetups can take many forms, such as classes, workshops, outdoor excursions, volunteer opportunities, or simply socializing over drinks or food.
Meetup’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Niches: Relationships, social events, meetings, and activities
- Commission rate: $20
- Referral window: 7 days
- Affiliate software/network: CJ Affiliate
In addition to the programs above, you can find thousands more on affiliate networks.
An affiliate network connects merchants (also known as advertisers) with affiliates (also known as publishers).
For example, Impact has over 4,000 merchant listings to serve its robust affiliate and influencer databases. Alternatively, a sub-affiliate network is a company that provides services to brands and content creators to make it easier for them to monetize content. For instance, instead of joining 10 to 20 separate programs, Skimlinks gives you access to 48,500 affiliate programs, all in one place. Also, it will automatically turn all your commerce links into affiliate links. Let’s review the top affiliate and sub-affiliate networks.
14. Impact
Impact is a global leader in partnership marketing, helping brands and publishers grow their businesses through innovative digital marketing software. Impact’s platform provides various tools and services to help users maximize their marketing efforts, including tracking and reporting, campaign management, and partner recruitment. Creator is its full-funnel influencer marketing platform for creator management, collaboration, and growth.
Impact features over 4,300 brands and offers an impressive selection of merchants in jewelry, consumer electronics, cosmetics, skincare, financial, gaming, home improvement, and pet niches.
15. CJ Affiliate
CJ Affiliate is a leading affiliate marketing network providing technology, tools, and support for advertisers and publishers. The platform offers a range of features and benefits, including real-time tracking and reporting, customizable commission structures, and advanced security measures.
CJ Affiliate network has over 3,200 program listings and is suitable for creators in the travel, dating, beauty, lifestyle, and fashion niches.
16. ShareASale
ShareASale connects bloggers and influencers with brands for affiliate marketing opportunities. The network supports thousands of publishers and advertisers, offering an expansive list of products and services to promote.
Over 5,000 merchants use ShareASale, and its strengths lie in the following niches: food, drink, jewelry, fashion, cosmetics, wellness, and home and garden.
17. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising works with various publishers, including bloggers, influencers, loyalty sites, cashback sites, and more. Advertisers can choose from multiple publisher cost-per-action models, depending on their marketing objectives and target audience.
Rakuten Advertising has over 2,400 program listings and is an excellent affiliate network for fashion and makeup influencers.
18. FlexOffers
FlexOffers is an affiliate and sub-affiliate marketing network that connects publishers with advertisers across various industries, including fashion, travel, and consumer goods. The company helps its clients reach their target audiences through digital marketing channels like email, social media, and content marketing.
FlexOffers has thousands of listings, making joining programs easy through direct and sub-affiliate partnership agreements. Additionally, it has robust offerings for most niches.
19. Sovrn
Sovrn is a technology company that provides advertising and affiliate marketing solutions for publishers and advertisers. The platform allows publishers to monetize their content through targeted advertising and affiliate marketing programs while providing data analytics and insights to help them optimize their revenue streams.
Over 50,000 merchants are available through Sovrn, including Adidas, Amazon, Forever21, Burberry, Dell, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Lowe’s, and Walmart.
20. Skimlinks
Skimlinks is a platform that enables publishers to monetize their content by automatically converting links into affiliate links. Skimlinks works with thousands of publishers and merchants across the globe, helping them to generate revenue from their content.
Skimlinks offers access to 48,500+ merchants by working with 50+ networks, including CJ Affiliate, Awin, and Rakuten Advertising. Some of those merchants include Wayfair, Adobe, ASOS, Sephora, and QVC.
Ready to earn?
In the ever-growing influencer marketing space, aligning with the right brands and affiliate programs can be a game-changer. This carefully curated list offers avenues for monetization and partnerships that will resonate with your target audience and niche.
Remember, authenticity and the value you can bring to your followers through the products and services you promote will impact your earnings. By selecting the best affiliate programs that resonate with your brand and community, you’re promoting products, building trust, and fostering meaningful connections. So, dive into these top affiliate programs and affiliate networks, and embark on a journey that empowers you and your fans.
Want to improve your influencer affiliate marketing business even further? Discover the advanced marketing strategies that’ll get your affiliate business thriving with our expert webinar: