Ads aren’t the only way to make money on YouTube. In fact, they might not even be the best way anymore.
Affiliate marketing for YouTubers is the underrated revenue stream that brings in real cash, without needing millions of views. It’s one of the top YouTube monetization alternatives for creators in 2025.
Want ad-free income, easy YouTube money, and real passive income for creators? Let’s break it down.
What Is Affiliate Marketing (and Why You Should Care)
Affiliate marketing means you earn commission by promoting other people’s products. Viewers click your YouTube affiliate links, make a purchase, and you get paid.
This isn’t about being salesy. It’s about recommending things you actually use, like a camera, a book, or a course.
If you’ve ever wanted to make money from product mentions or earn more from your existing videos, affiliate marketing is your way in.
And the best part? It’s one of the online income streams that keeps working long after you’ve posted the video.
Why Affiliate Links on YouTube Beat Ads
Affiliate commissions for video creators often outpace what you’d earn from ads, especially if your views are under 100k.
YouTube takes a cut from ads. But affiliate programs pay you directly.
That means more control, better margins, and additional YouTube revenue even if you’re not eligible for monetization.
Get Paid Before the Views Roll In
Why wait for monthly payouts? With MilX Active Funds, you can access up to 6 months of future YouTube income. No credit checks. Just fast access to your money.
11 Best YouTube Affiliate Programs 2025
Not all programs are created equal. Here are a few best affiliate programs for creators in 2025:
#1: Amazon Associates
If you only try one affiliate program, try this one.
Amazon Associates is the classic go-to for YouTubers. Why? Because almost anything you mention in your video probably exists on Amazon, and people already trust the platform.
Whether you’re doing a product review, “what’s in my bag” vlog, or gaming gear tour, dropping an affiliate link in the description can bring in serious cash.
Commissions vary by category (1–10%), but the traffic volume and global reach make up for it.
Best for:
- Lifestyle content;
- Tech and camera reviews;
- Budget shopping hauls.
#2: Skillshare
Skillshare turns watching into learning, and learning into commission.
You earn $10 every time someone signs up for a free trial using your YouTube affiliate link. Plus, it’s perfect for creators teaching design, business, writing, or video editing.
The best part? You don’t need to sell anything. A free trial is enough to earn.
Best for:
- Tutorial channels;
- Creators in creative or productivity niches;
- Motivational YouTubers who teach a skill.
#3: Movavi
If you talk about content creation, editing, or growing on YouTube, Movavi is your goldmine.
You can make a tutorial showing how you edit with it or even compare it to tools like Premiere Pro.
Best for:
- YouTube growth tips;
- Tech tutorials;
- Beginner creators.
#4: MilX Ambassador Program
Want affiliate income that isn’t tied to product sales? Refer creators to MilX. You share a unique link; they get real cash-flow tools (up to 6 months of AdSense upfront or 60-day early payouts, plus 10+ withdrawal methods), and you earn a kickstart payout per qualified signup plus retention bonuses at 3 and 9 months. It converts because you’re solving a painful creator problem — cash timing — not pushing another app.
Best for:
- Creator educators, managers, editors, community leaders
- Finance/“how to grow on YouTube” channels
- Tool reviewers and agency owners who advise YouTubers
#5: Sellfy
Want affiliate commissions for video creators that keep coming every month? Sellfy gives you 25% recurring revenue for as long as the user stays subscribed.
Even better, Sellfy is built for creators. If your audience sells digital products (ebooks, templates, music), this affiliate program can help them while it pays you.
Best for:
- Entrepreneurial creators;
- Side hustle YouTubers;
- Finance, Etsy, or productivity niches.
#6: Honey
Online shopping meets affiliate marketing, Honey is a browser extension that finds discount codes for users while they shop.
You promote it. They download it. You earn.
Honey is popular, free, and highly trusted. Even better, each download pays you.
Best for:
- Budget hacks and savings channels;
- Tech reviews;
- Fashion hauls or lifestyle vlogs.
#7: Adobe
Whether you're editing, designing, or building templates, Adobe is the industry standard.
