MasterClass Affiliate Program: In-Depth Review, Pros, and Cons

MasterClass, founded in 2015, has rapidly become a leading online education platform, boasting over 2 million active subscribers as of 2025. The company has secured $461.4 million in funding across ten rounds, achieving a valuation of $2.75 billion in 2021.

To expand its reach, MasterClass offers an affiliate program, enabling partners to earn commissions by promoting its courses. 

With tools like Creator Hero, a creator storefront platform tailored for creators, showcasing brands like MasterClass alongside other recommended products becomes easier, allowing you to share trusted options your followers love.

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What Is The MasterClass Affiliate Program?

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The MasterClass Affiliate Program allows partners to earn commissions by promoting MasterClass subscriptions through unique tracking links. 

Affiliates can earn a percentage of each sale generated through their referrals, benefiting from a well-established brand with high conversion rates. The program is managed through a third-party affiliate network, providing tools for tracking performance and optimizing earnings.

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What Do You Get As A MasterClass Affiliate Partner?‍

As a MasterClass affiliate partner, you receive:

• Commission Rate: With MasterClass’ affiliate program, you can earn up to 25% per sale.
• Cookie Duration: The program offers a 30 days cookie duration, ensuring you earn commissions on purchases made within this period after a user clicks your affiliate link.
• Promotional Materials: Access to various marketing assets, including banners, text links, and widgets, to effectively promote MasterClass courses.
• Global Reach: The program accepts worldwide traffic sources, allowing you to target audiences globally.
• No Minimum Payout: Start earning commissions immediately without a minimum payout threshold.

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What Are The Benefits Of The MasterClass Affiliate Program?‍

The MasterClass Affiliate Program offers more than just commissions—it provides affiliates with additional perks that enhance earning potential and marketing effectiveness. These benefits help maximize conversions and ensure long-term success in the program.

High Conversion Rates

MasterClass is a well-known and trusted brand, leading to strong conversion rates for affiliates. With a high-quality product and a compelling value proposition, potential customers are more likely to subscribe after clicking an affiliate link.

Recurring Revenue Potential

Since MasterClass operates on a subscription model, affiliates can earn commissions on annual memberships. This creates the potential for ongoing earnings rather than one-time payouts.

Reliable Tracking and Payments

The program is managed through ShareASale, a reputable affiliate network known for accurate tracking and timely payments. Affiliates can access real-time data to monitor performance and optimize their strategies.

Marketing Support and Resources

MasterClass provides affiliates with high-quality promotional materials, including banners, text links, and product descriptions. This makes it easier to create compelling marketing campaigns that drive engagement and sales.

Accessibility to a Global Audience

Since MasterClass offers online courses worldwide, affiliates can promote the platform to a diverse, international audience. This expands the potential for earnings beyond a single region or country.

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How To Become A MasterClass Affiliate Partner

Joining the MasterClass Affiliate Program is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Follow this guide to start earning commissions by promoting MasterClass courses.

Step 1: Sign Up on Impact

MasterClass manages its affiliate program through Impact, a well-known affiliate network. Visit the MasterClass’ affiliate program at https://app.impact.com/campaign-promo-signup/MasterClass.brand?execution=e1s1 and create an account if you don’t already have one.

Step 2: Apply to the Program 

Submit an application, providing details about your website, audience, and promotional methods. Approval times may vary, but most affiliates receive a response within a few days.

Step 3: Get Your Affiliate Links 

After approval, you’ll receive unique tracking links and access to promotional materials such as banners and text ads. Use these links to direct traffic to MasterClass.

Step 4: Start Promoting 

Share your affiliate links through your website, blog, social media, email campaigns, or paid ads. The more targeted and engaging your promotions, the higher your chances of earning commissions.

Step 5: Track Your Performance 

Log into Impact regularly to monitor clicks, conversions, and commissions. Use this data to refine your strategies and maximize earnings.

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Best Options To Sign Up For The MasterClass Affiliate Program

To become a MasterClass affiliate partner, you can sign up through the Impact affiliate network. Here are the details:

• Commission Rate: Earn up to 25% per qualified sale.
• Cookie Duration: Enjoy a 30-days cookie duration to promote and track your sales.
• Geographical Availability: Global‍
• Sign Up URL: https://app.impact.com/campaign-promo-signup/MasterClass.brand?execution=e1s1
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What Are The Requirements Of Becoming A MasterClass Affiliate Partner?‍

To become a MasterClass affiliate partner, you need to meet certain requirements to ensure a successful partnership:

• Platform Compatibility: Your content platform—whether it's a blog, social media presence, or YouTube channel—should align with MasterClass's educational offerings. Ensure your platform is fully developed and attracts a consistent audience, as incomplete or new ventures with insufficient traffic may face rejection.
• Compliance with Guidelines: Adherence to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines for affiliate marketing is mandatory. This includes transparent disclosure of affiliate relationships and ethical promotional practices.
• Application Submission: Provide accurate and comprehensive information about your business and audience during the application process. This includes personal details, your website URL, and insights into your content approach or audience profile. 

