🤫 There's a hidden opportunity in the streaming wars that most content creators overlook.
While platforms battle for subscribers, smart affiliates are earning commissions from every subscription they drive.
Video-on-demand (VOD) affiliate marketing offers exciting earning opportunities while promoting popular streaming services. Major platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Paramount Plus have established affiliate programs with attractive commission structures. These programs enable content creators to earn anywhere from $3 to $30 per successful subscription referral.
For smart marketers and content creators, this growing industry presents an excellent opportunity through affiliate marketing. By promoting popular VOD platforms, you can reach a large audience of entertainment enthusiasts and potentially earn significant commissions.
Later in this article, we explore some of the best mainstream VOD affiliate programs available today, highlighting their key features, commission structures, and target audiences.
Lights, camera, affiliate action!🎬
What are VOD Affiliate Programs?
VOD Affiliate Programs are performance-based marketing initiatives where content creators earn commissions by promoting video-on-demand streaming services. When creators recommend streaming platforms through unique affiliate links, they receive monetary rewards for successful referrals, such as free trial sign-ups or paid subscriptions. These programs typically offer commissions ranging from $2 to $30 per conversion, with cookie durations varying from 7 to 30 days.
Top Mainstream VOD Affiliate Programs
| Platform Name | Commission Rate | Cookie Duration (Days) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $1.60 – $9.60 | 14 | Commission structure includes earnings from both free trials and paid subscriptions; managed through FlexOffers; competitive commission rates; and affiliate-friendly promotional tools available. |
| Dish Network | $10 per Sale | 30 | Offers high commission rates, compensates for both online cart and offline phone orders, and provides free creative marketing materials to affiliates. |
| NOW TV | £2 – £8 per sale | 30 | Flexible subscriptions with no contracts; access to movies, sports, and exclusive content; various passes available. |
| Fubo TV | $10 – $30 per signup | 30 | Access to a wide range of sports channels, monthly payouts, and acceptance of traffic sources such as social media and banner ads. |
| Fandango | $0.10 – $2 per sale | 30 | Access to promotional materials, performance-based commission increases, and Fandango's established reach with over 30 million moviegoers. |
| Amazon Prime Video | $3 per sign-up | 30 | Earn $3 per referral; 30-day cookie duration; suitable for promoting media-related content. |
| CBS All Access | $9 per subscription | 10 | Offers easy-to-use marketing tools, opportunities to earn commissions through referrals, and promotional free trials for new subscribers. |
| Sling TV | 20% | 30 | The program offers flexibility in packages, appealing to cord-cutters, with diverse streaming options available (promotional material support) |
| Philo | $10 per sale | 30 | Earn $5 per free trial signup, $10 per sale, promotional tools include banners and social media ads, managed via CJ Affiliate. |
| AMC Networks | $8.00 per sign-up | 45 | Promotes award-winning films, documentaries & binge-worthy TV series with a wide range of content and exclusive AMC Network originals. |
| Netflix | 5% to 10% | 30 | The Netflix Affiliate Program is no more available |
| Hotstar | INR 64 per sale | 1 | Primarily focuses on the Indian audience |
1. Hulu
Hulu is a leading streaming service offering a range of content, including exclusive series, current-season episodes, movies, and original productions. With flexible subscription plans, users can customize their viewing experience, including options for live TV in select areas. As of 2023, Hulu has over 48 million subscribers in the United States.
The platform's extensive library, which includes content from major networks and studios, combined with its competitive pricing and user-friendly interface, has solidified Hulu's position as a top choice for streaming entertainment.
Why Join Hulu Affiliate Program?
2. Dish Network
Dish Network offers a satellite TV service with a range of packages and features. Their affiliate program provides competitive commissions and marketing support. With over 10 million subscribers and a reputation for customer satisfaction, Dish Network has been ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power for six consecutive years.
They offer diverse programming options, including America's Top packages with up to 290+ channels and specialized DishLATINO packages. Dish Network's advanced technology includes the Hopper 3® DVR, which is capable of recording up to 16 programs simultaneously.
Why Join Dish Network Affiliate Program?