You can promote Creative Cloud, Adobe Stock, or Document Cloud and get rewarded for every sign-up or sale.
Best for:
- Designers;
- Creatives using Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Lightroom;
- Tutorial or digital product creators.
#8: Audible
Got a lifestyle channel, self-improvement content, or just love storytelling?
Audible is your affiliate match. Recommend your favorite audiobook, share what you’re listening to during morning walks, or review a trending podcast episode.
Best for:
- Booktubers;
- Self-help and productivity channels;
- Daily vloggers with personal routines.
#9: Airbnb
Airbnb isn't just for travelers, it’s for creators who explore.
If you film vlogs abroad, document your digital nomad lifestyle, or talk about hosting, you can earn affiliate income by recommending Airbnb stays or encouraging others to become hosts.
Best for:
- Travel vloggers;
- Digital nomads;
- Remote work/lifestyle creators.
#10: TripAdvisor
Turn travel plans into passive income. TripAdvisor lets you earn when viewers click through and book via your links.
From hotel reviews to destination guides, you can monetize clicks, even if viewers don’t book immediately.
Best for:
- Review-style videos;
- Travel documentaries;
- Itinerary breakdowns or “travel tips” content.
#11: Twitch
Gaming, music, art, or just chatting? Twitch lets creators monetize the community directly.
Even if you’re not on YouTube alone, Twitch’s affiliate program rewards you with Bits, subs, and bonuses for building an engaged fanbase.
Best for:
- Live streamers;
- Reaction or gaming content;
- Creators with interactive formats.
These are just some of the best YouTube affiliate programs tailored to different niches.
Video Types That Actually Convert
Some content works better for affiliate links on YouTube. Focus on these video types for affiliates:
- Product reviews. Break down the pros/cons of a tool or gadget. Add your affiliate link in the description.
- How-to guides. Tutorials are gold. People want to buy the tools you use.
- Top 10 lists or comparisons. “Top 5 budget cameras” is a click magnet, perfect for adding multiple links.
- Behind-the-scenes content. Share your gear, your workflow, and what makes your content better.
Control Your Income, Not Just Your Content
YouTube pays monthly. Affiliate programs vary. Want more flexibility? MilX lets you withdraw your earnings anytime, in 40+ currencies, including crypto. Send it to a bank, card, or wallet. No delay. No stress.
Affiliate Link Strategies That Work
Great content isn't enough. Here’s how to boost affiliate revenue the smart way:
- Link in description strategy. Place affiliate links in the top 3 lines of your video description.
- Use clear CTAs. Say: “Check the link below for the mic I’m using.”
- Pin a comment. Repeat the link and product name in your pinned comment.
- Track your links. Use Bitly or a tracker to see what works.
- Always add an affiliate disclosure on YouTube. Stay transparent and follow FTC guidelines.
Smarter Monetization with MilX
Affiliate marketing for YouTubers isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential.
Whether you're a small channel or scaling fast, earning with affiliate links on YouTube gives you freedom. No more relying on Google ads alone.
Pick the right YouTube affiliate programs, focus on video types that convert, and use smart affiliate link strategies.
Affiliate marketing helps you earn more. But what if you want to scale fast, invest in better gear, or launch a new video series?
That’s where MilX steps in.
With MilX Active Funds, creators get upfront access to their future YouTube revenue.
Use it to fuel growth, without debt, delays, or complications.
- Automatic repayment from your channel income;
- No credit check required;
- Withdraw in 40+ currencies;
- P2P transfers to pay your team (editors, designers, etc.).
You can also fold MilX into your affiliate strategy to unlock referral payouts. Join the MilX Ambassador Program and build a steady new revenue line.
- Share your unique link → get a kickstart payout per qualified signup plus retention bonuses at 3 and 9 months;
- Easy sell: creators get up to 6 months upfront or 60-day early payouts, 10+ withdrawal methods, and global support;
- Perfect for creators, managers, editors, and community leads who already advise YouTubers.
Over 3,100 creators already use MilX to stay ahead. If you’re ready to turn your earnings into momentum, give MilX a try.