Attribution Window
The defined time period after a user clicks an affiliate link during which any qualifying conversion is credited to the referring affiliate.
What it means in practice
An attribution window defines the time frame in which a conversion can be credited to an affiliate. When a user clicks an affiliate link, a tracking event starts - typically by setting a cookie or recording a server-side identifier. If the user completes a qualifying action (such as a deposit, registration, or purchase) within the window, the affiliate earns the commission. If the window expires before the user converts, no attribution occurs. The cookie duration is the traditional implementation method for attribution windows in browser-based tracking.
Attribution can be implemented through several methods. Cookie-based tracking is the traditional approach but is increasingly limited by browser restrictions on third-party cookies. Server-side tracking using postback calls provides more reliable attribution that is not affected by browser settings. Many programs use hybrid approaches that combine first-party cookies with server-side confirmation to maintain accuracy as the tracking landscape evolves.
The length of the attribution window affects program dynamics significantly. Shorter windows favor operators because they reduce commission liability - only conversions that happen quickly after a click are attributed. Longer windows favor affiliates because more conversions are captured, especially for products with longer consideration periods. Industry norms vary: iGaming programs typically use 30-90 day windows, Forex programs use 30-180 day windows, and Prop Trading programs use 7-30 day windows. Qualification rules often work alongside attribution windows to define exactly which conversions qualify for payout.
How Attribution Window works across industries
See how attribution window is applied in the verticals Track360 supports, from qualification logic and payout structure to the operational context behind each model.
How Track360 handles this
Track360 supports configurable attribution windows per campaign, partner, or brand - from short conversion windows to lifetime attribution - with server-side tracking that works independently of browser cookie limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about attribution window, how it works in affiliate programs, and where it shows up across Track360's supported verticals.
Attribution windows vary by vertical and program. In iGaming, 30-90 days is standard. In Forex, windows range from 30 to 180 days. In Prop Trading, 7-30 days is common. Some programs use lifetime attribution, where the affiliate relationship persists indefinitely once a user is linked to a partner.
Related Terms
Cookie Duration
Cookie duration is the length of time a browser cookie remains active after a user clicks an affiliate link. If the user converts within this window, the affiliate receives credit for the referral. Typical durations range from 30 to 90 days depending on the vertical and program.
Affiliate Link
An affiliate link is a unique tracked URL assigned to an affiliate that attributes clicks, conversions, and commissions to the correct partner.
Postback
A postback is a server-to-server HTTP callback confirming a conversion event like a registration, FTD, or purchase. Unaffected by ad blockers or cookies.
EPC (Earnings Per Click)
A performance metric that measures the average earnings generated per click on an affiliate link, used to evaluate the profitability of affiliate traffic.
Qualification Rules
Qualification rules are the conditions a referred customer must meet before the affiliate earns a commission, such as minimum deposit amounts, wagering requirements, or identity verification.
Affiliate Fraud
Affiliate fraud is the deliberate manipulation of affiliate tracking, attribution, or conversion data to earn commissions that were not legitimately generated.
Affiliate Attribution
Affiliate attribution is the process of identifying which affiliate or partner action led to a conversion, determining who earns the commission for a specific customer action.
Continue Learning
Free structured courses that cover this topic and more.
How to Migrate an Affiliate Program Without Breaking Attribution
A practical migration plan for operators moving from an existing affiliate or IB system. Map your stack, protect attribution, preserve payout logic, and move to a new setup without creating reporting chaos.
How to Structure Affiliate Commissions
CPA, RevShare, hybrid models, KPI-based deals, and multi-tier payout logic. How to pick the right structure for your program, negotiate without losing margin, and adjust as your affiliate base grows.
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Further reading on attribution window and related affiliate program topics.
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