By fulfilling these requirements and presenting a well-prepared application, you enhance your chances of being accepted into the MasterClass Affiliate Program.

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MasterClass Affiliate Program Vs Other Brands‍

MasterClass vs. Coursera

• Commission Rate: MasterClass offers a 25% commission per sale, while Coursera’s affiliate program provides baseline commissions ranging from 15% to 45% on eligible purchases.
• Cookie Duration: Both MasterClass and Coursera have a 30-day cookie duration, meaning affiliates earn commissions on purchases made within 30 days of a user's click.
• Unique Features: MasterClass is renowned for its high-quality courses taught by celebrities and industry experts, appealing to a broad audience. Coursera collaborates with prestigious universities and organizations, offering a wide range of courses, specializations, and degrees, which may attract affiliates targeting learners seeking accredited certifications.

MasterClass vs. Udemy

• Commission Rate: MasterClass offers a 25% commission per sale, whereas Udemy's base commission rate is up to 10%, with potential increases during exclusive promotions.
• Cookie Duration: MasterClass provides a 30-day cookie duration, while Udemy offers a 7-day cookie window.
• Unique Features: MasterClass focuses on curated content from renowned instructors, ensuring consistent quality. In contrast, Udemy's vast user-generated course library offers diverse topics but varies in quality. Affiliates targeting audiences interested in celebrity-led instruction may prefer MasterClass, while those seeking a broader course selection might lean towards Udemy.

MasterClass vs. Skillshare

• Commission Rate: MasterClass offers a 25% commission per sale. Skillshare provides a flat $10 commission for each new customer who signs up for a Premium Membership.
• Cookie Duration: Both MasterClass and Skillshare have a 30-day cookie duration.
• Unique Features: MasterClass provides structured courses from industry leaders, appealing to learners seeking in-depth knowledge from experts. Skillshare offers a community-driven platform with a focus on creative skills and project-based learning, which may attract affiliates targeting creative professionals and hobbyists.
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What Are The Drawbacks Of MasterClass' Affiliate Program Compared To Other Similar Programs? ‍

While the MasterClass Affiliate Program offers competitive commissions and strong brand recognition, it has some limitations when compared to other online learning affiliate programs. Here are a few key drawbacks:

1. Lower Commission Potential
   MasterClass offers a 25% commission per sale, whereas Coursera affiliates can earn up to 45% on certain purchases and Udemy occasionally provides higher commissions during promotions. This makes MasterClass less lucrative for high-volume affiliates.
2. No Recurring Commissions
   Unlike Skillshare, which offers recurring commissions for each month a referred user stays subscribed, MasterClass pays only for the initial sale. Affiliates promoting subscription-based platforms with ongoing payouts may prefer alternatives.
3. Limited Course Selection
   MasterClass has a curated library of 150+ premium courses, while Udemy and Coursera offer thousands of courses across different subjects. This limits the flexibility for affiliates targeting a broad audience with diverse learning needs.
4. Shorter Cookie Duration
   The 30-day cookie duration is standard but falls short of Skillshare’s 60-day cookie window. A longer cookie period increases the chances of earning commissions from delayed purchases.
5. Premium Pricing May Limit Conversions
   MasterClass’s $120 per year pricing is significantly higher than Udemy’s frequent course discounts (as low as $10–$20 per course). This may make conversions harder, especially for price-sensitive audiences.

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Final Takeaways On The Hobby Lobby Affiliate Program

The MasterClass Affiliate Program presents a solid opportunity for content creators and marketers to earn commissions by promoting premium online courses taught by industry leaders. 

With a 25% commission rate and a trusted brand, affiliates can benefit from strong conversion potential. However, compared to competitors like Coursera and Skillshare, MasterClass lacks recurring commissions and offers a smaller course selection. 

Despite these drawbacks, affiliates targeting an audience interested in high-quality, celebrity-led education may find this program highly rewarding. By leveraging tools like Creator Hero, promoting MasterClass alongside other trusted brands becomes even more effective.
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