November 14, 2024
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Netflix is a film, television, media, and entertainment industry disruptor. It has even made Hollywood heavyweights and billionaires like Steven Spielberg squeal. While it came into its own in the 2010s, Netflix launched in 1998 as the world’s first online DVD rental store. Its unique business model surpassed Blockbuster, a former movie rental powerhouse, and many others. Moreover, its growing content library, original programming, and international expansion have expedited cord-cutting globally.
This post covers Netflix’s affiliate program and video-on-demand (VOD) streaming affiliate programs like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max.
Netflix Affiliate Program
Netflix doesn’t have an affiliate program for its streaming service. Years ago, it used affiliate marketing as a growth strategy and paid a generous commission per lead: $20 to $25 per trial conversion. However, Netflix has since phased out its affiliate program to grow through other means, including word-of-mouth and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
The termination of Netflix’s affiliate program was terrible for publishers since conversion rates, commissions, and earnings per click (EPC) were likely high. However, if you’re still determined to promote Netflix, you can join the Netflix Merch Shop affiliate program on Rakuten Advertising.
Affiliates can promote many alternatives to Netflix. Marketers can also promote related products and services in the consumer electronics, entertainment, movie, music, podcast, television, and radio categories.
Best VOD and Streaming Affiliate Programs
Let’s review the best Netflix affiliate program alternatives for beginners, bloggers, and social media marketers. Over-the-top (OTT), streaming VOD, and media merchants typically compensate publishers in two ways. First, affiliates may generate one-time or recurring commissions for new subscribers. Second, advertisers may also pay per lead for free trials and account sign-ups.
FlexOffers and Impact have the best selection of affiliate programs, followed by CJ Affiliate. To receive your commissions, you’ll need a PayPal or bank account (get free bank account details for USD, EUR, GBP, and other currencies from Wise).
Netflix Merch Shop
Netflix Merch Shop sells products from your favorite Netflix movies and shows, including Stranger Things, Squid Game, Big Mouth, Wednesday, Bridgerton, and The Witcher. Product categories include apparel, collectibles, toys, artwork, accessories, costumes, music, books, food, makeup, and more.
Netflix’s Merch Shop affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission: Up to 8% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: Rakuten Advertising and FlexOffers
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a streaming service offered by Amazon, one of the world’s leading e-commerce companies. It allows subscribers to access a vast library of films, television shows, and original content produced by Amazon Studios. In addition to the included content, Amazon Prime Video offers the option to rent or buy a wide array of movies and TV shows not included in its Prime subscription.
Amazon Prime Video’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission: $3 per trial
- Cookie duration: 24 hours
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate software: Amazon Associates and Impact
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is a subscription-based streaming service launched by Apple Inc. It features a broad array of original content Apple produces, including movies, documentaries, and television series across various genres. Apple TV+ doesn’t include a back catalog of non-original films and TV shows. Instead, it focuses entirely on its exclusive content created by a roster of high-profile creators and stars.
Apple’s affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission: 300% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $30
- Affiliate software: Partnerize
CuriosityStream
CuriosityStream is a subscription-based streaming service focused on non-fiction programming. The platform offers thousands of documentary films and series covering various topics, including nature, history, science, technology, society, and lifestyle. It aims to provide an educational and entertaining streaming experience for viewers of all ages who thirst for knowledge about the world around them.
CuriosityStream’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission: $3 per sale
- Cookie duration: 45 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
DAZN
DAZN (pronounced “Da Zone”) is a global over-the-top sports streaming service. Depending on the market, DAZN has broadcast rights for various sporting events, including football (soccer), boxing, mixed martial arts, baseball, and more. DAZN aims to change how the world sees sport by offering flexible access without a cable or satellite subscription. It is mainly known for its commitment to boxing and combat sports.
