Affiliate marketing has come a long way from its early days. Today, it’s one of the most powerful tools for individuals and businesses looking to generate passive income. One of the most popular models within affiliate marketing is the revenue share model—and for good reason. Unlike flat-rate commissions that pay you once per sale, revenue share affiliate programs reward you with recurring income based on how well your referrals continue to perform over time. That means more stability, more predictability, and more opportunities to scale your earnings.
Whether you’re a blogger, content creator, influencer, or just someone looking to build a side income, partnering with the right revenue share affiliate program can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore the best revenue share affiliate programs currently available, what makes them stand out, how they compare, and what you should consider before joining one.
Let’s dive in.
Top Revenue Share Affiliate Programs Compared
There are hundreds of affiliate programs out there, but only a select few offer compelling revenue-sharing models that actually help you build long-term income. The table below provides a quick comparison of the top options.
Affiliate Program | Niche | Revenue Share % | Cookie Duration | Payout Frequency | Notable Features |
ClickFunnels | Marketing/SaaS | 30–40% recurring | 45 days | Monthly | Recurring for life of the customer |
Shopify | E-commerce/Website | 20% of subscription fee | 30 days | Monthly | Reliable payouts and huge brand reputation |
Bluehost | Web Hosting | $65–$130 per sale | 60 days | Monthly | High conversions, scalable payouts |
AWeber | Email Marketing | 30% recurring | 365 days | Monthly | Generous cookie window |
SEMrush | SEO/Marketing Tools | 40% recurring | 120 days | Twice a month | Powerful tool, high user retention |
Teachable | Online Courses | Up to 30% recurring | 90 days | Monthly | Popular platform, strong customer loyalty |
ConvertKit | Email Marketing | 30% recurring | 60 days | Monthly | Popular among creators and bloggers |
NordVPN | Cybersecurity | Up to 40% revenue share | 30 days | Monthly | Strong brand, high conversion rates |
Fiverr Affiliates | Freelance Services | 10–30% per order | 30 days | Monthly | Massive catalog of services |
Coursera | Online Learning | 10–45% revenue share | 30 days | Monthly | Trusted platform, lots of niche content |
Each of these programs excels in different ways. Some offer recurring commissions that can last as long as your referral remains a paying customer, while others offer generous one-time payments or tiered structures that grow as your sales increase.
Let’s look at some of the standout programs in more detail.
Best Revenue Share Affiliate Programs – A Closer Look
Here’s a breakdown of the top affiliate programs that offer reliable, ongoing revenue share income streams.
- ClickFunnels Affiliate Program
ClickFunnels is known for its powerful funnel-building software, used by online marketers, coaches, and small businesses. Its affiliate program offers a 30–40% recurring commission, which means you’ll keep earning as long as your referral stays subscribed.
Why It Stands Out:
- High user retention rate.
- Evergreen product in the online marketing space.
- Access to promotional resources like webinars and email swipe files.
- “Sticky cookies” for better conversion tracking.
If you’re targeting digital marketers or entrepreneurs, this one’s a winner.
- AWeber Affiliate Program
Email marketing is foundational to almost every business, and AWeber has been in the game for decades. Their affiliate program offers a 30% recurring commission for the lifetime of the customer.
What’s Great:
- Reliable product with a solid customer base.
- Long cookie duration (365 days).
- Monthly payouts.
- Great for bloggers, content marketers, and e-commerce.
You don’t have to push hard sales—just recommend a tool most businesses already need.
- SEMrush Affiliate Program (BeRush)
SEMrush is one of the most respected tools in the SEO and digital marketing space. With a 40% recurring commission, their affiliate program is among the most lucrative.
What’s Included:
- Detailed reporting and analytics for affiliates.
- Huge user base with sticky customers.
- Two monthly payouts.
- Highly valuable product for agencies and content marketers.
Their support team is also excellent, which makes promoting the product easier and more reliable.
- ConvertKit Affiliate Program
Built specifically for creators—think podcasters, bloggers, YouTubers—ConvertKit’s 30% recurring commission structure is simple and rewarding.
Benefits:
- Creator-focused tools and content.
- High conversion rate among solo creators and freelancers.
- Recurring monthly income.
- Good community support and affiliate training.
If you’re in the creator economy, ConvertKit is a natural fit.
- Teachable Affiliate Program
Teachable allows users to build and sell online courses. As an affiliate, you can earn up to 30% recurring commission, and the platform offers a 90-day cookie window.
Highlights:
- Booming online education space.
- Easy integration with blogs and educational content.
- Strong brand and user trust.
- Automated affiliate dashboards and insights.
With the demand for online courses continuing to grow, Teachable is well-positioned for future-proof affiliate income.
What to Consider Before Joining a Revenue Share Affiliate Program
Choosing the right program isn’t just about high commissions. Here’s what else you should look at:
- Recurring vs One-Time Commission
If you’re building long-term income, prioritize recurring commissions. They add up significantly over time compared to flat fees.
- Product Fit With Your Audience
Make sure the product is something your audience already needs or is likely to be interested in. Even the best-paying program won’t work if it doesn’t match your niche.
- Cookie Duration
Longer cookie durations give you more time to convert leads. Some affiliate programs only offer 24-hour cookies, while others extend up to a year.
- Payout Terms and Frequency
Are commissions paid monthly, bi-weekly, or after a long verification period? This affects your cash flow, especially in the beginning.
- Support and Resources
Some programs offer training, marketing materials, and account reps to help you succeed. These are valuable, especially if you’re just getting started.
- Reputation and Refund Policies
If the product has a high refund rate or bad reviews, your earnings could be reversed. Always promote trusted, high-quality products.
FAQs
What is a revenue share affiliate program?
A revenue share affiliate program pays you a percentage of the income generated by customers you refer. Unlike fixed one-time commissions, this model allows you to earn ongoing income as long as your referrals remain active customers.
How is revenue share different from CPA?
CPA (Cost Per Action) pays a fixed amount when a user performs a specific action (like signing up or buying). Revenue share pays you a cut of the actual revenue the company earns from your referral—often recurring.
Are revenue share programs better than flat commission ones?
Not always—it depends on your strategy. If you’re after long-term passive income, revenue share is often the better option. But if you’re focused on high-ticket one-off sales, CPA might suit you better.
Can I combine multiple affiliate programs?
Absolutely. Many marketers promote several programs at once—just be mindful not to overwhelm your audience or dilute your message.
Do I need a website to promote affiliate links?
No, though it helps. Many affiliates use email lists, YouTube, podcasts, or social media to promote links. But having a site adds credibility and improves conversions.
How much can I earn with revenue share programs?
There’s no cap. Some affiliates earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others bring in six-figure incomes. Success depends on your niche, traffic, and conversion strategy.
Conclusion
The best revenue share affiliate programs aren’t just about the size of the commission—they’re about sustainability. When you promote products and services that people actually need and love, you’re not just making a quick buck—you’re building a business that generates income month after month.
Whether you’re into tech, education, marketing, or e-commerce, there’s a revenue share program that fits your audience. From evergreen tools like ClickFunnels and ConvertKit to booming platforms like Teachable and SEMrush, the opportunities are wide open.
So if you’re serious about affiliate marketing and looking for long-term growth, choose a few of these programs that align with your niche, create high-value content around them, and stay consistent. Over time, that consistent trickle of revenue can become a flood.