This is my MASTER LIST of the BEST Music Affiliate Programs to Join This Year!
Ah, the sweet sound of music! 🎵 It's the universal language that brings us all together.
But let's get real—while we all love jamming to our favorite tunes, wouldn't it be even sweeter to make some cash from it? You bet it would! That's why you're here, right?
In this guide, I'm gonna show you how to turn your love for music into a money-making machine.
We're talking top-notch affiliate programs that'll have you dancing all the way to the bank. Ready to hit the high notes? Let's dive in!
Why The Music Industry?
An exceedingly large industry, nothing can and has shaped the way we think and feel the way music can and does on a daily basis. Essentially a market that never runs out of customers, the musical instruments segment of the market alone is expected to reach nearly $34 billion by the end of 2021.
There's no denying you have a potentially lucrative industry you can profit from with music -- but you don't have to be a recording artist, record producer, or some musician to be able to cash in on this ever-growing business. Affiliate programs allow you to bring the products and services related to music to more and more people, getting a commission from each purchase they make because of your expertly crafted content. But which programs stand to earn the most money from? We have a comprehensive list below answering that very question.
Let's Get the Lingo Down, Shall We?
Before we dive deeper, let's make sure we're all speaking the same language. Here's a quick rundown of some terms you'll see a lot in the affiliate world:
- Commission: That's your cut of the sale. The higher, the better, obviously.
- Cookie Duration: This is how long you've got after someone clicks your link to make a sale and still get credited for it.
- Niche: Think of this as your genre in the music world. Could be anything from K-pop to classic rock.
Top 20 Music Affiliate Programs (In NO Special Order)
1. Amazon Associates Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 3%
Cookie duration: 1 Day
Webpage URL: https://amazon.com/
Affiliate Page: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/
If you have a potential customer looking for music-related items, chances are they are probably gonna look for the cheapest possible deal they can get on Amazon.
There is simply no escaping the fact that many people prefer the straightforward ease of buying things from Amazon -- a place that carries pretty much everything you'll need.
Adding it to your roster will definitely be something you should consider early on.
On the other hand, commissions and cookie durations for Amazon are far from ideal. You'll only ever get 3% per sale and it's already established that people are trying to get the cheapest possible checkout they can on Amazon.
This means you'll have to focus on getting as much volume of sales as possible -- something very difficult for affiliates who are just starting and does not have a large following. You'll also need to engage in a bit of hard selling which is a skill not everyone has or even wants to acquire.
So although many people have earned pretty well marketing their links with the The Amazon Affiliate Program, it is definitely not the way to go if you're trying to earn the really big bucks with the least possible amount of effort.
Success Story:
Let's talk about Sarah, a kickass music blogger who's all about that guitar life. She signed up for Amazon Associates and guess what?
She raked in $500 in her first month, just by hyping up some must-have guitar pedals and strings. Yeah, you heard that right—$500, one month, all from Amazon's music gear.
2. Musician's Friend Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 4% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 14 Days
Webpage URL:https://www.musiciansfriend.com/
Affiliate Page: Musician's Friend Affiliate Program
When it comes to niche selling, Musician's Friend might be easily called the Amazon of music due to its large selection of music products. At any given point, Musician's Friend has more than 85,000 music-related products on their online site. These include instruments, music sheets, instrument accessories, stands, bags, and much more.
The 4% commission per sale is nothing spectacular but is indeed a step up from Amazon's offering. 14 days of cookie duration might not seem too long but consider that people looking to buy musical instruments do so quite decisively. Try to focus on selling the higher-priced items when using this affiliate program, this offers you as much commission as possible with as few sales.
The site also has frequent sales, discounts, and limited-time offers which is always great when trying to sweeten the deal to your audience and drive for immediate sales conversions.
3. Guitar Center Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 6% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 14 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.guitarcenter.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.guitarcenter.com/pages/affiliate-program
This brand is definitely well-known. They are one of the largest music retail chains in the United States, with 294 stores stretching from coast to coast.
They also have a pretty robust online store that broadens their base of customers. At 40,000 items in their catalog, they also claim to have the world's largest selection of music gear.
They even sell high-priced headphones that could land you commissions up to $240!
The great thing about the Guitar Center is that they refresh their inventory almost every week and carry some products exclusively -- meaning their online store is the only place where that item is available for purchase.
The company has a high average order value and runs its affiliate program through Commission Junction.
Their program allows affiliates to have access to special deals and offers which they can share with their audiences to drive sales.
The only downside is that they only have 14 days of cookie duration which, once compared to the others on this list, isn't that long.
4. Masterclass Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 25% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 30 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.masterclass.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=62509
Masterclass is, at this point, synonymous with quality online education from some of the biggest names in the industry. Their lineup of online teachers for the music niche is no exception. Where else can you get songwriting lessons from Alicia Keys, music production tips from Timbaland, vocal coaching from Christina Aguilera, and even the chance to learn guitar from musicians like Carlos Santana or violin from Itzhak Perlman?
