Difference between Affiliate Network and Program?

[Dooglers]

Is there a difference between the terms "affiliate network" and "affiliate program," or are these synonymous?

 

[T J Tutor]

Is there a difference between the terms "affiliate network" and "affiliate program," or are these synonymous?

They are not. An affiliate program can be many things. An affiliate network is a single thing.

Affiliate Network:
Affiliate networks sign up advertisers with offers and act as a gateway between the advertisers and the publishers. The network manages and oversees the publishers and their traffic, then pays the publishers for their conversions. The advertisers then pay the networks.

Affiliate Program:
Affiliate programs are simply a structured agreement and payment plan between any party with an offer, or offers, and an affiliate (publisher). For example, a case can be made that networks have an affiliate program. A better case can be made that Amazon has an affiliate program. Another affiliate program can be made between an affiliate and a vendor, such as BassPro, JCPenny, or any other company that will pay an affiliate for converting traffic. You could own a furniture company and have an affiliate program that pays for conversions, but that does not make you an affiliate network, that makes you a vendor with an affiliate program.

 

[Dooglers]

They are not. An affiliate program can be many things. An affiliate network is a single thing.

Affiliate Network:
Affiliate networks sign up advertisers with offers and act as a gateway between the advertisers and the publishers. The network manages and oversees the publishers and their traffic, then pays the publishers for their conversions. The advertisers then pay the networks.

Affiliate Program:
Affiliate programs are simply a structured agreement and payment plan between any party with an offer, or offers, and an affiliate (publisher). For example, a case can be made that networks have an affiliate program. A better case can be made that Amazon has an affiliate program. Another affiliate program can be made between an affiliate and a vendor, such as BassPro, JCPenny, or any other company that will pay an affiliate for converting traffic. You could own a furniture company and have an affiliate program that pays for conversions, but that does not make you an affiliate network, that makes you a vendor with an affiliate program.

Awesome, thanks TJ!