About MasterClass

MasterClass offers a premium online learning experience featuring courses taught by world-renowned experts, celebrities, and industry leaders. It is distinct for its high production value, cinematic visuals, and focus on delivering inspiration and big-picture insights from masters in fields like culinary arts (Gordon Ramsay), filmmaking (James Cameron), writing (Margaret Atwood), and business. The service is subscription-based, offering unlimited access to a vast library of classes.

Disclaimer
Affiliate program terms can change frequently. The figures below are based on general information and may vary based on specific campaigns or affiliate tiers.

MasterClass Affiliate Program Overview

The MasterClass Affiliate Program allows content creators, marketers, and influencers to earn a commission by promoting MasterClass memberships to their audience. It’s a Cost Per Sale (CPS) model, meaning affiliates are paid for each successful subscription generated through their unique tracking links.

CategoryDetails
IndustryOnline Education, E-Learning, Digital Services
Product TypeDigital Subscription (All-Access Memberships/Courses)
Affiliate Program TypeCPS (Cost Per Sale), Single-Tier

MasterClass Affiliate Program Offers

The program provides affiliates with necessary resources and clear guidelines to effectively promote the product.

FeatureDetails
Promotional MaterialsBanners, Image banners, Text link banners, SmartLinks, and tracking URLs.
Affiliate Cookie Duration30 days
Accepted Traffic SourceLink and banner advertisements, Social media advertisements, Other (blogs, email marketing, etc.). Coupon/deal sites are often rejected.
Accepted CountriesWorldwide (Global Coverage)
Explicit ContentNot accepted (Standard policy for reputable brands; promotes premium, educational content).
Religious or political contentNot accepted (Standard policy to maintain brand neutrality and focus on education).

MasterClass Affiliate Commissions & Payments

The program offers a competitive commission rate within the education niche, with payouts typically handled through the affiliate network.

FeatureDetails
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing)No, it operates on a single-tier structure.
Commission RateUp to 25% per sale (on a new membership sign-up).
Commission StructureFixed percentage per sale. Sales bonuses are sometimes offered for reaching volume milestones.
Payout FrequencyMonthly (handled by the affiliate network, e.g., Impact).
Payout MethodsPayPal, Wire Transfer, and other methods offered by the network (e.g., Impact).
Minimum PayoutNo minimum payout (as managed through the affiliate network).

Suitable Affiliates for MasterClass

The ideal affiliate for MasterClass is a content creator whose audience is interested in personal development, creative skills, business, and lifestyle. Because the courses are high-quality and premium, the audience should be willing to pay for valuable educational content.

Affiliate TypeSuitabilityNotes
BloggersHighEspecially those in niches like creativity, business, writing, cooking, and self-improvement. Content reviews and “best of” lists convert well.
TikTokersHighHigh-production value, engaging video content (e.g., “5 things I learned from X MasterClass”) aligns perfectly with the brand’s visual style.
KOC/KOL/InfluencersHighIndividuals with a strong, engaged audience interested in specific niches (e.g., a photographer promoting Annie Leibovitz’s class).
YouTubersHighestVideo content, such as course reviews, comparisons, and behind-the-scenes insights, is exceptionally effective due to the visual nature of the product.
Video editorsLow-MediumCan be suitable if they create content for others in the relevant niches or run a channel about editing/filmmaking (e.g., promoting James Cameron’s class).
LivestreamersMediumSuitable if the stream’s focus aligns with MasterClass topics (e.g., a gaming streamer with a side focus on creative/business growth).

MasterClass Affiliate Software

MasterClass does not use in-house affiliate management software.

They utilize well-established, third-party affiliate networks to manage their program, including:

  • Impact (Impact Radius)
  • ShareASale
  • FlexOffers
  • Skimlinks (for specific GEOs)

3 Alternatives for MasterClass Affiliate Program

MasterClass competes in the wider e-learning and creative course space. Below are three popular alternatives for affiliates: Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy.

FactorMasterClassCourseraSkillshareUdemy
Core OfferingPremium, celebrity-taught courses (Inspiration/Insight)University/Company courses, Degrees, Professional Certificates (Academic/Career)Creative and practical skills courses (Project-based/Community)Individual courses on almost any topic (Broad/Budget)
Average Bill$120 – $240/year (Subscription)Varies greatly: Single courses ($30-$100), Certificates ($200-$400), Degrees.$168/year (Subscription)Varies: $10 – $200 per course (often heavily discounted)
Entry Fees$0 (Free to join)$0 (Free to join)$0 (Free to join)$0 (Free to join)
Withdrawal ThresholdVaries by Network (often $50-$100)Varies by Network (often $50)$10 (Paid via PayPal)Varies by Network (often $10 – $50)
Payment FrequencyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthly
CommissionUp to 25% per sale15% to 45% on eligible purchases$10 flat rate per new Premium sign-up (free trial to paid)10% net revenue (standard)
Cookie Duration30 days30 days30 days7 days
Marketing MaterialsLinks, Banners, SmartLinksText links, Banners, Course ListsBanners, Text linksWide range of assets, Deals/Coupon codes