The top 5% of YouTube, in our network.
The ThoughtLeaders Partner Program (TPP) is 170 hand-picked creators — the ones we stake our reputation on. These aren't channels with big numbers. They're channels that have passed a five-stage funnel we run internally. Only 5% of the creators we evaluate make it through.
tl channels --tpp --limit 20
Five stages. 33% → 21% → 10% → 7% → 5%.
Data-backed track record
Advanced data metrics analyze engagement, audience quality, and historical performance. Only channels with proven delivery make it past this stage.
Professionalism & contract respect
Real-world evaluation of responsiveness, communication quality, and contract adherence across past campaigns. Flaky creators get cut here.
Campaign performance proof
Real creative, real conversions, real traffic data. Not vanity metrics. We look at whether past sponsors came back — the most honest success signal in the industry.
In-depth creator interviews
One-on-one conversations about the creator's goals, style, and long-term fit with brand partners. Only creators who align strategically continue.
Ongoing compliance
TPP membership is not a one-time test. Standards are enforced continuously. Non-compliant partners are removed.
Stage 5 is ongoing. TPP membership is never permanent — standards are enforced continuously.
What we tell brands when they book TPP.
"Your brand's reputation is in safe hands."
"High-quality, impactful YouTube campaigns that will leave a lasting impression."
"A simple booking process — an effortless entry point for newcomers."
"Creators demonstrate responsiveness, communication, and respect for contract terms."
"Integrations exhibit creativity, authenticity, and strong understanding of your messaging."
Verbatim from thoughtleaders.io/partner-program.
What TPP gets you that the rest of the network doesn't.
White-glove account manager
Every TPP proposal gets a named TL account manager within 4 hours of placement. You don't chase the creator, they chase you.
Creative review by the partner team
Before a TPP sponsorship goes live, our team reviews the script, the brief, and the integration for authenticity and brand fit.
Priority scheduling
TPP creators book out weeks in advance. Being on the TPP list means your deal gets priority on their calendar.
Reputation protection
We remove partners who don't maintain standards. Your brand isn't adjacent to quality, it's adjacent to vetted quality.
Research, shortlist, hand off.
Find TPP tech channels over 500k subs and pull the full profile on the top one.
used tl channels --tpp category:tech min-subs:500k --md
Three TPP channels match. Pulling the full profile on the top one next.
| Channel | Subs | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Circuitry Weekly | 1.4M | Tech & Dev |
| Engineers-style | 2.4M | Tech & Dev |
| DevOps Daily-style | 680K | Tech & Dev |
Full profile: past sponsors, pricing benchmark, evergreen curve. Shortlist this and send it to our team when you're ready, we'll bring the proposal and handle the white-glove handoff.