A chance like that essentially sells itself and it shows. Like Netflix, people pay a fixed amount of $180 for access to all those lessons and more. As an affiliate, you'll be getting 25% off of every purchase along with support from their skilled marketing team. If you have a musically inclined website and are looking to offer your audience a chance to take lessons, then this really is a no-brainer.
5. Sweetwater Affiliate Program
Commission rate: Up to $0.07 per click
Cookie duration: N/A
Webpage URL: https://www.sweetwater.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.linkconnector.com/affiliates/affiliate-application/
With a fascinating history, Sweetwater began in 1979 as a remote recording studio run from the back of a VW Microbus. Since then, it has grown to have accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and be one of the largest online sellers of musical instruments and pro audio equipment in the United States.
Not only can you get instruments on the site, but they also carry everything you need to build a studio from scratch!
Their program is accessed through the Link Connector network which means your commissions are earned a little differently. Sweetwater offers a per-click commission of $0.07 every time a person is redirected to their landing page. As opposed to commission per sale, you earn from this program by simply getting people on their website through your link. This can either be a good or bad thing depending on what kind of audience you're marketing towards.
6. Gear4Music Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 3.5% - 5% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 30 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.gear4music.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.gear4music.com/us/en/information/affiliates-program
Another online giant of the music retail business, Gear4Music has a catalog of more than 50,000 products and offers competitive prices on instrument brands like Yamaha, Roland, Korg, Fender, and Gibson gear.
The commission depends on the kinds of products that the user buys. It can be anywhere from 3.5% to 5% depending on the brand but, with an average order of $250, there are more than enough chances to earn big despite the low rates. Plus, with a cookie duration of 30 days and a marketing strategy geared towards higher-priced products, there's nothing to stop this from being a veritable source of income.
7. Fiddlershop Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 5% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 7 Days
Webpage URL: https://fiddlershop.com/
Affiliate Page: https://fiddlershop.com/pages/affiliates
If you're looking for a more niche online music retail store, Fiddlershop offers mostly stringers instruments and related products on their website. They are considered to be somewhat of the premium site you go to if you're looking for top-of-the-line stringed instruments and stringed instruments accessories.
The 5% commission rate and cookie duration of 7 days are nowhere near being generous.
The only upside to these offers is that most of the products found on Fiddlershop are priced upwards of $200. This means with the right volume, you'll easily make it worth the effort.
8. Thalia Capos Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 15% - 20% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 90 - 120 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.thaliacapos.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=83252
Another niche seller, this online seller deals mainly in guitars and guitar-related products. They are well-known for selling guitar capos and picks, plus accessories like straps, slides, and pickups. On top of that, they also carry a small selection of clothing and jewelry which expands the range of people you can market to.
Being an affiliate also gives you access to a wide range of custom banners and tools which make your job of marketing it a whole lot easier. And to make it even better, this program offers maybe one of the best rates and cookie duration on this list.
9. AudiMute Affiliate Program
Commission rate: Up to 5% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 60 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.audimute.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.audimute.com/affiliate
Bridging more towards the technical aspects of the music industry, AudiMute offers a solution to one of the main problems of practicing music at home: annoying other people with your beginner's struggles. Audimute offers sound-proofing products that are made from 100% recycled material. There is a wide range of customers to market this to. Home music-lovers, theatres, bands, recording studios, and churches can all use AudiMute products.
Though the commission rate is less than stellar, 60 days cookie duration along with the dedicated support of their affiliate team means there's certainly a lot of tools you can use to make noise about their product.
10. Guitar Tricks Affiliate Program
Commission rate: $25 - $30 Per Sale
Cookie duration: 5 Years
Webpage URL: https://www.guitartricks.com/
Affiliate Page: https://guitartricks.postaffiliatepro.com/affiliates/index.php
Though Masterclass can teach you different things about music, Guitar Tricks is the site you go to if you want to learn how to play guitar. As an online music school, Guitar Tricks has under its belt 11,000 online guitar lessons presented through 4K multi-camera videos and has over 3 million registered users.
There's a course for guitarists at every level and their prices are affordable enough to be easily marketable. What's outstanding about the program is the higher than usual commission rates and the whopping 5 years cookie duration -- virtually unheard of as far as affiliate programs go.
11. Pianoforall Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 60% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 90 Days
Webpage URL: https://pianoforall.com/
Affiliate Page: https://pianoforall.com/affiliate-program
If you want to learn how to play the piano, few places are as respected and trusted as Pianoforall. This online music school boasts about 300,000 students and is one of the world's biggest sources of online piano lessons. Their lessons are easy to understand and can be easily marketed towards total beginners looking to learn a new skill.
