If you’re creating content for Indian audiences, you’ve probably heard about Cuelinks. But here’s what most affiliate marketers miss: success with this platform isn’t just about signing up—it’s about understanding the specific patterns that separate consistent earners from those who struggle.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Cuelinks affiliate program, from commission structure to the real challenges you’ll face.
What Makes Cuelinks Different
Founded in 2008, Cuelinks operates as India’s leading affiliate marketing aggregator. Think of it as your shortcut to 1,500+ merchant programs without managing dozens of separate partnerships.
Here’s how it works: Cuelinks automatically converts your regular product links into commission-earning affiliate links. When your readers click through and buy, you earn. No manual link creation for every merchant.
Bottom line: You get access to India’s entire e-commerce ecosystem through a single dashboard.
The Cuelinks Affiliate Program Explained
When you promote Cuelinks itself (not just using it for merchant links), you’re helping them recruit new publishers. And they reward this generously.
You earn 25% of the revenue that your referred publishers generate for Cuelinks during their first 90 days. That’s not 25% of sales—it’s 25% of what Cuelinks makes from those publishers.
But here’s the catch: you’re working with a 24-hour cookie window. If someone clicks your link today but signs up tomorrow? You don’t get credit.
From analyzing successful Cuelinks affiliates, one pattern emerges: they focus on warm audiences who are already sold on affiliate marketing. Cold traffic rarely converts within 24 hours.
Payment comes via PayPal or wire transfer once you hit RS500 (roughly $6). Monthly payouts for your first three months of commissions.
Who This Program Actually Works For
The Cuelinks affiliate program isn’t for everyone. Here’s what we’ve learned about who succeeds:
Content creators targeting Indian audiences see the best results. You’re promoting a solution designed specifically for the Indian market, with local payment options and merchant relationships that matter in that region.
Established bloggers and influencers with engaged followings convert better than beginners. Why? That 24-hour cookie means you need an audience that trusts your recommendations immediately.
If you’re just starting out or building a global audience? The geographic limitation and tight cookie window will work against you.
The Real Pros and Cons
Let’s be honest about both sides.
What works in your favor:
Cuelinks has earned trust in India’s affiliate space over 15+ years. That reputation helps when you’re asking your audience to try it.
The 1,500+ merchant programs span industries like finance, travel, fashion, and electronics. You’re not locked into a single niche.
That 25% commission translates to serious earnings if your referrals are active publishers. A publisher generating $400/month for Cuelinks means you earn $100 monthly from that single referral (for their first 90 days).
The challenges you’ll face:
The India-only restriction immediately limits your audience. If you’ve built a following in other markets, this program won’t serve them.
That 24-hour cookie creates time pressure most affiliate programs don’t impose. You need your audience to act immediately—not “think about it.”
The $6 minimum payout isn’t a dealbreaker for most, but newer affiliates might wait weeks to hit that threshold.
How to Sign Up (5 Steps)
Ready to test it out? Here’s your roadmap:
Step 1: Visit the Cuelinks affiliate program page and click “Join Cuelinks and generate links.”
Step 2: Complete the registration form. You’ll need your name, email, phone number, website details, and payment information ready.
Step 3: Wait for approval. Cuelinks typically reviews applications within 24-48 hours. You’ll get an email confirmation when approved.
Step 4: Log into your publisher dashboard. This becomes your command center for accessing links, tracking performance, and monitoring earnings.
Step 5: Start promoting. Browse merchant offers, generate your affiliate links, and integrate them into your content strategy.
The approval process is straightforward—no minimum traffic requirements that we’ve seen consistently enforced.
Smart Promotion Strategies That Work
Here’s what separates affiliates earning consistently from those who don’t see results:
Match products to your audience’s actual needs. Sounds obvious, but too many affiliates promote whatever pays highest. Your conversion rate suffers when there’s no natural fit.
Prioritize merchants offering 5-10%+ commissions within Cuelinks’ network. Higher rates compound your earnings faster.
Create dedicated content showcasing specific products rather than generic “check out Cuelinks” posts. Videos, comparison articles, and tutorial content build trust before asking for the click.
Distribute your links across multiple platforms—your website, Instagram, YouTube, wherever your audience engages most. Don’t rely on a single traffic source.
Pattern we see repeatedly: Affiliates who create product-focused content convert 3-4x better than those who just promote Cuelinks as a service.
Is This Program Worth Your Time?
For Indian content creators with engaged audiences, Cuelinks offers genuine income potential. That 25% commission structure can build into substantial monthly earnings if you’re strategic.
But let’s be clear about the limitations: The geographic restriction means you’re leaving international audiences behind. And that 24-hour cookie window means you need immediate trust with your audience—not something most affiliates have with cold traffic.
Common Questions Answered
Is Cuelinks actually legitimate?
Yes. Operating since 2008 with thousands of active publishers, Cuelinks is an established player in India’s affiliate marketing space. The program is free to join.
Who’s the ideal affiliate?
Indian bloggers, website owners, and content creators monetizing through affiliate marketing. If you’re creating content for Indian audiences and have established traffic, you fit the profile.
Any costs to join?
None. Cuelinks charges no signup fees or monthly costs.
Are there traffic requirements?
Cuelinks doesn’t publicly list strict minimum traffic or sales requirements. Most Indian publishers get approved regardless of size.
How fast is approval?
Typically 24-48 hours after application submission.
What’s the minimum withdrawal amount?
RS500 (approximately $6) before you can request payout.
Can I run other affiliate programs simultaneously?
Yes. Cuelinks allows you to promote other networks and programs without exclusivity restrictions.
Better Alternatives to Consider
Depending on your situation, these programs might serve you better:
Admitad brings global reach with cross-device tracking and access to 11 million+ products. If you’re targeting audiences outside India, this expands your options significantly. Supports both CPS (cost per sale) and CPA (cost per action) commission structures.
vCommission operates as India’s direct competitor to Cuelinks. Focuses on e-commerce, lead generation, financial offers, and app installs. Worth testing alongside Cuelinks to see which converts better for your specific audience.
Awin offers international brand access with sophisticated tracking and reporting tools. Better suited for publishers with established traffic who can meet stricter approval requirements.
Flipkart Affiliate Program gives you direct access to India’s massive product catalog without going through an aggregator. Real-time reporting, multiple ad formats, and API support. Strong choice if you’re already driving Indian e-commerce traffic.
ShareASale and CJ (Commission Junction) dominate global affiliate marketing with vast merchant networks. Stricter approval processes, but higher commission opportunities if you have content targeting international audiences.
