Best Online Course Platform Affiliate Programs 2026: Teachable vs Thinkific vs Kajabi Commissions

If you create content about building online courses, selling digital products, or growing a creator business, promoting course platforms can generate serious recurring income. Unlike one‑off physical product commissions, these programmes pay you every month a referred customer stays active. In 2026, the course platform space is booming, with creators moving away from general‑purpose LMS tools toward all‑in‑one solutions. This guide breaks down the affiliate programmes of Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Podia, Mighty Networks, and Circle — with exact commission rates, cookie windows, conversion data, and strategic advice on which one will fill your bank account most reliably.

Teachable Affiliate Programme (30% Recurring)

Teachable is one of the most popular course creation platforms, and its affiliate programme is straightforward: 30% recurring commission for the lifetime of the customer. When a creator signs up through your link, you earn 30% of their monthly subscription fee (or annual plan commission) for as long as they remain a paying customer. The cookie window is 90 days, giving you ample time to convert visitors who might take a while to decide.

Teachable is an excellent choice if your audience consists of beginner course creators who want an easy‑to‑use platform. The recurring nature means each referral can generate $140–$850+ in lifetime value depending on which plan they choose and how long they stay. Teachable runs on the Impact.com affiliate network, so you’ll need an Impact account to promote.

For a deeper look at recurring income strategies, read our Recurring Affiliate Commissions in 2026 guide.

Thinkific Affiliate Programme (20–30% Recurring)

Thinkific offers a tiered recurring commission: 20% for its Basic plan ($49/month) and 30% for its Pro plan ($99/month) and Plus plans. The cookie window is 90 days. Thinkific is a strong alternative to Teachable, especially for creators who prefer a more advanced builder with built‑in communities and assignments.

Thinkific’s affiliate programme is managed through ShareASale. One advantage is that it often accepts affiliate links in more places than Impact‑based programmes. The 30% on Pro plans is particularly attractive because creators who choose the Pro plan are usually committed and stay longer.

Kajabi Affiliate Programme ($63–$191/Month Recurring)

Kajabi is the premium all‑in‑one platform for course creators, and its affiliate programme pays a fixed monthly recurring commission based on the plan referred: $63.75/month for the Basic plan ($159/month), $127.50/month for the Pro plan ($319/month), and $191.25/month for the Pro+ plan ($479/month). That’s effectively 40% of the subscription — much higher than Teachable or Thinkific. Cookie window is 30 days.

Kajabi is high‑ticket affiliate marketing at its best. A single referral on the Pro plan generates $1,530 per year in recurring commissions. However, the higher price point means fewer conversions, and the 30‑day cookie window requires visitors to decide faster. Kajabi’s programme is run through its own portal (kajabi.com/affiliates) and pays via PayPal or direct deposit.

For more high‑value opportunities, see our guide on High‑Ticket Affiliate Marketing in 2026.

Podia Affiliate Programme (20% Lifetime)

Podia is a simpler, more affordable alternative to Teachable and Kajabi, focusing on courses, digital downloads, and memberships. Its affiliate programme pays 20% recurring for the lifetime of the customer. Podia plans are $39/month (Mover) and $89/month (Shaker). Cookie window is 60 days.

Podia is a great fit for audiences of creative entrepreneurs who want a clean, no‑fuss platform. The lower price point converts more easily, but the lifetime commission adds up over time. Podia’s programme runs through Impact.com.

Mighty Networks Affiliate Programme (30% Recurring)

Mighty Networks combines courses, communities, and memberships in one platform. Its affiliate programme pays 30% recurring for the lifetime of the customer on all paid plans (Basic: $49/mo, Pro: $119/mo, Business: $179/mo). Cookie window is 90 days.

Mighty Networks is ideal if your audience focuses on building paid communities around courses. Many creators choose it for its strong community features. The programme is on Impact.com.

Circle Affiliate Programme (30% Recurring)

Circle is a community‑first platform that also supports courses. Its affiliate programme offers 30% recurring for the lifetime of the customer on its Basic ($49/mo), Professional ($99/mo), and Enterprise plans. Cookie window is 90 days.

Circle is gaining popularity among creators who want to build premium communities with courses attached. Its affiliate programme is run through Impact.com.

Head‑to‑Head Comparison: Commissions, Cookies & Conversion

The table below summarises the key metrics for all six programmes. Use it to decide which platform aligns best with your audience and content strategy.

Which Platform Actually Earns the Most in 2026?

The answer depends on your audience’s purchasing power and intent. According to our Affiliate Marketing Income Report, affiliates promoting Kajabi have the highest average monthly earnings per referral — a single customer can bring in $60–$190/month, and a handful of referrals can exceed $2,000/month in recurring income. However, Kajabi converts at a lower rate due to its premium price.

For content sites targeting first‑time course creators, Teachable and Thinkific often produce more consistent, higher‑volume income because the lower entry price leads to more sign‑ups. Over 12 months, the total recurring income from 20 Teachable referrals can surpass a single Kajabi referral, depending on plan choices.

If your audience is community‑focused, Mighty Networks and Circle are excellent choices with solid recurring rates. Podia is the best option for audiences seeking simplicity and a lower price point.

How to Maximise Recurring Affiliate Income From Course Platforms

To turn course platform affiliate marketing into a reliable monthly revenue stream, follow these strategies:

• Create comparison content: Articles like “Teachable vs Thinkific” and “Kajabi vs Teachable” attract buyers actively comparing options. Include honest pros/cons and a clear recommendation.
• Use email sequences: Capture leads with a lead magnet (e.g., “Which Course Platform Is Right for You?”) and send a 5‑email series explaining the differences and your affiliate links. Read our Affiliate Email Marketing Sequences guide.
• Leverage YouTube reviews: Video walkthroughs of platform dashboards and course creation demos convert very well. Mention your affiliate link in the description and pin a comment.
• Build a niche site around course creation: If you cover the “creator economy” niche, you can naturally promote multiple platforms while maintaining E‑E‑A‑T. See our How to Choose a Profitable Affiliate Niche guide.
• Scale with paid traffic: Once you have a high‑converting page, test Google Ads or Facebook Ads targeting keywords like “best course platform for creators”. Start with $500–$1,000 and optimise.

For advanced scaling tactics, read our How to Scale an Affiliate Site guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Course Platform Affiliate Programs