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If you're following Viral Loops, you might have realized that it isall about referral marketing.
We’ve written numerous articles about tactics, strategies, and even step-by-step guides on how to incorporate referral marketing in your product, or brand.
Since our product is focused on making referral campaigns easy, we had the opportunity to learn from our clients about what pieces of information are important to them.
I’m a music producer on the side, so their answer came as no surprise to me; most of us are looking for inspiration. I don’t mean the kind of “copy and paste” type of inspiration.
I’m talking about the “something to get me started” kind.
This need also reflects on the analytics of our blog; among our top 10 articles, there are 6 famous referral marketing case studies (I’ve listed them below).
The goals are clear as day. You’re looking for inspiration, and we’re aiming to make you feel inspired.
It might have cost me a long time in research, but the result was worth it.
Industry: Online marketplace
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Internal currency.
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Airbnb, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
You can learn more about how Airbnb used referral marketing to become a billion-dollar company in our in-depth case study.
Industry: File hosting
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Internal currency.
Status: Active
Dropbox is an excellent example of a successful referral program.
When you refer someone to sign up for Dropbox, you get 500MB of extra storage space for each friend that signs up through your referral link. The program is available in the US and UK.
Dropbox uses its referral program to promote its storage service. This is useful for businesses looking to host files online or share large amounts of data with clients.
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Dropbox, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
You can learn more about how Dropbox used referral marketing to grow 3900%, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Shaving equipment for men
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Inactive
Harry's is a shaving brand that offers a referral program where you can invite friends to their platform and get $5 off your order or $10 if they subscribe for the first time.
Harry's is a subscription service (you pay monthly), so it makes sense that they would use something like this as their main marketing strategy.
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Harry's, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
You can learn more about how Harry's used referral marketing to gather 100K emails within a week, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Stock exchange
Rewarding System: Early access
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Robinhood, you can use our Startup Prelaunch template.
You can learn more about how Robinhood used referral marketing to get 1 million users before launch, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: eCommerce
Rewarding System: Loyalty program
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Gilt, you can use our eCommerce referral template.
You can learn more about how Gilt used referral marketing to bounce back from dropping sales and positioned for $250M acquisition, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: eCommerce
Rewarding System: Company stock
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Jet, you can use our Leaderboard Giveaway.
You can learn more about how Jet used a strange giveaway to get huge exposure, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Underwear brand
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to JustWears, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
You can learn more about how JustWearsused used referral marketing before raising $100,000 on their Kickstarter campaign, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Online payments
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Cash.
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Paypal, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
You can learn more about how PayPal used referral marketing to get 100M users, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Online publishing
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to The Hustle, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
You can learn more about how The Hustle used referral marketing to get 300K fanatic readers, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Ridesharing
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Internal currency.
Status: Active
Uber is a popular ride-hailing service that gives you access to various rides at the push of a button.
They also have an excellent referral program (more on that in a bit) and other perks for loyal customers. The gist: If you refer your friends to Uber, they'll get $10 off their first trip, which means they can use it for free!
Uber has three different levels of referral codes: $10 off one ride, $20 off two rides, and $30 off three or more rides. They even allow you to create your custom code if none fit your needs.
Uber's referral program is simple: You share a unique link with friends and family via email or social media and then watch them book their next ride with Uber.
Each time someone books using this link (instead of directly through Uber), both parties earn rewards — but not until after their journey has been completed!
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Uber, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
You can learn more about how Uber created a referral program with 12X ROI, in our in-depth case study.
Industry: Cosmetics
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Mastic Spa, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
Industry: Cosmetics
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to BeautySavers, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
Industry: Online pharmacy
Rewarding System: Charity donation
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Pillpack, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Beauty salon company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Ulta Beauty, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Makeup company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to BirchBox, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Oral care
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Quip, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Beauty products
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & products
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Julep, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: luxury high-performance cosmetics
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Thrive Causemetics, you can use our Altruistic referral template
Industry: Shaving equipment for men
Rewarding System: Monetary discounts
Dollar Shave Club is a niche company that delivers grooming products to its customers by mail.
To build a community around the brand and bring more customers in – even now that they’re already quite popular – they’re using the power of referral marketing.
The way their referral program works is that they give you your unique code as soon as you create an account with them, which you can share with anyone on the web and get $5 when they join the Dollar Shave Club.
In this case, there’s no reward mentioned for the new customers, but the company definitely gives existing customers an incentive to spread the word about the brand and start sharing their code.
It can be through Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform – although LinkedIn wouldn’t probably be the best place to share your code – you might be using, as long as people that will be interested in signing up to see it, it works!
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Mellow, you can use Viral Loops for Shopify App.
Alternatively we would recommend using the simple Refer-a-Friend template if you are not using Shopify.
Moving on to the next example.
Industry: Vaping goods and accessories
Rewarding System: Point system
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to VaporDNA, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Vaping goods and accessories
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Genco Science, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Bar exams flashcards
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Critical Pass, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Educational activity
Rewarding System: Free products
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Flintobox, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Sleeping dolls
Rewarding System: Free products
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Riff Raff & Co, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Electric vehicle and clean energy
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Cash & Charging miles
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Tesla, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Home appliances
Rewarding System: Monetary discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Mellow, you can use Viral Loops for Shopify App.
Industry: Telecommunications startup
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to goTenna Mesh, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: screen protectors and bumper cases
Rewarding System: Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Rhino Shield, you can use our eCommerce referral template.
Industry: Audio manufacturer
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Sol Republic, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Jewelry
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Lokai, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: eCommerce
Rewarding System: Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to W Concept, you can use our eCommerce referral template.
