Live streaming has never been bigger, and today you can monetize your online following and grow your revenue stream with affiliate programs for streamers.
With more than 15 million daily active users on Twitch (and dozens of alternatives), streaming has become a viable occupation for high-profile individuals like Casimito and xQc, who earn six-figure monthly incomes from subscriptions alone.
But what if you’re not big enough to attract paying subscribers? Or perhaps you’re looking to diversify your revenue stream?
Either way, affiliate programs are the ideal solution. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best streamer affiliate programs…
Affiliate Programs for Streamers
- Twitch
- Newegg
- Razer
- Origin PC
- NVIDIA
- Logitech
- GameStop
- CORSAIR
- Secretlab US
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Nerd or Die
- OneStream.live
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Join the Free Training1 Twitch
Twitch dominates the live streaming world with a 73% market share. And while it’s best known for gaming, the Amazon-owned platform also runs music broadcasts, “IRL” streams, and a variety of other categories.
The Twitch affiliate program isn’t a traditional program. Most affiliate advertisers pay you for driving a specific “action,” like leads or sales. But with Twitch, you can’t monetize your profile through subscriptions, ads, or bits unless you’re a Twitch affiliate (or partner).
And there’s another key difference: unlike the vast majority of affiliate programs, Twitch is invite-only. Currently, to be eligible, you must have:
- 500+ total broadcast minutes in the last 30 days
- 7+ unique broadcasts in the last 30 days
- An average of 3+ concurrent viewers in the last 30 days
- 50+ followers
Twitch contacts newly eligible channels via email and the platform’s notification center within a few weeks.
Earnings are issued around the 15th of each month, provided you hit the threshold of $50 (or $100 for wire transfers).
- URL: Twitch affiliate program
- Commission rate: n/a
- Cookie duration: n/a
- Products/Services sold: Live streaming platform
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, wire transfer, PayPal
- Market(s): Global
2 Newegg
Newegg specializes in tech gadgets and computer hardware, but the online store also stocks products in categories like gaming and esports.
The company is no stranger to recognition, having won multiple awards and landed a spot on Newsweek’s 2023 list of best online consumer electronics stores. This translates to high brand trust and better conversion rates.
Newegg’s affiliate program is managed through Rakuten and pays a flat 1% commission, with a seven-day cookie window. The commission might sound low, but remember: we’re dealing with a lot of high-ticket products here.
Affiliates gain access to a variety of tools and resources, including banner and text links, deep linking, and a detailed product catalog updated multiple times a day. Plus a dedicated affiliate team is on hand to provide additional support.
- URL: Newegg affiliate program
- Commission rate: 1% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Products/Services sold: Computer parts, gaming accessories, gaming laptops, consoles, console games
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, PayPal, check
- Market(s): US, CA, AU
3 Razer
Razer is a powerhouse in the video game industry with a reputation to match. It’s won “Best of CES” an impressive nine times, after all.
From headphones to laptops, Razer offers a wide range of gaming products, and US customers get free standard shipping on orders over $79.
Join Razer’s affiliate program through Impact for a 30-day cookie window and commissions of 3% on peripherals and $5 per unit on gaming systems.
With a 30-day EPC of $0.83, it’s comparable to other gaming hardware brands on the Impact network.
Razer also offers a dedicated program for streamers, imaginatively called #RazerStreamer. Open to streamers with 50+ subscribers, it promises “exciting perks and benefits,” including a one-time 15% discount code for Razer products.
- URL: Razer affiliate program
- Commission rate: Up to 3% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Products/Services sold: Gaming peripherals, gaming laptops, gaming chairs
- Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
- Market(s): Various
4 Origin PC
Origin PC makes high-end custom PCs, predominantly for gamers. It’s got excellent brand recognition in the gaming niche, thanks partly to sponsorships with high-profile streamers like Bajheera, Towelliee, and LevelCapGaming. And, as we know, strong brand awareness often translates to higher conversions.
The company was founded by three former Alienware execs and acquired in 2019 by CORSAIR, which makes computer components for gamers.
Origin PC’s affiliate program, managed through CJ Affiliate, has a 30-day cookie duration and a 2% commission rate. Its three-month EPC of $53.02 puts it in the top 30% of gaming affiliate programs on the CJ network.
Origin is looking to partner with passionate PC gamers with social media accounts, Twitch or YouTube channels, or websites with gaming-related content.
It provides various marketing resources, including a detailed product catalog.
