Choosing between affiliate programs requires honest data, not guesswork. If you're comparing Linktree vs OBS Studio Store, you're likely wondering which offers better earnings potential for your audience. This guide breaks down commissions, approval processes, and audience fit so you can make an informed decision.
Both programs serve different publisher needs. Linktree is a link-in-bio platform with recurring revenue potential. OBS Studio Store sells professional streaming software and accessories. Let's dig into the details.
Commission Comparison
Linktree Affiliate Program
- Commission rate: 50% recurring revenue
- Example earnings: Customer signs up for Linktree Pro ($84/year). You earn ~$42/year, every year that customer remains active.
- Monthly impact at 1,000 clicks:
- Assume 2-3% conversion rate = 20-30 new subscribers
- At ~$7/month per Pro subscription = $140-210/month recurring
- After 6 months, you're earning $280-420/month (compounding effect)
OBS Studio Store
- Commission rate: Not publicly specified on OBS Project's website
- Commission transparency: The OBS Studio Store does not advertise affiliate commissions prominently
- Estimated earnings at 1,000 clicks:
- Without published rates, earnings potential is unclear
- One-time commissions only (no recurring revenue)
- Likely lower earnings per click than Linktree
Winner for earning potential: Linktree by a significant margin. The recurring 50% rate builds exponential income over time, while OBS Studio Store's unpublished commission structure creates uncertainty.
---
Cookie Window
Both programs: 30-day cookie window
What This Means for Publishers
A 30-day cookie window means:
- If a reader clicks your link today and purchases within 30 days, you earn the commission
- If they buy on day 31, you earn nothing
- Both Linktree and OBS Studio Store treat attribution equally
Practical impact:
- For Linktree: A 30-day window is adequate since signups are immediate or very quick
- For OBS Studio Store: Buyers often research before purchasing gear, so some conversions outside the 30-day window may be lost
Advantage: Linktree (faster decision cycle = more conversions within the window)
---
Network & Reliability
Linktree (In-house tracking)
- Runs proprietary affiliate tracking
- Reliability: Strong. Linktree is a $800M+ valued company with robust infrastructure
- Tracking accuracy: Generally reliable; API-based attribution for SaaS is more precise than e-commerce
- Payout consistency: Monthly payouts, typically reliable (minimum payout threshold ~$20)
- Downtime: Rare; SaaS infrastructure is mature
OBS Studio Store (In-house)
- The OBS Project runs its store directly
- Reliability: Solid. As an open-source project backed by the Linux Foundation, OBS is trusted and stable
- Tracking accuracy: E-commerce tracking via first-party cookies; adequate but standard
- Payout consistency: Less information publicly available on payout schedules
- Downtime: Minimal; infrastructure is stable
Winner: Linktree (better-documented affiliate operations and transparent payout structure)
---
Approval Requirements
Linktree Affiliate Program
1. Apply at Linktree's affiliate partner portal 2. Provide:
3. Typical approval time: 1-3 business days 4. Minimum requirements:
5. Difficulty: Easy ✓
- Your website or social media channel
- Traffic estimates
- Brief description of how you'll promote
- Basic traffic/audience (no official minimum, but ~1,000/month helpful)
- Compliance with Linktree's terms (no paid ads without permission)
OBS Studio Store
1. Apply through OBS Project's affiliate or partnership inquiry 2. Provide:
3. Typical approval time: 3-7 business days 4. Minimum requirements:
5. Difficulty: Easy ✓
- Website/channel details
- Audience description
- Promotional strategy
- Audience in streaming, gaming, or content creation space
- Credibility (established presence preferred)
Winner: Linktree (slightly faster approval, clearer process)
---
Features & Program Highlights
Linktree Affiliate Program
- Deep linking: Supported (link directly to specific features)
- Marketing materials: Badges, banners, pre-written copy provided
- Bonus structure: Occasional referral bonuses for high performers
- Unique value: Built-in analytics to track your clicks and conversions
- Special offers: Recurring revenue compounds, so top performers earn exponentially
- Support: Dedicated affiliate support team
- Promo codes: Can create custom referral codes for audience tracking
OBS Studio Store
- Deep linking: Limited (links primarily to store homepage)
- Marketing materials: Basic product images and descriptions available
- Bonus structure: Not officially listed
- Unique value: Promotes an essential tool for creators (free + premium options)
- Special offers: None publicized
- Support: Community-driven; less formal affiliate support
- Promo codes: Not standard practice
Winner: Linktree (more affiliate-focused program design)
---
Publisher Fit — Who Should Promote Which?
Promote Linktree When:
1. You have a broad creator audience — solopreneurs, influencers, small business owners, freelancers
- Why: Link-in-bio is universal; nearly all creators benefit from Linktree
2. You're building passive income — you want recurring revenue, not one-off commissions
- Why: 50% recurring means sustainable, growing earnings
3. You create content about creator tools, personal branding, or social media growth
- Why: Linktree is a natural fit within that narrative
Promote OBS Studio Store When:
1. Your audience is specifically gamers, streamers, or video producers
- Why: OBS Studio Store sells professional equipment relevant to this niche
2. You create hardware-focused content — microphone reviews, camera setups, streaming gear guides
- Why: Product-focused content converts better for physical goods
3. You have existing authority in streaming/gaming — audience trusts your gear recommendations
- Why: High-ticket items require credibility to sell
---
FAQ
1. Can I promote both Linktree and OBS Studio Store simultaneously?
Yes, absolutely. There's no conflict. In fact, many streamers and creators use both:
- Promote Linktree to your general audience (passive income)
- Promote OBS Studio Store gear to your creator/gamer community (targeted commissions)
This diversifies your affiliate income across different audiences.
2. What's the difference between "recurring" and "one-time" commissions in Linktree vs OBS Studio Store?
Linktree (recurring):
- Customer signs up → you earn 50% of their subscription fee every month
- Example: Customer pays $84/year. You earn ~$42/year for as long as they remain a customer
- Earnings compound as you bring more customers
OBS Studio Store (one-time):
- Customer buys a microphone or camera → you earn once
- No ongoing payment; next commission requires a new customer
Recurring is better for long-term passive income. One-time is better for high-ticket items.
3. Which program has better cookie tracking — Linktree or OBS Studio Store?
Both have 30-day windows, but Linktree's SaaS tracking is generally more accurate because:
- Signups happen immediately and are easy to attribute
- OBS Studio Store uses e-commerce tracking, which is standard but more prone to tracking blockers
In practice, both are reliable for honest tracking.
---