File hosting affiliate programs pay in a few different structures, and knowing which one you're actually signed up for changes your strategy a lot.
Pay-per-download – You earn a small amount each time someone downloads a file you uploaded, usually scaled by file size and the downloader's country.
Pay-per-signup – You earn when someone you refer signs up for a premium/paid account, often a flat bonus or percentage.
Recurring commissions – Some programs pay you a percentage for as long as your referral stays subscribed, not just a one-time bonus.
Payout rates vary heavily by country of the downloader/signup — traffic from some regions pays dramatically more than others, which is worth checking before assuming a program is "low paying."
Which payout model has worked best for your traffic?
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