- URL: Origin PC affiliate program
- Commission rate: 2% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Products/Services sold: Gaming PCs, gaming accessories
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Market(s): US, CA
5 NVIDIA
NVIDIA is a global technology company with a footprint in various fields, from robotics and self-driving vehicles to deep learning and professional design.
But from a gaming context, the brand is best known for graphics processing units (GPUs) and graphics cards. Its products are regularly recognized as the best on the market by tech publications like T3 and IGN.
NVIDIA’s affiliate program is managed through Rakuten. The program has a seven-day cookie window and pays a flat 0.5% commission on all sales.
Sure, that doesn’t sound too generous. But NVIDIA charges $1,500+ for a new graphics card, so you can still earn solid commissions from each transaction.
- URL: NVIDIA affiliate program
- Commission rate: 0.5% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Products/Services sold: Graphics cards, graphics processing units, laptops
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, PayPal, check
- Market(s): US only
6 Logitech
Logitech, the technology pioneer that brought us the infrared cordless mouse and the thumb-operated trackball, continues to innovate with its gaming and streaming products.
Creators like KarimCheese rely on its USB microphones and stream cams. The company also owns several sub-brands, including ASTRO Gaming, Ultimate Ears, and Blue Microphones.
Logitech’s affiliate program, powered by Impact Radius,has a 30-day cookie window and a default commission rate of 4%, but it pays anywhere from 3% – 10% per sale, depending on the product category. And here’s a unique perk: the company rewards self-referrals, meaning you can earn a commission on your own purchases through your affiliate link.
With an average order value of $125, you can expect to earn anywhere from $3.75 – $12.50 on a typical transaction.
The company is open to working with influencers, so if you’ve got an existing following, this program could be the perfect fit.
- URL: Logitech affiliate program
- Commission rate: 3% – 10% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days
- Products/Services sold: Computer software, gaming peripherals
- Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
- Market(s): US, CA, MX
7 GameStop
GameStop is a major player in the video game and consumer electronics space, with 4,500+ stores, including over 3,000 in the US. Its broad appeal makes GameStop a comparatively easy “sell” for affiliate marketers.
In addition to new games, consoles, and accessories, GameStop is known for its extensive collection of heavily discounted pre-owned and refurbished products. All US GameStop orders of $59+ come with free shipping.
GameStop runs one of the most popular gaming affiliate programs. Managed through Rakuten, the program has a one-day cookie window and a tiered commission structure, ranging from 0.5% on clothes and 1% on video game sales to 7% on controllers, digital subscriptions, and pre-owned games and accessories.
- URL: GameStop affiliate program
- Commission rate: 0.5% – 7% per sale
- Cookie duration: 1 day
- Products/Services sold: PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox games, consoles and hardware, gaming accessories
- Payment methods: Direct deposit, PayPal, check
- Market(s): US only
8 CORSAIR
As mentioned, CORSAIR owns gaming PC giant Origin. But it’s a big deal in its own right, producing award-winning components and peripherals and products designed to enhance the gaming experience — think smart ambient lighting and esports coaching.
It also owns several well-known gaming brands, including Elgato, Gamer Sensei, and Scuf.
CORSAIR operates a streamer program instead of a traditional affiliate program. The program is designed for all types of streamers, from small to established creators, and offers benefits like affiliate links, discount codes, and CORSAIR merch. As streamers progress, they can earn financial and peripheral sponsorships, travel assistance, and marketing photography.
Current CORSAIR streamers include iamBrandon, CyborgAngel, and Loserfruit.
Unfortunately, CORSAIR doesn’t disclose cookie durations or commission rates, so you’ll need to apply to learn more.
- URL: CORSAIR streamer program
- Commission rate: Unlisted
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Products/Services sold: PC components, gaming gear
- Payment methods: Unlisted
- Market(s): Global
9 Secretlab US
There are few gaming chairs as coveted as those by Secretlab, one of the biggest names in the world of gaming chairs, shipping to customers in 50 countries. Each chair is backed by an impressive five-year extended warranty, ensuring quality and longevity.
Secretlab has cultivated a strong brand image, with partnerships with high-profile esports and entertainment brands like Team Liquid, Team Secret, and LCK. This has translated into remarkable conversion rates, averaging five times higher than other gaming chair brands.
The Secretlab affiliate program pays up to 12% per sale and has a seven-day cookie window. It offers monthly payouts via PayPal.