Industry: Clothing retailer
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Boden, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online retail company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & cashback
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to eBags, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Footwear manufacturing company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Timberland, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Luggage and handbag design company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Vera Bradley, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Wellington boot and footwear brand
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Hunter, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Casual wear designer
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Uniqlo, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Sportswear and casual clothing manufacturer
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to American Giant, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Premium kids clothing
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Hanna Andersson, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Life planners and books
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & credits
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Erin Condren, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online lingerie startup
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to True&Co, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Handmade luxury sneakers
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to GREATS, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Shoe company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Rothy's, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Outdoor gear retailer
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Backcountry, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Eco-friendly clothing brand
Rewarding System: Affiliate
Status: Active
Industry: Accounting software
Rewarding System: Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to FreeAgent, you can use our eCommerce referral template.
Industry: Financial crime management
Rewarding System: Point system
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Verafin, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Finance mobile app
Rewarding System: Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to iBotta, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Multinational financial services
Rewarding System: Bonus membership points
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to American Express, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Online payments & money transfer
Rewarding System: Affiliate
Status: Active
Industry: Online banking services
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Revolut, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Accounting software
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Quickbooks, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Payment management
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Cash
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Gusto, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Tax preparation software
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & gift cards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to TaxAct, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Digital currency exchange
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Bitcoins
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Coinbase, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online food ordering
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Credits
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Munchery, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online food ordering
Rewarding System: Free deliveries
Status: Active (in some countries)
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Wolt, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Restaurant delivery
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Credits
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Doordash, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Meal-kit delivery
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Credits
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to EveryPlate, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Food ordering and delivery marketplace
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to GrubHub, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Meal replacement products
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Soylent, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Healthy foods
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to NatureBox, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Meal-kit delivery service
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Hello Fresh, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online grocery delivery service
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to PeaPod, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Coffee company
Rewarding System: Bonus reward points
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Starbucks rewards, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Coffee subscriptions
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & products
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Craft Coffee, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Mattresses
Rewarding System: Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Leesa, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Furniture and homeware brand
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & Products
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Made.com, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Bedding & homewares.
Rewarding System: Loyalty program
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Canningvale, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Foam mattresses
Rewarding System: Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Amerisleep, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Online publishing
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Morning Brew, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
Industry: Video on demand
Rewarding System: Monetary credit
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Amazon Prime, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Organising/Notes/Task management
Rewarding System: Point system
Status: Active
Evernote is a great example of how to make referrals part of the product experience.
Evernote's referral program provides $5 in credit for you and your friend, making it easy to share the app with others.
The company also uses social media to drive referrals, including Facebook ads and email campaigns that encourage users to share their products on social media.
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Evernote, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Spa and salon management
Rewarding System: Multiple-tier rewards
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Booker, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
Industry: Freelancer platform
Rewarding System: Affiliate
Status: Active
Industry: Project management
Rewarding System: Internal currency
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Trello, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Stock video footage
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & Cash
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to VideoBlocks, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online gaming
Rewarding System: In-game rewards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to World of Warcraft, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Email marketing platform
Rewarding System: Free courses
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to GetResponse, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Event management and ticketing
Rewarding System: Affiliate
Status: Active
Industry: subscription video on demand
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Free product
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to HULU Plus, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online form building and online surveys
Rewarding System: Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Typeform, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Cloud computing suite
Rewarding System: Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Google Apps, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Online file management
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Bonus users
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Zoho Docs, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online marketplace for freelance services
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Fiverr, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Online print and design
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts & gift cards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Moo, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Print on demand
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Products
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Shutterfly, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Internet television service
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Sling TV, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Cloud collaboration service
Rewarding System: Credits
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Airtable, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Document sharing platform
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Docsend, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: VPN and Ad blocking
Rewarding System: Multiple rewards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Windscribe, you can use our Milestone Referral template.
Industry: Digital parking reservation service
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Spothero, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: eCommerce marketplace
Rewarding System: Credit
Status: Active
Groupon offers a $10 credit to the referrer and the new sign-up.
While there's no limit on how many times you can get a referral credit, there is a limit on how many referrals you can make per month.
After signing up with Groupon, visit your account settings to create an affiliate link or promo code (depending on what they call it).
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Groupon, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Online printing services
Rewarding System: Voucher
Status: Active
Industry: Internet television services
Rewarding System: Free month for every successful referral.
Netflix's referral program is a great example of how you can use a variety of tactics to drive higher conversions and sales.
Netflix has a wide variety of ways to refer friends to the platform, including:
Industry: Wireless service provider
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Cash
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Koodo, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Mobile telecommunication company
Rewarding System: Stocks
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to T-mobile, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Industry: Telecommunications company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Account credit
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to AT&T, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Telecommunications company
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Gift cards
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Verizon, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Ride sharing
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. App credits
Status: Active
The program is available in the US and Canada. It is open to riders, drivers, and new and existing users. You can refer your friends by sharing your unique Lyft code on social media, by email, or by text message.
When someone uses your code when they sign up with Lyft, you'll earn one ride credit ($5 off each ride). You can also get an additional $5 off each ride when they take their first five rides within 30 days of signing up with Lyft using your unique code.
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Lyft, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Booking service
Rewarding System: Double-sided rewards. Discounts
Status: Inactive
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to HotelTonight, you can use our Altruistic referral template.
Industry: Airline
Rewarding System: Bonus Miles
Status: Active
If you want to build a referral marketing program similar to Alaska, you can use our Refer a Friend template.
Well, here you have it!
The best 100 referral marketing programs we could find. I think that now you have enough material to draw inspiration from and build your own referral campaigns.
If you find this article useful, please share it with your friends or teammates.
Keep being awesome.
Written by:
Nik has launched products in many industries for himself and clients. He's responsible for growth at Viral Loops, and he has worked in marketing since he was 17. Passionate about applying psychology to marketing. Favorite number: 42. Let's connect on LinkedIn