They offer probably the biggest commission per sale of any brand on this list plus a very generous cookie duration. You really don't have to do much to score big with Pianoforall. If you're a music affiliate marketer, then consider adding something like this to your lineup for those in your audience looking for easy piano lessons.
12. Thomann Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 3.5% - 4.5% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 14 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.thomannmusic.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.thomannmusic.com/thaffiliate.html
They claim to have the biggest music store in all of Europe. Thomann has a catalog of over 80,000 products and sells everything from headsets to premium recording equipment. Almost everyone who's in Europe and is looking for music products has visited Thomann at some point.
As with such a big brand, the offerings for affiliates pales in comparison to the rates and cookie duration's of other smaller brands on this list. Though when compared to what you might earn from Amazon, Thomann is still the better option.
13. Singing Machine Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 5% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 30 Days
Webpage URL: https://singingmachine.com/
Affiliate Page: https://singingmachine.com/pages/affiliateprogram
When it comes to karaoke, Singing Machine has got you covered with everything and anything karaoke-related. Though they are mostly known as a seller of physical karaoke products like speakers and microphones, the Singing machine also has its own music store packed full of singalong classics to complement the karaoke set you bought from them.
Affiliates get the standard 5% and 30 days offered by most brands. The only difference is that where the other options on this list might be for more serious music buyers, this company is easily marketed towards everyone looking for something fun to whip out during parties.
14. Singorama Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 40% - 70% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 60 Days
Webpage URL: https://singorama.com/
Affiliate Page: https://singorama.com/affiliate-area/
Continuing the lineup of musical online classes, we have Singorama -- one of the best places to learn how to sing online. Created by a professional singer, Singorama takes you to step by step to honing in on your singing skills with easily-comprehended online lessons. These classes can be consumed either by instant downloads or as shipped media courses.
As far as commission rates go, their affiliate program is hosted on clickbank, and Singorama offers the biggest rates per sale on this list. This, when paired with a 60-day cookie duration, means that though the volume of sales won't be that big, the earnings are well worth the effort.
15. Playground Sessions Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 5% - 22% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 90 Days
Webpage URL: https://www.playgroundsessions.com/
Affiliate Page: https://blog.playgroundsessions.com/affiliate-program/
Another online music school, Playground Sessions has some of the best sources of musical classes from industry legends outside of Masterclass. Founded by the legend Quincy Jones, the virtual piano learning app features tutorials from big names like David Sides and Harry Connick, Jr. Who could say no to that?
A long cookie duration and a very dynamic commission setup also make this brand quite attractive to affiliate marketers. There are a host of incentives too which makes for even higher earnings.
16. Orangewood Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 8% - 15% Per Sale
Cookie duration: 30 Days
Webpage URL: https://orangewoodguitars.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.shareasale.com/shareasale.cfm?merchantID=92982
Based in Los Angeles, this company operates entirely online and deals in a direct-to-consumer business model.. Orangewood offers original guitars that are affordable but made with high standards.
It is also the provider of a very decent affiliate program that sees affiliates earning as much as 15% per sale. With the average order value being around $250, there is definitely a lot of earning potential for the right affiliate. There's also a dedicated newsletter and support team that informs you of the latest deals and sales for you to relay to your audience. The 30-day cookie duration is also pretty decent when compared to the offerings of the bigger brands on this list.
17. Flowkey Affiliate Program
Commission rate: TBD
Cookie duration: TBD
Webpage URL: https://www.flowkey.com/en
Affiliate Page: https://www.flowkey.com/en/affiliate-partner
Flowkey specializes in high-quality piano lessons for beginners, returners, and advanced pianists. Though not really offering lessons with teachers virtually, Flowkey mainly facilitates a student to teach himself or herself how to play the piano with an intricate simulation system. It has an impressive 1,500 songs in its catalog and a much appreciated "wait mode" that's designed to stop playing until you eventually hit the right notes.
Commission rates and cookie durations vary depending on the affiliate but the Flowkey program offers recurring income monthly whenever the customer you referred maintains their subscription.
18. JamPlay Affiliate Program
Commission rate: $40 Per Sale
Cookie duration: 120 Days
Webpage URL: https://jamplay.com/
Affiliate Page: https://www.flexoffers.com/affiliate-programs/jamplay-affiliate-program/
Another site offering guitar and bass lessons, JamPlay offers online lessons administered by their pool of 127 music teachers. Though by no means a trailblazing site in the market, the company is always reviewing its services and fine-tuning its offerings to attract more students and make the whole process go even smoother.
Affiliates are paid a flat rate of $40 per referral that avails of their service. This is incredible enough considering that if you refer just 100 people, you'd get $4000. 120 days of cookie duration also increases the chance of that scenario playing out.