Secretlab spends heavily on retargeting to website visitors. So even if your referrals don’t buy immediately, there’s a good chance they’ll click an ad and convert later.
- URL: Secretlab affiliate program
- Commission rate: Up to 12% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Products/Services sold: Gaming chairs, desks, accessories
- Payment methods: PayPal
- Market(s): Global
10 ExpressVPN
Now, join me on a foray into the world of VPNs, another popular product category for streamers.
First up is ExpressVPN, one of the world’s largest VPN providers, operating 160 VPN locations in 94 countries.
ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies — the people behind rival VPN services CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. It offers many trust signals, including a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easier to close the deal.
The provider has affiliate programs on various networks, paying cash commissions of up to $54 per sale, depending on contract length.
As an ExpressVPN affiliate marketer, you can access customized landing pages and dedicated support on content, design, SEO, and UX.
Be aware that you need a live website publishing VPN-related content to be accepted.
- URL: ExpressVPN affiliate program
- Commission rate: Up to $54 per sale
- Cookie duration: 90 days
- Products/Services sold: VPN services
- Payment methods: Various
- Market(s): Global
11 NordVPN
Sticking with the VPN theme, NordVPN is a cybersecurity company used by over 14 million customers worldwide.
Literally everyone who’s ever watched a stream has heard of NordVPN, thanks to its dedicated — verging on aggressive — sponsorship program. The company has sponsored thousands of YouTubers, including huge names like MrBeast and PewDiePie.
That’s excellent news for affiliate marketers. If someone has already heard of the products you’re promoting, there’s a better chance they’ll buy.
NordVPN operates two affiliate programs: one in-house, the other through Skimlinks. Both have 30-day cookie windows, but the commission rates vary (see table).
Pleasingly, the company is happy to negotiate higher commissions for top-performing affiliates.
NordVPN provides a wealth of marketing resources, including access to a dedicated affiliate manager to help with driving conversions.
Network | Commission | Cookie | Market | URL |
---|---|---|---|---|
In-house | 30% – 100% | 30 days | Global | Sign Up |
Skimlinks | 60% | 30 days | Global | Sign Up |
- Products/Services sold: VPN services
12 Nerd or Die
Nerd or Die creates products, designs, and other resources for content creators. Its steam designs, alerts, and overlays are compatible with all the big streaming platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.
The company has helped over three million creators improve their content quality, including influencers and streamers like FemSteph and Pr0phie.
Nerd or Die’s affiliate program pays commissions of 10% – 30% per sale, depending on your affiliate tier level. You must hit referral and revenue targets to reach higher tiers, while the top tier is by application or invitation only.
Affiliate partners can access marketing tools and the Nerd or Die affiliate portal, while higher-tier affiliates enjoy elevated benefits, including free access to new products.
Nerd or Die is open to working with a wide range of affiliates, including bloggers, YouTubers, streamers, website owners, and newsletter marketers. That gives you a lot of scope for driving referrals.
- URL: Nerd or Die affiliate program
- Commission rate: Up to 30% per sale
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Products/Services sold: Streaming solutions
- Payment methods: Unlisted
- Market(s): Global
13 OneStream
OneStream is a cloud-based solution for live and pre-recorded streams. It’s compatible with dozens of streaming platforms, including Facebook Live, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitch.
To date, OneStream has amassed 200,000+ active users and powered millions of streams. And it’s clearly done a good job, with the company achieving an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot from 700+ reviews.
OneStream’s in-house affiliate program pays a generous 55% commission on all sales. As if that wasn’t enough, you also earn 10% on sales generated by sub-affiliates you recruit.
Affiliate partners can offer up to 25% discounts to new customers, which can be a powerful tool for sealing the deal.
- URL: OneStream affiliate program
- Commission rate: 55% per sale
- Cookie duration: Unlisted
- Products/Services sold: Streaming solutions
- Payment methods: Unlisted
- Market(s): Global
How Streamers Can Make Money
Unlocking the top revenue streams in the industry.
Affiliate programs: Simple and effective, affiliate marketing is a no-brainer for savvy streamers. Recommend products to your audience, and when they make a purchase via your affiliate link, you’ll earn a cut of the sale.
Sponsorship: Make a coin by becoming a brand ambassador. Use a brand’s products, wear their merch, or sip their drinks on camera, all while getting paid for it. It’s the ultimate win-win situation.