Marketers get the following with DAZN’s affiliate program:
- Commission: Up to $24 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers
DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV Stream, formerly AT&T TV, is a subscription-based, over-the-top streaming service that provides live television, on-demand content, and cloud DVR capabilities. AT&T offers it, designed to give the whole experience of cable or satellite television but delivered over the Internet. Depending on the package chosen, it provides a variety of channels, including local broadcast stations, premium networks, and sports channels.
DIRECTV’s affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission: Up to $250 per sale
- Cookie duration: 15 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: CJ Affiliate
Dish Network
Dish Network is a US-based provider of satellite television services and various channels and programming packages, including local and national channels, movies, sports, and international programming. Dish Network also provides technology for streaming television through Sling TV, an over-the-top internet television service that offers a selection of major cable channels.
Dish Network’s affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission: $100 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Impact
ESPN+
ESPN’s streaming service, ESPN+, isn’t a replacement for your ESPN cable channels but offers extra content that sports fans can’t find anywhere else. Viewers can stream live sports, ESPN originals, new and exclusive ESPN studio programming, and an unmatched sports archive of on-demand content.
The ESPN+ affiliate program is lucrative for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to $20 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Impact
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FloSports
FloSports covers various sports, including wrestling, track and field, gymnastics, cycling, motorsports, and more. FloSports operates through a subscription-based model, providing fans access to live events, original programming, and exclusive content across multiple platforms.
FloSports’ affiliate program offers these incentives:
- Commission: 10% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
FuboTV
FuboTV is a subscription-based, over-the-top internet television service primarily focused on channels that distribute live sports, including NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and international soccer, along with news, network television series, and movies.
FuboTV’s affiliate program is rewarding for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to $30 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Impact
Max (HBO Max)
Max is a standalone streaming platform that bundles all of HBO with even more TV favorites, blockbuster movies, and new Max Originals for everyone to enjoy.
Marketers get the following with the Max affiliate program:
- Commission: $10 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers
Hulu
Hulu offers various television series and movies, including those produced in-house. It’s also known for its “Hulu + Live TV” package, allowing subscribers to watch live and on-demand TV from over 60 top channels, including sports, news, entertainment, and the streaming library.
Hulu’s affiliate program has the following benefits:
- Commission: Up to $9.60 per sale
- Cookie duration: 14 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Sorvn
NBA.com
Never miss a moment with the official NBA app and NBA League Pass. Stream live NBA games, game replays, highlights, and access featured NBA TV programming online with Watch NBA TV. Also, get scores and stats with more ways to follow live games than ever.
The NBA affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission: 10% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
NFHS Network
The NFHS Network streams live and on-demand high school athletics for 27 different regular season and postseason sports and other high school activities in 44+ states.
The NFHS affiliate program offers the following incentives:
- Commission: $10 per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: Impact
More great reads:
- 36 Best Recurring Affiliate Programs
- 25 Best Gaming Affiliate Programs
- 29 Best Financial Affiliate Programs
- 22 Best Dating Affiliate Programs
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers a wide array of content, including live TV shows and movies, original programming from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, Smithsonian Channel, and the Paramount Pictures library, as well as live sports and news. It is also home to several popular and critically acclaimed original series, including continuations of the Star Trek franchise.
The Paramount+ affiliate program is attractive for these reasons:
- Commission: $9 per sale
- Cookie duration: 10 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Impact
Peacock TV
Peacock TV provides a mix of on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, news, sports, and original programming. Peacock’s library includes content from the NBCUniversal portfolio, including NBC, Bravo, USA Network, Syfy, and Universal Pictures
Affiliates get the following with Peacock’s affiliate program:
- Commission: Up to $12 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Rakuten Advertising
Roku
Roku specializes in digital media players that stream video content. Founded in 2002, Roku offers a range of products, including streaming sticks, set-top boxes, and smart TVs, that provide users access to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, and Amazon Prime Video. In addition to hardware, Roku operates its streaming platform, The Roku Channel, which offers free, ad-supported movies, TV shows, and live news.
