Webhook
A webhook is an HTTP callback that sends real-time event notifications from one system to another when a specified event occurs, enabling automated data exchange between platforms without polling.
What it means in practice
A webhook is a mechanism where one system sends an HTTP request to a predefined URL on another system whenever a specific event occurs. Unlike traditional API integrations where the receiving system must repeatedly poll for updates, webhooks push data in real time as events happen. In affiliate marketing, webhooks are used to transmit conversion events, commission updates, status changes, and other time-sensitive information between operators, tracking platforms, and affiliate systems.
The relationship between webhooks and postbacks is close -- in affiliate tracking, a postback is essentially a specialized type of webhook designed to communicate conversion events. However, webhooks in the broader sense cover a wider range of event types. An operator might configure webhooks to notify the affiliate platform when a customer's KYC status changes, when a chargeback is filed, when a commission is approved or reversed, or when an affiliate's account status is updated. This real-time data flow enables faster decision-making and more responsive program management.
Reliability is a key concern with webhook implementations. If the receiving server is down or returns an error, the event data can be lost unless the sending system implements retry logic, queuing, or dead-letter handling. Production-grade webhook systems typically include delivery confirmation, automatic retries with exponential backoff, and logging for troubleshooting. For affiliate programs, webhook reliability directly impacts data accuracy -- a missed webhook can mean an untracked conversion, a delayed commission update, or a compliance event that goes unnoticed.
How Webhook works across industries
See how webhook 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 webhook endpoints for both inbound and outbound event notifications. Operators can define which events trigger webhooks, monitor delivery status, and review webhook logs for troubleshooting failed deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about webhook, how it works in affiliate programs, and where it shows up across Track360's supported verticals.
A postback is a specific type of webhook used to communicate conversion events in affiliate tracking. Webhooks are a broader concept that covers any real-time HTTP callback between systems, including status changes, commission updates, and compliance events.
Related Terms
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.
S2S Tracking (Server-to-Server)
S2S tracking records affiliate conversions server-to-server, bypassing the browser. Unaffected by ad blockers or cookie restrictions.
Real-Time Reporting
Reporting that updates as events happen, giving operators and affiliates immediate visibility into clicks, conversions, commissions, and program performance.
Pixel Tracking
Pixel tracking uses a small image tag or JavaScript snippet embedded on a conversion page to notify the tracking platform when a user completes a qualifying action. The pixel fires in the user's browser, sending conversion data back to the tracking server for affiliate attribution.
Continue Learning
Free structured courses that cover this topic and more.
Affiliate Data Integration and S2S Setup
How to implement server-to-server postback tracking, configure API integrations, and build reliable data pipelines for affiliate programs across iGaming, Forex, and prop trading.
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.
Related Articles
Further reading on webhook and related affiliate program topics.
Affiliate Tracking Software Evaluation Checklist for Operators in 2026
Choosing the wrong affiliate tracking software costs operators months of integration work and years of payout disputes. This checklist covers the 12 technical and operational criteria that separate capable platforms from feature-list marketing — including S2S reliability, commission flexibility, fraud layers, and compliance tooling.
Jun 6, 2026
S2S Tracking Integration Patterns: Connecting Your Affiliate Platform to CRM, Payments, and Player Data
Server-to-server tracking fires postbacks — but connecting those postbacks to your CRM, payment gateway, player database, and compliance systems is where most operators stall. This guide covers the integration patterns that make affiliate data flow bidirectionally across your tech stack, including webhook routing, event mapping, reconciliation loops, and common failure modes.
Jun 6, 2026
Affiliate Platform Webhook Configuration: How to Set Up Real-Time Event Notifications
A technical implementation guide for operators setting up webhooks in their affiliate platform. Covers event types, payload structures, authentication, retry logic, and how to connect affiliate events to CRMs, BI tools, fraud engines, and payment systems in real time.
Jun 3, 2026
Stripe Affiliate Program Setup: Wiring Tracking and Payouts for SaaS (2026)
A practical guide to running an affiliate program on top of Stripe. Map subscription webhooks to affiliate conversions, attribute MRR and recurring revenue, reconcile payouts, and understand exactly where Stripe-only tracking breaks down and you need an S2S/postback layer on top.
May 31, 2026
Chargebee, Recurly & Paddle Affiliate Tracking (2026)
How to wire affiliate tracking to subscription-billing platforms in 2026. Connect Chargebee affiliate tracking, Recurly, Paddle, and Stripe Billing via webhooks and postbacks for MRR-accurate recurring commission, upgrade and downgrade handling, and automatic churn and clawback events — with an integration comparison table.
May 31, 2026
Affiliate CRM Integration: HubSpot & Salesforce (2026)
How to integrate affiliate attribution with your CRM for B2B SaaS long sales cycles. Pass affiliate source through lead, opportunity, and closed-won in HubSpot and Salesforce, run deal-level commissioning and sales-assisted attribution, and keep partner credit accurate — with an integration-pattern table.
May 31, 2026