3. NOW TV
NOW TV, a streaming service owned by Sky, offers a flexible approach to on-demand entertainment. With memberships for Entertainment, Cinema, Sports, and Hayu, viewers can access a wide range of content including live TV channels and on-demand shows.
NOW TV showcases over 60 compatible devices and provides options like Full HD streaming and ad-free viewing with its Boost add-on. As of 2024, NOW TV's Entertainment membership starts at £9.99 per month, while Sports memberships begin at £14.99, serving different viewer preferences.
Why Join NOW TV Affiliate Program?
4. Fubo TV
Fubo TV is a popular streaming service that offers live sports, news, and entertainment channels. With plans starting at $32.99/month, subscribers can access over 100 channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, and record shows with up to 1000 hours of Cloud DVR.
Fubo TV showcases an impressive lineup of soccer leagues like Premier League and MLS, along with NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games, making it a top choice for sports fans.
Why Join Fubo TV Affiliate Program?
5. Fandango
Fandango is a leading online ticketing platform and entertainment hub, offering movie tickets, showtimes, and exclusive content for film enthusiasts. Founded in 2000, Fandango has grown to serve over 67 million unique visitors monthly across its digital platforms. The company's affiliate program allows partners to earn commissions on ticket sales and merchandise purchases.
With a network of more than 36,000 screens in the United States, Fandango provides access to 80% of all U.S. theaters with advanced ticketing capabilities, making it a valuable partner for affiliates in the entertainment industry.
Why Join the Fandango Affiliate Program?
6. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a leading streaming service offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. As part of Amazon's Prime membership, it provides access to exclusive Amazon Originals like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”.
With over 200 million Prime subscribers worldwide as of 2021, Prime Video has become a major player in the streaming industry. The platform offers both included content and additional rental or purchase options, catering to a wide range of viewer preferences and making it an attractive choice for VOD affiliates.
Why Join Amazon Prime Video Affiliate Program?
7. CBS All Access
CBS All Access, now rebranded as Paramount+, offers a diverse streaming platform featuring original content, live TV, and a vast library of CBS shows. With over 30,000 episodes and movies, it caters to various genres, including drama, comedy, and sports.
CBS All Access access exclusive series like “Star Trek: Discovery” and “The Good Fight.” As of 2021, Paramount+ reported over 42 million global subscribers, demonstrating significant growth in the competitive streaming market. The platform's affiliate program provides opportunities for partners to earn commissions by promoting this expansive content offering.
Why Join CBS All Access Affiliate Programs?
8. Sling TV
Sling TV is a popular streaming service that offers live TV channels, sports, news, and on-demand content. Launched in 2015, it provides a flexible alternative to traditional cable packages, allowing users to customize their channel lineup. With over 2.3 million subscribers as of 2023, Sling TV offers two main packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each priced at $40 per month.
The service also includes a free tier called Freestream, which provides access to over 150 live channels and thousands of on-demand titles without requiring a subscription.
Why Join the Sling TV Affiliate Program?
9. Philo
Philo is a budget-friendly streaming service that offers a diverse selection of live and on-demand content. With over 60 popular channels, including AMC, Discovery, and Nickelodeon, Philo caters to viewers seeking entertainment, lifestyle, and educational programming.
As of 2023, Philo showcases over 800,000 subscribers, demonstrating its growing popularity in the streaming market. The platform's affordable pricing, starting at $25 per month, and features like unlimited DVR storage make it an attractive option for cord-cutters looking to maximize value without compromising on content variety.
Why Join the Philo Affiliate Program?
10. AMC Networks
AMC Networks is a prominent player in the streaming and cable television industry, offering a diverse portfolio of channels and streaming services. With popular platforms like AMC+, Shudder, Acorn TV, and ALLBLK, the company caters to various audience preferences.
AMC Networks reaches over 350 million households across more than 125 countries and territories. Their flagship channel, AMC, is known for critically acclaimed series like “The Walking Dead” and “Better Call Saul.” The company's streaming services have seen significant growth, with AMC+ surpassing 11 million subscribers in 2023.
