5 Tools to Track Affiliate Links in YouTube Videos
If you’re running an affiliate marketing business on YouTube, tracking your affiliate links is crucial for success. Without proper tracking, you won’t know which videos drive the most conversions, which products resonate with your audience, or how to optimize your strategy for better earnings.
Fortunately, there are several powerful tools designed to help YouTubers track affiliate links effectively. In this post, we’ll cover five of the best tools to monitor your affiliate performance, analyze click-through rates, and maximize your revenue—whether you’re a beginner or an advanced marketer.
Plus, we’ll discuss how you can monetize this knowledge by turning it into a side hustle (think: YouTube tutorials, consulting, or even selling your own tracking templates).
Let’s dive in!
Why Tracking Affiliate Links in YouTube Videos Matters
Before we get into the tools, let’s quickly recap why tracking affiliate links is so important:
✅ Measure Performance – Know which videos and links generate the most clicks and sales.
✅ Optimize Content – Identify high-converting CTAs and improve underperforming videos.
✅ Maximize Earnings – Focus on promoting products that actually convert.
✅ Avoid Blind Spots – Without tracking, you might miss out on profitable opportunities.
Now, let’s explore the best tools to help you do this efficiently.
1. Bitly (Best for Simple Link Shortening & Tracking)
Best for: Beginners who want an easy, free way to track clicks.
is one of the most popular URL shorteners, but it also offers basic tracking features that are perfect for affiliate marketers.
Key Features:
✔ Shortens long affiliate links into clean, branded URLs (e.g., bit.ly/YourBrand)
✔ Tracks total clicks, geographic data, and referral sources
✔ Free plan available (with limitations)
How to Use It for YouTube:
- Replace your raw affiliate links with Bitly links in video descriptions.
- Check Bitly’s dashboard to see which videos drive the most clicks.
Monetization Tip:
If you create a tutorial on “How to Use Bitly for Affiliate Marketing,” you can promote Bitly’s paid plans as an affiliate (they have a partner program).
2. Pretty Links (Best for WordPress Users)
Best for: Bloggers and YouTubers who use WordPress and want advanced tracking.
is a WordPress plugin that lets you create short, branded links (e.g., YourSite.com/recommends) while tracking clicks.
Key Features:
✔ Cloaks affiliate links (hides the long URL for a cleaner look)
✔ Tracks clicks, referrers, and geographic data
✔ Works with UTM parameters for deeper analytics
How to Use It for YouTube:
- Install Pretty Links on your WordPress site.
- Replace affiliate links in video descriptions with Pretty Links.
- Analyze which videos generate the most conversions.
Monetization Tip:
You can create a mini-course on how to set up Pretty Links for YouTube and sell it on your blog or via Gumroad.
3. ThirstyAffiliates (Best for Advanced Affiliate Managers)
Best for: Serious affiliate marketers who want automation and bulk link management.
is another powerful WordPress plugin that helps organize, cloak, and track affiliate links.
Key Features:
✔ Auto-replaces keywords with affiliate links (great for blogs)
✔ Tracks clicks and conversions
✔ Integrates with Google Analytics
How to Use It for YouTube:
- Use it to manage all your affiliate links in one place.
- Insert links in video descriptions and track performance.
Monetization Tip:
Offer affiliate link audits as a service—help other YouTubers optimize their links for better conversions.
4. Voluum (Best for Professional Affiliate Marketers)
Best for: Advanced users who need real-time tracking, split testing, and ROI analysis.
is a premium tracking tool used by top affiliate marketers.
Key Features:
✔ Tracks clicks, conversions, and revenue in real-time
✔ Split-tests different affiliate links
✔ Integrates with Google Analytics & YouTube
How to Use It for YouTube:
- Create unique tracking links for each video.
- Monitor which videos generate the highest ROI.
Monetization Tip:
Create a YouTube case study showing how you used Voluum to increase affiliate earnings—then promote Voluum as an affiliate.
5. Google Analytics + UTM Parameters (Best Free Option)
Best for: Those who want deep analytics without extra costs.
Google Analytics (GA) is free and can track affiliate link clicks when combined with UTM parameters.
How to Set It Up:
- Use Google’s to add UTM tags to your links.
- Example:
https://your-affiliate-link.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=BestGadgets2024
- Place these links in your video descriptions.
- Check Google Analytics → Acquisition → Campaigns to see performance.
Monetization Tip:
Offer a free UTM tracking template on your blog (lead magnet) and upsell an affiliate marketing course.
How to Monetize This Knowledge (Side Hustle Ideas)
Now that you know the best tools, here’s how you can turn this into passive income:
💰 Create YouTube Tutorials – Teach others how to track affiliate links (earn ad revenue + affiliate commissions).
💰 Sell a Tracking Guide – Bundle this info into an eBook or Notion template.
💰 Offer Affiliate Audits – Charge to review and optimize someone’s links.
💰 Promote These Tools as an Affiliate – Many of these tools have partner programs.
Final Thoughts
Tracking affiliate links is non-negotiable if you want to scale your YouTube earnings. Start with Bitly or Google Analytics if you’re new, then upgrade to Pretty Links or Voluum as you grow.
Which tool will you try first? Let me know in the comments!
P.S. Want a free checklist on setting up affiliate tracking? [Download it here] (insert affiliate link or lead magnet).
Want More? Check Out These Related Posts:
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Happy tracking—and happy earning! 🚀
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