YouTube isn’t just a place for entertainment anymore—it’s one of the most powerful platforms for building an audience and making money online.
Whether you’re reviewing products, teaching something useful, or simply sharing your journey, affiliate marketing on YouTube has opened up a new income stream for everyday creators.
But here’s the thing: many people aren’t sure how it really works. Can you actually put affiliate links on your channel? Will you get in trouble for promoting products? Do you need a huge audience to make it work?
These are common questions—and completely valid ones. That’s why in this post, we’re going to break everything down clearly. No fluff. No complicated marketing terms.
Just a friendly guide on how YouTube and affiliate marketing work together, what you need to get started, and how to build an income stream that grows with your channel.
And since we’re writing this for creators and personal brands like you, we’ll also talk about how MailDrip.io can help you turn your YouTube audience into long-term fans—and eventually, loyal customers—with smart, simple email automation.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Affiliate Marketing (In Plain Terms)?
Affiliate marketing is when you promote someone else’s product and earn a commission every time someone buys through your special link.
Let’s say you post a YouTube video reviewing your favorite microphone. In your description, you drop a link to buy that mic. If someone watches your video, clicks that link, and makes a purchase—you earn a small cut of the sale.
No need to create your product. No need to handle shipping or support. You’re simply recommending something you like and getting rewarded for helping drive the sale.
Why YouTube and Affiliate Marketing Work So Well Together
YouTube is a perfect place for affiliate marketing. Here’s why:
- It’s visual. People love to see a product in action before buying it.
- It’s searchable. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. That means your video can continue bringing in views (and clicks) months after you publish it.
- It builds trust. Viewers who watch your videos start to trust your opinion. That trust turns into clicks—and those clicks can turn into sales.
Even small channels can succeed with the right niche and strategy. You don’t need millions of followers. You just need content that helps people and a smart way to present your affiliate links.
What You Need to Start Affiliate Marketing on YouTube
You really don’t need much to get started:
A YouTube Channel
Even if it’s brand new, that’s enough. Just create a channel and start uploading videos.
An Affiliate Program
There are tons of affiliate programs out there. Some popular ones include:
- Amazon Associates – Great for beginners. You can promote almost any product.
- ShareASale – A network that connects you with various brands.
- Partnerstack – Many SaaS products and tools.
- Individual programs – Some companies (like TubeBuddy, Canva, or ConvertKit) run their own affiliate programs. Just visit their site and scroll to the footer to find a link.
Content People Care About
Make videos that genuinely help your viewers. Product reviews, tutorials, comparisons, “top 5” lists—all of these are great for affiliate marketing.
Best Practices for Affiliate Marketing on YouTube
There’s a right (and wrong) way to go about affiliate marketing on YouTube. Here’s how to stay on the safe and successful side:
1. Always Disclose Your Links
It’s not just good ethics—it’s also required by YouTube and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). Say something like:
“This video contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
You can mention it in your video and also include it in the description.
2. Use “Evergreen” Content
Create videos that don’t expire. A “Best Budget Laptops for 2025” video will stay relevant for a long time and keep generating views (and clicks).
3. Keep Your Descriptions Organized
Use clear labels and short descriptions next to each affiliate link in your video description. Example:
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🎤 My Microphone (Affiliate): https://bit.ly/yourlink
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4. Build an Email List with MailDrip.io
One of the biggest mistakes creators make is only relying on YouTube to reach their audience. You don’t own the platform—but you do own your email list.
With MailDrip.io, you can turn YouTube viewers into email subscribers. From there, you can send them helpful tips, product recommendations, and affiliate offers without having to wait for them to see your next video.
MailDrip makes it easy with:
- Simple drag-and-drop email setup
- Done-for-you templates
- Drip campaigns that run automatically
- A Pay-As-You-Go model—no expensive monthly plans
That way, even if YouTube slows down or the algorithm changes, you’ve got a direct line to your audience.
Example: How a Small Channel Makes Affiliate Income
Let’s say you run a tech-focused YouTube channel with only 1,000 subscribers.
You post a video: “Top 3 Budget Microphones for YouTube in 2025.”
Each mic you mention has an affiliate link in the description. Over the next few months, the video gains steady views. Some of those viewers click your links. Some of those clicks lead to sales.
Let’s say 5 people per week buy a $50 mic, and you get 5% per sale. That’s $12.50 a week. Doesn’t sound like much—but now multiply that by 10 videos, and you’re making over $500 a month from affiliate links alone.
And that’s before you build an email list and start sending affiliate offers via MailDrip. With the right system, your income stacks up over time.
FAQs
Can I put affiliate links in my YouTube video description?
Yes! Just make sure you follow YouTube’s rules and include a proper disclosure.
Do I need to be in the YouTube Partner Program to do affiliate marketing?
No. You don’t need to be monetized to use affiliate links. You can start on day one.
What if nobody clicks my links?
It usually means you need to improve your call to action or make your content more helpful. Make sure you tell viewers what the product is and why it helps.
How do I get people to subscribe to my email list from YouTube?
Offer a freebie like a checklist or mini guide related to your content. Use a simple MailDrip landing page to collect emails, and follow up automatically with affiliate-friendly content.
Wrapping It All Up
Affiliate marketing on YouTube is not only allowed—it’s one of the smartest ways to turn your content into income.
You don’t need a big channel or a fancy setup. All you need is helpful content, honest recommendations, and a simple system to guide viewers from YouTube to your affiliate links—and better yet, your email list.
That’s where MailDrip.io comes in. We make it easy for creators to stay connected with their audience through automated email campaigns that feel personal, professional, and hassle-free.
So go ahead—post that next video, drop your affiliate links, and let MailDrip help you build something long-term.
Ready to turn your YouTube viewers into affiliate income and loyal fans?
Sign up for MailDrip.io and get started today.
Over to You:
What kind of videos would you like to make affiliate income from on YouTube?
