Metricool vs. Hootsuite: Affiliate Program Comparison
Gretchen Oestreicher
18 August 2026 
Hootsuite is the name most people reach for first when they think of social media management, which makes it a natural tool to recommend. It runs a solid affiliate program, and it’s worth knowing how it compares before you decide where to point your audience. Metricool’s program is built around a few things that add up over time: how much you make per referral, how long you keep making it, how often you get paid, and how quickly you can start.
Metricool Affiliate Program Comparison
Hootsuite runs its affiliate program through Impact and pays 20% of a referral’s first month of revenue on Standard plans, with a higher (undisclosed) rate on Advanced. Tracking lasts 90 days. Metricool takes a different approach: a higher starting rate, payouts every month, and commissions that continue for as long as your referral keeps their subscription.
| Feature | Metricool | Hootsuite |
|---|---|---|
| Commission Type | Recurring | First month’s revenue only |
| Commission Rate | Associate: 25% (up to $100/user). Partner: 50% (up to $300/user) | 20% of first month’s revenue (Standard); higher undisclosed rate on Advanced |
| Cookie Duration | Never expires (lifetime) | 90 days |
| Withdrawal Threshold | $200 | Not publicly disclosed |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Per Impact’s schedule |
| Approval Process | Instant, free to join (Tier 1 automatic) | Application and review required |
| Support | Email and live chat, plus 1:1 team access for Partners | Team follow-up after acceptance |
| Marketing Materials | Full resource library | Affiliate Brand Kit |
| Tracking | Affiliate dashboard | Impact platform |
Where Metricool Comes Out Ahead
- Commissions That Keep Paying: Metricool pays every month for as long as your referral stays subscribed, so a single referral can earn for years instead of once. You earn a percentage of paid subscriptions and move up as your referrals build: 25% up to $100 per user as a Metricool Associate (Tier 1), and 50% up to $300 per user as a Metricool Partner (Tier 2).
- A Higher Rate to Begin With: Metricool starts at 25% and climbs to 50% as a Partner. Hootsuite pays 20% on Standard referrals and an unspecified higher rate on Advanced, against that first month’s revenue.
- Attribution That Stays Open: Metricool’s cookie never expires, which matters most if you write evergreen content that keeps pulling clicks months after you publish it. Hootsuite’s tracking window runs 90 days.
- Start the Moment You Sign Up: Every Metricool user is enrolled as a Tier 1 Associate as soon as they have an account, with no application step. Hootsuite reviews applications before you join.
- Everything in One Place: Metricool handles tracking and payouts in its own dashboard. Hootsuite routes both through Impact, a third-party network you set up separately.
What Is Metricool’s Affiliate Program?
Metricool’s Affiliate Program pays you commissions when creators, brands, or teams you refer upgrade to a Metricool Premium plan. Every Metricool user is automatically enrolled as a Tier 1 Associate (25%, up to $100 per user), and you can move up to Tier 2 Partner (50%, up to $300 per user) as your referrals grow. You share a customizable link, track clicks and conversions in one dashboard, and get paid monthly.
Metricool Affiliate Program FAQ
Is the Commission Recurring?
Yes. You earn on every referral for as long as they stay subscribed, not just on their first payment.
How Do I Get Paid for Recommending Metricool?
Payments run through Metricool’s payment partner, Zexel. Sign up for Zexel at pay.zexel.io/auth/signup using the same email as your Metricool account, add your payment method, and verify your account. Once you reach the $200 minimum in earnings from your affiliate link, you’re ready to get paid. Zexel handles payouts regardless of your tax situation.
How Long Do Payments Take to Process?
Metricool sends payments once a month. When yours is ready, you’ll get an email with the status “Payment approved,” and it’s typically processed within 2 to 5 business days. If your account is already set up, there’s nothing else you need to do.
Do I Need to Send an Invoice?
No. Zexel generates the invoice automatically from your profile details, and you can download it from your Zexel account at any time. If you’d rather submit your own invoice or need a hand, contact Zexel support at [email protected].
Do I Need to Apply for Metricool’s Affiliate Program?
No. Every Metricool user starts as a Tier 1 affiliate automatically, with no approval step.
Get Paid Monthly for the Recommendations You Already Make
Recommending Hootsuite earns you a share of a referral’s first month. Recommending Metricool earns you a higher rate, a payout every month, and attribution that never expires, for every referral you send. If you’re already pointing your audience toward social media tools, take a closer look at the Metricool affiliate program and see what those recommendations could be worth.
Turn Your Recommendations Into Income
You’re already recommending Metricool, so get paid for it with recurring commissions and monthly payouts.