Why Join AMC Networks Affiliate Program?
11. Netflix
Netflix, the world's leading streaming service, showcases over 232 million subscribers globally. With an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and original content, Netflix offers entertainment for all ages. The platform's user-friendly interface and compatibility with various devices make it a popular choice among viewers.
Netflix's success has changed the entertainment industry, setting the standard for streaming services and inspiring the creation of numerous competitors in the VOD market.
Why Join the Netflix Affiliate Program?
12. Hotstar
Hotstar, a leading Indian streaming platform owned by Star India and Disney, offers a library of movies, TV shows, and live sports. With over 300 million monthly active users and availability in multiple languages, Hotstar has become a dominant player in the Indian market.
Its affiliate program allows partners to earn commissions by promoting the platform, making it an attractive option for those looking to monetize their audience in India's rapidly growing streaming market.
Why Join Hotstart Affiliate Program?
Criteria for Program Selection Within Mainstream VOD Affiliate Programs
When selecting the best mainstream VOD affiliate programs, several key criteria are considered to ensure that affiliates can maximize their earnings and provide value to their audience. These criteria include:
Quenching Queries on Mainstream VOD Affiliate Programs
How do VOD Affiliate Programs Differ from Traditional Affiliate Programs?
VOD affiliate programs focus specifically on promoting streaming services and offering commissions for new subscriptions or purchases. They often have longer cookie durations and recurring commissions for subscription-based services.
What Metrics Should I Consider When Evaluating a VOD Affiliate Program?
Look at commission rates, cookie duration, conversion rates, average order value, payment terms, and the variety of promotional materials provided. Also, consider the program's reputation and user interface.
How Can I Optimize My Content for VOD Affiliate Marketing?
Create in-depth reviews, comparisons between services, curated content lists, and how-to guides. Use SEO best practices, incorporate video content, and target niche audiences interested in specific genres or content types.
Are There Any Legal Considerations Specific to Promoting VOD Services?
Yes, be aware of copyright laws, FTC disclosure requirements, and any geographical restrictions on content availability. Always disclose your affiliate relationship and avoid making false claims about the services.
How do VOD Affiliate Programs Handle International Promotions?
Some programs offer global commissions, while others may have region-specific terms. Check for geo-targeting options, multi-language support, and whether commissions vary by country or region.
What Strategies Work Best for Promoting VOD Services on Social Media?
Use platform-specific content like Instagram Stories for sneak peeks, YouTube for in-depth reviews, and Twitter for real-time discussions about new releases. Engage with fan communities and leverage trending topics.
How Can I Take Advantage of Seasonal Trends to Promote VOD Affiliate Programs?
Promote holiday-themed content, create gift guides for streaming subscriptions, and capitalize on major entertainment events like award seasons or premieres of highly anticipated shows or movies.
What are Some Common Challenges in VOD Affiliate Marketing, and How Can I Overcome Them?
Challenges include high competition, frequent content updates, and maintaining audience interest. Overcome these by niching down, staying updated on new releases, and creating engaging, value-added content for your audience.
How do VOD Affiliate Programs Typically Track Conversions and Attribute Sales?
Most use unique affiliate links or promo codes to track conversions. Some advanced programs may use cross-device tracking or even TV-to-digital attribution models for a more comprehensive view of the customer journey.
What are Some Innovative Ways to Promote VOD Services Beyond Traditional Affiliate Links?
Consider creating interactive content like quizzes to recommend shows, hosting virtual watch parties, developing browser extensions for easy recommendations, or collaborating with niche influencers for themed content promotions.
Summing Up on VOD Affiliate Programs
Transform your content creation journey into a profitable venture by partnering with premium VOD affiliate programs. Start with one program, master its offerings, and gradually expand your affiliate portfolio for maximum earnings.
From promoting premium platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu to focusing on niche services, success lies in authentic recommendations and targeted content strategies. Remember to analyze commission structures, cookie durations, and platform reliability before selecting your affiliate partnerships.
Start small, test different platforms, and scale your successful promotional strategies to maximize your earning potential in the streaming affiliate space.
