---
title: "Join and use the affiliate program"
canonical_url: https://docs.zvid.io/docs/dashboard/affiliate/
source: docs/dashboard/affiliate.md
content_revision: 6338386a1dd87e4a
---

# Join and use the affiliate program

The **Affiliate** page lets you join the referral program and track eligible referral activity, commissions, and payouts.

## When to use it

Use this page to obtain your referral link, understand your earnings status, or update the email used for payouts.

## Join the program

**Location:** **Dashboard → Affiliate**.

1. Select **Affiliate** in the sidebar, or open [Affiliate](https://app.zvid.io/affiliate).
2. Review the current commission tiers, attribution period, minimum payout, payout method, and refund hold shown on the page.
3. Optionally enter a **Custom code (optional)**. Use 4–32 letters, numbers, or hyphens, with a letter or number at each end. Codes are normalized to lowercase and must be unique. Leave it blank for an automatically generated code.
4. Review the restriction on brand-bidding ads and self-referrals.
5. Click **Join the program**.

Your affiliate overview appears after joining. If you see **Your application is under review**, your link starts tracking after approval. A different account-status banner, such as suspension, may prevent participation; follow the message shown.

## Copy and use your referral link

1. Find **Your referral link** on the affiliate overview.
2. Click **Copy link**.
3. Use the copied URL when sharing Zvid.

Your code is also shown below the link. The page explains that the `ref` parameter can be used on other `zvid.io` pages. Keep the exact code when adapting a link.

## Track referrals and commissions

1. Review **This month's tier** for current referred revenue, projected commission rate, and progress toward the next tier.
2. Check **Clicks**, **Signups**, **Customers**, and **Payable** for the account summary. **Payable** also shows pending and paid-out amounts.
3. Scroll to **Commissions** to inspect **Date**, **Referral**, **Type**, **Sale**, **Commission**, and **Status**.
4. Click **Next** or **Prev** when more commission records are available. The table shows 10 records per page.
5. Review **Recent referrals**, when present, to see whether a referral has signed up or become a customer.

| Commission status | Meaning                                                                                                                                                   |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `pending`         | Not payable yet. The refund hold or monthly tier settlement may still be outstanding. Hover over the status for provisional-rate or availability details. |
| `approved`        | Eligible for the payable balance after the applicable hold and settlement.                                                                                |
| `paid`            | Included in a recorded payout.                                                                                                                            |
| `void`            | Excluded from payable earnings.                                                                                                                           |

Monthly commissions settle at the highest tier reached for that calendar month's referred revenue. The rate shown during the month can therefore be provisional. Use the terms and thresholds displayed in your account rather than assuming an older rate applies.

## Set your payout email

**Location:** **Affiliate → Payout settings**.

1. Enter the correct **PayPal email** for your payouts.
2. Click **Save**.
3. Wait for **Payout settings saved**.

> **Check the payout address**
Payouts use the saved PayPal address. Verify it before saving; changing this field does not reverse a payout already sent.

## Review payouts

The **Payouts** section lists the latest 10 recorded payouts, with amounts, dates, methods, and references when available. The page states the current minimum balance and hold period for monthly PayPal payouts. There is no **Request payout** action in the customer dashboard.

The page also has no control to rename a referral code or leave the program. For these requests, contact <a href="https://zvid.io/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://zvid.io/contact</a>.

## Troubleshooting

### My custom referral code was rejected

**Cause:** The code may not match the format or may already be taken.

**Solution:** Use a different valid code, or leave the field empty and let Zvid generate one.

### My link is not tracking

**Solution:** Check your affiliate-status banner and use the exact link from **Copy link**. Pending applications start tracking only after approval; suspended accounts require review. Self-referrals and fraudulent activity are not eligible.

### A commission is pending or a payout has not arrived

**Solution:** Check its status tooltip, the refund-hold period, whether the calendar month's rate is settled, the minimum payable balance, and your saved **PayPal email**. Review **Payouts** for a recorded payment. For an unresolved status, contact <a href="https://zvid.io/contact" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://zvid.io/contact</a>.

## Related documentation

- [Update your account profile](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/dashboard/account-settings/)
- [Credits and billing overview](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/dashboard/credits-and-billing/)
- [Dashboard overview](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/dashboard/overview/)