19. Fender Play Affiliate Program
Commission rate: Negotiable
Cookie duration: TBD
Webpage URL: https://www.fender.com/play/
Affiliate Page: https://www.fender.com/play/pages/affiliate-program/
All the guitar legends of old have used and cherished a Fender guitar. It is almost like the Rolls Royce of guitars and, to continue this long history of guitar music, Fender has launched Fender Play -- an online tutorial course designed to raise the next generation of guitar legends.
There is no information about commission or cookie durations because the company determines that on a case-by-case basis. Applications might take a while and it isn't uncommon for some affiliates to be rejected. But with members having spent a combined 30,000 hours taking more than 55 million lessons on this service, there's no telling what the earning potentials are.
20. Piano in 21 Days Affiliate Program
Commission rate: 30%
Cookie duration: 30 Days
Webpage URL: https://pianoin21days.com/
Affiliate Page: https://pianoin21days.typeform.com/to/FrYw37
Offering one of the fastest online courses for music, this company is as what the name implies. It promises regular people the ability to play their favorite song on the piano after a 21-day course. Since the course has a waitlist, it evidently works for a lot of people.
As far as their affiliate programs go, it's pretty lucrative. Affiliates can earn 30% commission per sale and, with the average order value amounting to around $400, that can be an easy $120 just on one sale. The cookie duration is a standard 30 days and the waitlist is something you have to consider too when marketing their products.
What to Promote: A Guide to Maximizing Your Earnings
Hey, folks! So, you've got the lowdown on the best music affiliate programs out there. But what's next? Knowing which products to promote can make or break your affiliate marketing game. Let's dive into the types of products that can get you the most bang for your buck.
Instruments
Let's start with the obvious: musical instruments. Whether it's guitars, drums, or keyboards, these are high-ticket items that can earn you hefty commissions. And let's not forget the variety of brands and models; the options are endless!
Music Software
From digital audio workstations (DAWs) to specialized plugins, music software is a goldmine. These are essential tools for any musician looking to produce their own music. Promoting software can also get you into subscription-based commissions, which means recurring income!
Online Courses and Tutorials
With the rise of online learning, courses and tutorials have become incredibly popular. Whether it's mastering an instrument or learning music theory, there's a course for it. And the best part? These often come with high conversion rates.
Accessories
Don't underestimate the power of accessories. From guitar picks to microphone stands, these may be low-cost items, but they are purchased frequently. This means more opportunities for you to earn commissions.
Alright, now that you know what to focus on, you're well-equipped to maximize your earnings. Let's get those commissions rolling in!
Ready to Rock? Follow These Pro Tips
Alright, you're all set with the basics. Now, let's talk strategy:
- Quality Over Quantity: Don't just join every program you see. Pick ones that vibe with your audience.
- Be Authentic: If you wouldn't buy it, don't promote it. Simple as that.
- Track Your Performance: Keep an eye on those analytics. Know what's working and double down on it.
Watch Out for These Rookie Mistakes
Even rockstars hit a wrong note sometimes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Chasing Big Commissions: Bigger isn't always better. Focus on what fits your audience.
- Ignoring the Fine Print: Terms and conditions aren't just there for show. Read 'em.
Final Words
And those were the best music affiliate programs for you to join this year. We certainly hope that this article will lead you down the path to possibly a very lucrative affiliate marketing business. But, as with any affiliate marketing program, they are only as good as the affiliate that's using them.
On their own, each of these programs has the potential to earn you a profit. But if you pair them with an affiliate with a good following and a flare for effective marketing strategies, then there's nothing stopping them from bringing your earnings to a new high note.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hey there, still got questions? No worries! I've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about music affiliate programs to help you out.
What is a Music Affiliate Program?
A music affiliate program is a partnership between you and a company where you promote their music-related products or services. In return, you earn a commission for every sale made through your unique affiliate link.
How Do I Choose the Right Program?
Look for programs that align with your audience's interests. Also, consider the commission rates, cookie duration, and the reputation of the company. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Can I Join Multiple Programs?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend joining multiple programs to diversify your income streams. Just make sure you can manage them effectively.
How Do I Promote These Programs?
The sky's the limit! Use your blog, social media, YouTube channel, or even your email list. The key is to provide value and build trust with your audience.
How Do I Track My Earnings?
Most affiliate programs offer a dashboard where you can track clicks, conversions, and earnings. Make it a habit to check this regularly to optimize your strategies.
There you have it! I hope this FAQ section clears up any questions you have. If you've got more, feel free to reach out. Happy earning!
How do I start with zero investment?
Look, you don't need to break the bank to get started. Many of these programs offer free sign-ups. Just bring your A-game in marketing, and you're good to go.
Common mistakes to avoid?
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your affiliate programs and keep track of what's working and what's not.