Marketers get the following with Roku’s affiliate program:
- Commission: 5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
Get More Views and Subscribers
Sling TV
Sling offers a variety of channel lineups grouped into a couple of base packages. Subscribers can add on smaller, specialized channel packages based on interests like sports, kids, and international programming. Sling TV stands out for its flexible, à la carte approach to channel selection, allowing them to customize their viewing options.
Sling’s affiliate program is appealing for these reasons:
- Commission: Up to $15 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $10
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and Impact
Starz
Starz offers original programming and movies and occasionally broadcasts concerts and other special events. It’s known for original series like “Outlander,” “Power,” and “American Gods.” In addition to its traditional television network, Starz has a standalone streaming service, StarzPlay, which allows subscribers to stream its content on-demand on various devices.
The Starz affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission: $3 per trial
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: Impact
Vidgo
Vidgo’s channel lineup includes entertainment, sports, and news channels. It has a robust selection of sports programming, including popular sports networks. Vidgo also includes social viewing features, allowing users to watch programming together and interact within the app.
Marketers get the following with Vidgo’s affiliate program:
- Commission: $20 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: CJ Affiliate
Xfinity
Xfinity provides a streaming service, Xfinity Stream, which allows subscribers to watch live television, on-demand content, and DVR recordings on various devices. Xfinity also offers cable television, broadband internet, telephone, and home security systems.
Xfinity’s affiliate program offers the following structure:
- Commission: Up to $50 per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Payout threshold: $50
- Affiliate network: FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate
How to Promote VOD Streaming Companies
Here are ways to promote VOD streaming merchants across different funnel stages: ToFu, MoFu, and BoFu.
👉🏼 Top of Funnel (Awareness Stage): Create broad content that educates or entertains while subtly introducing VOD streaming services.
Comparison Articles: Create blog posts comparing multiple streaming platforms, highlighting features like original content, genres, user experience, and pricing tiers.
Trending TV Shows and Movies: Write roundups of the most popular or upcoming content, such as “Top Shows You Should Watch This Month,” with affiliate links to the platform.
Seasonal Content: Publish posts related to holiday seasons or events, such as “Best Family-Friendly Movies for the Holidays” or “Top Scary Movies for Halloween Night.”
👉🏼 Middle of Funnel (Consideration Stage): Create content that addresses potential objections and deepens your readers’ understanding of these services’ benefits.
In-Depth Reviews: Write detailed reviews of VOD platforms, focusing on exclusive content libraries, ease of use, and pricing. Add affiliate links with trial offers or discounts.
How-to Guides: Create guides like “How to Cut Cable and Stream Your Favorite Shows,” including reasons to choose VOD over cable and link to streaming services in the guide.
Genre-Specific Roundups: If a VOD service excels in a particular genre, create targeted content such as “Best Streaming Services for Anime Fans” or “Where to Watch Classic Films Online.”
👉🏼 Bottom of Funnel (Conversion Stage): Use call-to-action buttons to encourage users to sign up for or purchase a VOD service.
Exclusive Deals and Offers: Promote limited-time offers, free trials, and discounts for VOD platforms. Feature these in content like “Best Streaming Deals for January.”
Case Studies and Testimonials: Share user testimonials, success stories, or personal experiences with VOD services, explaining how they’ve benefited from subscribing.
Email Campaigns: Send newsletters showcasing new VOD content with affiliate links to platforms offering exclusive or early access.
Start Earning
A content battle is upon us, reminding me of the web browser wars of the 1990s. Netflix is the seasoned veteran in one corner, and multiple competitors are vying for second and third places in the other corner. With its free and premium viewing, people cannot dismiss YouTube. Although Disney started late, its brand portfolio is robust, which could catapult it past Netflix by the end of the decade.
I recommend promoting the service(s) you use and shows you enjoy. Authentic blogs and reviews will be critical in a crowded and growing sector.
