Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you click through and purchase an item, I may earn a commission. See my terms of service for details.

Netflix continues to upend the television, film, media, and entertainment industries. It has even made Hollywood heavyweights and billionaires like Steven Spielberg squeal. While Netflix came into its own this decade, it launched in 1998 as the world’s first online DVD rental store. Its unique business model destroyed Blockbuster (Blockbuster was a movie rental powerhouse). Moreover, its growing content library, original programming, and international expansion have expedited cord cutting globally. According to a Nielsen study, “cord cutters in the US has grown by 48 percent over the past eight years. Apparently, 16 million homes no longer have traditional cable or satellite TV subscriptions, which means 14 percent of all households with TVs in the US exclusively watch over-the-air programming.” Over-the-air (OTA) is a synonym for wireless.

Media companies are gunning for Netflix. In an ongoing battle for people’s attention, Netflix ushered in a wave of competitors, for example, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Also, companies and divisions such as Disney, HBO, CBS, and many others offer or plan to offer streaming services.

Netflix stock continues to flourish. For example, a one-dollar investment in the early 2000s would be worth $350+ while a $1,000 allocation would be worth $350,000+ for an astronomical return on investment. Secondly, Netflix is a FANG company. FANG is an acronym for four high-performing technology stocks that includes Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google (now Alphabet, Inc.). Since 2017, the FANG list has been expanded to include Apple and the acronym is now referred to as FAANG.

Affiliate Marketing

Netflix used to embrace affiliate marketing as a growth strategy. It had paid a generous commission per lead. However, it has since phased out its program because it has grown through other means, for instance, word-of-mouth and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. The termination of its affiliate program was terrible for publishers since conversion rates, commissions, and earnings per click were likely robust. That having been said, affiliates have many alternatives to promote. Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction (CJ), Impact, and FlexOffers feature many television merchants/programs in these categories:

• Television
• Movies
• Music
• Consumer electronics
• Radio
• Entertainment

OTA, streaming video, and media merchants typically compensate publishers in two ways. Affiliates may generate one-time or recurring sales commissions for getting users to subscribe. Also, advertisers may pay per lead via free trial and account sign-ups.

Let’s explore alternatives to Netflix for you to promote. I’ve also included media companies that compete indirectly with Netflix. Merchants typically link to their affiliate programs in their website menus and footers, and some offer programs on multiple networks.

Television/Movie Affiliate Programs

• Amazon – $3 commission

Prime Video, also referred to as Amazon Prime Video, is an internet video on demand service that is developed, owned, and operated by Amazon. Viewers enjoy exclusive Amazon Originals as well as popular movies and TV shows. Learn about the Amazon Prime Video affiliate program.

• Apple – Up to 7%

Apple’s affiliate program provides a unique way for you to link to millions of songs and albums, as well as books, audiobooks, movies, and TV shows. Learn about the Apple affiliate program.

• AMC Networks – $5

AMC Networks owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in television and film including AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, WE, and more. Learn about the AMC Networks affiliate program on CJ (to promote Shudder and SundanceNow subscriptions).

• CBS All Access – $9

CBS All Access is a video streaming subscription service owned and operated by CBS Interactive. It offers original content and more. Learn about the CBS All Access affiliate program.

• Dazn – Up to $12

DAZN (pronounced ”da zone”) is a live sports streaming service. Learn about the Dazn affiliate program on FlexOffers.

• Dish Network – $100

Dish Network provides television entertainment and technology to millions of customers with its satellite DISH TV and streaming Sling TV services. Learn about the Dish Network affiliate program.

• ESPN+ – $5

ESPN+ is a video streaming subscription service available in the United States. Subscribers can stream live sports, ESPN originals, exclusive studio programming, and more. Learn about the ESPN+ affiliate program on Impact.

• Hulu – Up to $20

Hulu subscribers enjoy the season’s hottest shows, hit movies, and original series all in one place with unlimited streaming. Learn about the Hulu affiliate program on FlexOffers.

• FuboTV – Up to $35

FuboTV is an American OTA internet television service that focuses primarily on channels that distribute live sports including NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS, and international soccer games. Learn about the FuboTV affiliate program.

• Philo – $10

Philo is an internet television company offering more than 40 channels of live and on-demand TV, as well as channel apps. Learn about the Philo affiliate program on CJ.

• Plex – $10

Plex users gain access to all their media (tv shows, videos, movies, photos, podcasts, and more) on any device, anywhere in the world. Learn about the Plex affiliate program on CJ.

• Pure Flix – Up to $15

Pure Flix strives to be the most trusted faith and family-friendly video streaming service on the web. Learn about the Pure Flix affiliate program on CJ.

• Roku – 5%

Roku provides online media players to stream hundreds of hit movies, TV shows, and more. Learn about the Roku affiliate program.

• SiriusXM – $10

SiriusXM is the world’s largest audio entertainment company, and the premier programmer and platform for subscription- and advertising-supported audio products. Learn about the SiriusXM affiliate program.

• Sling – Up to $20

In the United States, Sling TV users can stream ESPN, HGTV, AMC, and more than a dozen other stations. Sling International carries more than 180 channels in 15 languages. Learn about the Sling affiliate program on CJ.

• Starz – $5

Starz is a global media and entertainment company that produces and distributes streaming content to worldwide audiences across subscription television platforms. Learn about the Starz affiliate program on CJ.

Contact me on LinkedIn to add your affiliate program to the list.