Partnership: Take your relationship with brands to the next level by collaborating on dedicated product lines inspired by your unique vision. Share resources and profits, and watch your bank account soar..
Merch: Show off your style and earn money at the same time by selling branded merchandise to your fans. Thanks to platforms like Gelato and Printify, creating and selling merch has never been easier.
Donations: Donations are essentially unofficial, one-off subscription payments. They’re basically about telling your audience: “You like my content, so help me make more by giving me some cash.”
How Streamers Can Benefit From Affiliate Programs
Before signing up for one (or all) of the streamer affiliate programs we’ve recommended, it pays to understand the ins and outs of affiliate marketing.
From rules to best practices, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to make the most out of your affiliate program.
Typical Affiliate Program Rules
Running PPC ads: Hold off on running paid search activity, streamers. Many affiliate programs prohibit this because it can cannibalize traffic and jack up costs. Make sure to read the fine print on PPC policies before you get started.
Running PPC ads: Hold off on running paid search activity, streamers. Many affiliate programs prohibit this because it can cannibalize traffic and jack up costs. Make sure to read the fine print on PPC policies before you get started.
Running PPC ads: Hold off on running paid search activity, streamers. Many affiliate programs prohibit this because it can cannibalize traffic and jack up costs. Make sure to read the fine print on PPC policies before you get started.
Submitting URLs: Show advertisers what you’ve got by submitting the URLs of your streaming profile, YouTube channel, and website. This helps them understand how you’ll promote their products or services
Making self-purchases: Sorry, but you (normally) can’t earn commissions on your own purchases via referral links. Time to get your credit card out of the equation.
Disclosing affiliate relationships: Ad codes require you to disclose your affiliate relationships. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our guide to affiliate disclosures.
What to Consider Before Joining An Affiliate Program
Does the brand look legit? First and foremost, do your due diligence. The vast majority of affiliate programs are legitimate, but there are a handful of scammers out there. Check out their website, social profiles, and reviews before signing up to avoid any nasty surprises.
Is the affiliate program relevant to your audience? Not all streaming audiences are alike. For instance, if your followers are predominantly console gamers, they’re less likely to be interested in NVIDIA products. Make sure the products or services you’re promoting align with your audience’s interests.
Are the rewards worth the effort? In other words, will you earn decent commissions promoting the product in question? Look beyond high commission rates and focus on the conversion rate and audience relevance to gauge potential earnings.
How “fair” are the payment terms? Some advertisers won’t pay your commissions until 90+ days after the sale or until you’ve hit a high payment threshold. Other affiliate programs pay weekly (or even daily). Again, you need to decide if the payment terms are attractive enough to make a program worthwhile.
What support do they offer? Good affiliate programs provide marketing tools, resources, and dedicated managers to help optimize your campaigns. Make sure the program you join has the support you need to succeed.
How to Promote Streamer Affiliate Programs
Found a few affiliate programs that fit the bill? Use these methods to promote them:
- Add banners to your Twitch profile
- Post your unique link in your Twitch profile
- Paste an affiliate link list beneath your YouTube video
- Include referral links in chat bot timer popups within your streams
- Capture followers’ email addresses and share links in newsletters
Conclusion
The streaming space is extremely competitive. And with Twitch’s algorithm prioritizing creators who generate tons of views, it can be tough for newbies to gain traction.
That doesn’t mean you should give up before you start; just that you shouldn’t rely on a single platform to earn money.
For that reason, we recommend building your own website to capture traffic from multiple sources — like streaming platforms, email newsletters, social media, and search engines — and send it to the brands you’re promoting.
Sounds complicated? Don’t worry; Authority Hacker’s here to help!
Sign up for our free training to learn seven secrets that make new sites 83% more successful.
FAQs
High-profile streamers with large followings can earn over $100,000 per month just from subscriptions.
However, figures for lesser-known streamers are hard to come by. According to CNBC, professional streamers can earn up to $5,000 a month in subscriptions by playing 40 hours a week.
Plus, there’s additional income from ad revenue, which amounts to around $250 per 100 subscribers.
Being a Twitch affiliate is worth it if you only plan to stream through Twitch.
The benefits of becoming a Twitch affiliate include channel points, custom emotes, and the ability to receive Twitch bits.
However, Twitch affiliates aren’t allowed to multi-stream (i.e. stream to multiple platforms simultaneously). If multi-streaming is important to you, the Twitch affiliate program isn’t a good fit.