What is a Postback?

A postback (postback URL, S2S callback) is an HTTP request from a CPA network or advertiser to the tracker on conversion. It passes the click ID (macros often named subid, clickid, or sub1), status (approved/pending/rejected), payout, and goal. Core server-side attribution mechanism in affiliate marketing.

How it works

  1. The tracker generates a click ID on the click and appends it to the offer URL (sub1={clickid}).
  2. The user converts on the advertiser or network side.
  3. The network hits: https://tracker/postback?subid=ABC123&status=approved&payout=50.
  4. The tracker matches the click ID to the click row and credits the conversion.

Setup

Tracker postback URL goes into the network dashboard. Parameter names must match network macros (subid vs click_id). Multiple conversion types use separate URLs or goal/status params. Secrets/tokens block fake postbacks.

Common failures

Offer URL missing click ID; wrong status mapping; HTTP vs HTTPS; firewall blocking network IPs. Diagnose via tracker Logs/Postbacks.

See also: tracker, S2S tracking, click ID, conversion.