How to Join Affiliate Programs for Streamers

Imagine earning money while you stream, not just from subscriptions or donations, but by promoting products and services you genuinely love. Welcome to the world of stream affiliate marketing.

Whether you’re just starting or you’re already building a community, affiliate marketing offers streamers a powerful way to monetise their content without needing thousands of viewers. It’s low-risk, highly flexible, and scalable — perfect for creators who want to build passive income streaming.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what affiliate marketing is, how to find the right affiliate programs for streamers, how to promote links without sounding pushy, and how to turn clicks into consistent revenue. You’ll also gain insights into effective strategies, disclosure ethics, and tools to supercharge your affiliate performance.

What Is Affiliate Marketing for Streamers?

Affiliate marketing is when you earn a commission for promoting a product or service through a unique tracking link. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you get paid.

Why It Works for Streamers

• You already talk about gear, games, and services
• Viewers trust your opinion
• Links can be passive: live stream panels, commands, video descriptions, etc.

Example: You recommend a headset you love. A viewer buys it through your affiliate link. You earn 5–20% of the sale.

Key Affiliate Marketing Terms to Know

• Affiliate link: A trackable URL that gives you credit for referrals
• Conversion rate: Percentage of clicks that result in a sale
• Commission: Your cut from a sale (usually a percentage)
• Cookie window: How long after a click you’ll earn commission if someone purchases

How to Join Affiliate Programs as a Streamer

1. Identify Your Niche and Audience

Before applying, ask:

• What kind of content do I stream?
• What gear, games, tools, or services do I regularly use?
• What are my audience’s needs and interests?

Knowing your niche helps you promote relevant products authentically.

2. Sign Up for Affiliate Networks

Affiliate networks connect you with brands. Recommended platforms for streamers include:

Amazon Associates

• Huge product catalogue
• Up to 10% commission
• Ideal for gear recommendations
• 24-hour cookie window

PartnerStack

• Software and SaaS programs (e.g. Notion, Canva)
• B2B tools for productivity streamers or coaches

Impact Radius

• Hosts affiliate programs for Logitech, Elgato, Adobe
• Competitive commission rates

ShareASale

• Offers niche product programs (e.g. niche merch, gamer lifestyle brands)
• Search-friendly interface

Awin

• Broad network across tech, gaming, and lifestyle products

Pro Tip: Have a portfolio, stream link, or bio ready. Some programs screen applicants.

3. Join Direct Affiliate Programs

Some brands run in-house affiliate programs:

• Elgato: Great for stream gear
• Streamlabs: Affiliate + referral structure
• NordVPN: Popular among gaming streamers
• Gamer Supps / GFuel: Energy drinks for gamers

Check each brand’s website footer for “Affiliate” or “Partners” links.

4. Create Tracking Links

Each program will give you a custom URL:

• Shorten with tools like Bitly or Geniuslink
• Track clicks, conversions, and commissions

5. Set Up Your Affiliate Dashboard

• Monitor clicks, conversions, and commissions
• Optimise poorly performing links
• Test variations (e.g. different anchor text or placements)

Where to Share Your Affiliate Links

1. Twitch Panels

• Add a Gear List panel
• Include images and clean titles (“My Webcam”, “Streaming Mic”)

2. Stream Chat Commands

Use bots like Streamlabs or Nightbot:

• !gear = “Check out my setup: [link]”
• !vpn = “Stay safe with NordVPN – my link: [link]”

3. YouTube Descriptions

Perfect for VODs or tutorials:

• Include gear links, software tools, and service promos

4. Discord Server

• Pin your favourite affiliate deals in a dedicated #gear or #support-me channel.

5. Social Media

• Twitter threads with gear breakdowns
• Instagram stories with swipe-up affiliate links
• TikTok captions for gear reviews

6. Personal Website or Blog

• Create a “Resources” or “Recommended Tools” page
• Integrate with SEO to attract search traffic

Important: Always disclose that links are affiliate-based.

FTC Disclosures: Stay Transparent and Trustworthy

As a content creator, you’re legally required to disclose affiliate relationships.

Add Clear Disclosures:

• Twitch Panel: “Some links may earn me a commission at no cost to you.”
• YouTube Description: “This description includes affiliate links.”
• Onstream: “Support the stream by using my partner links below!”

Transparency builds trust. Viewers appreciate honesty.

Tips to Maximise Your Affiliate Earnings

1. Promote What You Actually Use

Authenticity matters. Only recommend gear or services you believe in. Your credibility is your currency.

2. Bundle Recommendations

Instead of one-off links:

• Create a full “Streamer Starter Kit”
• Use kits.co or Notion to host grouped links

3. Offer Value with Every Link

Don’t just drop a link. Say why you use it:
“I switched to this mic a year ago – it’s affordable, crisp, and beginner-friendly.”

4. Create Content Around the Product

• Gear reviews
• Setup walkthroughs
• Tutorials using the product

5. Use Comparisons and Rankings

• “Top 5 Webcams for Streamers”
• “Stream Deck vs Loupedeck”

Viewers love expert breakdowns.

Affiliate Tools and Plugins That Help

1. Streamlabs Merch Store

• Offers affiliate earnings for every product sold
• Integrate with your stream layout

2. Amazon Blacksmith (Twitch Extension)

• Shows product carousels under your stream
• Viewers can buy instantly

3. Geniuslink

• Smart redirects based on region
• Consolidates links and tracks analytics

4. OBS Widgets

• Create scrolling tickers with affiliate promos
• Show real-time clicks or promo countdowns

5. Link-in-Bio Tools

• Koji or Linktree
• Host all your affiliate links in one clean page

6. Spreadsheet Tracker

• Keep records of links, networks, click data
• Evaluate performance over time

Bonus: Affiliate Program Pitching Template

Want to approach a brand directly?

Sample Pitch Email:

Subject: Affiliate Collaboration Opportunity – [Your Name or Channel]

Hi [Brand Rep Name],

I’m a content creator on Twitch/YouTube focused on [niche], and I regularly recommend tools I love to my audience. I’ve used your [product/service] for over [X months], and I’d love to become an affiliate or partner.

I average [X viewers/subscribers], and I also share gear links on Twitter and Discord. If you have an affiliate programme or media kit, I’d be happy to join and promote.

Thanks so much,
[Your Name + Social Links]

Pair your affiliate strategy with: How to Set Up Donations on Your Stream. They form a complete income ecosystem.

Monetise Authentically, Grow Sustainably

Joining affiliate programs as a streamer isn’t just about selling products. It’s about curating useful, value-driven resources for your viewers. You become a guide, a recommender, and a voice they trust.

By integrating affiliate marketing authentically and ethically into your stream, you build passive income streaming that feels rewarding rather than forced. Start small, test what works, stay transparent, and refine as you grow.

One good recommendation can become a lifelong source of income. And the best part? You get paid to share what you already love.