GLOSSARY TERM
Affiliate Network
Networks sit between operators and affiliates: the operator lists offers, the network’s affiliate base runs them, and the network takes an override (typically 20–30% on top of affiliate payouts) for aggregation, billing and fraud screening.
Network vs in-house is a stage decision
Networks deliver instant distribution and outsourced admin — rational for new brands and market entries. Costs: margin, no direct partner relationships, and opaque traffic sources behind network sub-IDs. Most operators graduate to in-house programs for core markets while keeping networks for experimental GEOs, and the migration is smoother when direct affiliate relationships were cultivated from day one.