Trackli
Use Case|App Store (iOS)

Affiliate Tracking for iOS App Store Apps

Apple's App Store doesn't expose referral data to developers directly. Trackli bridges this gap by tracking affiliate clicks before the App Store redirect, then matching installations and purchases via server-side receipt validation to accurately attribute conversions to affiliates.

How to Set Up App Store (iOS) Affiliate Tracking

Get up and running in minutes with these simple steps.

1

Create Pre-App-Store Landing Pages

Build lightweight landing pages that affiliates link to. These pages capture the referral, set attribution data, then redirect users to the App Store listing.

2

Integrate Trackli SDK in Your App

Add the Trackli SDK to your iOS app. On first launch, it checks for stored attribution data and reports the install to Trackli's servers.

3

Configure Receipt Validation Webhook

Set up App Store Server Notifications to forward to Trackli. We validate purchases and subscriptions to confirm revenue attribution.

4

Map In-App Purchase Revenue

Define which in-app purchases and subscription tiers are commissionable. Set rates based on the actual revenue after Apple's 15-30% cut.

5

Launch and Recruit Mobile Affiliates

Target app review sites, mobile-focused YouTubers, and app directory listings. Provide affiliates with deep links and promotional assets.

How It Works

From referral link to commission payout — fully automated with App Store (iOS).

Affiliate tracking flow diagram for App Store (iOS)

Trackli vs Traditional Affiliate Tracking

See how Trackli compares to manual or legacy affiliate solutions.

FeatureTrackliTraditional
App Store Download AttributionPre-store click capture with post-install SDK confirmationNo way to track through App Store redirect
In-App Purchase TrackingServer-side receipt validation for accurate revenue dataClient-side tracking easily bypassed or lost
Apple's Revenue Share AwarenessCommissions calculated after Apple's 15-30% cutCommission on gross price without platform fee adjustment
Subscription Renewal TrackingTracks auto-renewals via App Store Server NotificationsCannot track renewals happening within the App Store
Attribution WindowConfigurable attribution window from 7 to 90 daysFixed short attribution window
Fraud PreventionServer-side receipt validation prevents fake install claimsVulnerable to click fraud and install spoofing

Frequently Asked Questions

How can Trackli track App Store installs when Apple controls the download?
Trackli uses a two-step approach: first, it captures the affiliate click on a pre-App-Store landing page. Then, when the app is installed and launched, our SDK matches the device back to the original click using a combination of device fingerprinting and stored attribution data.
Does Trackli account for Apple's commission on in-app purchases?
Yes. Apple takes 15-30% of all in-app purchases and subscriptions. Trackli calculates affiliate commissions on your net revenue after Apple's cut, so you're not overpaying affiliates on revenue you never receive.
Can I track both free app installs and paid conversions?
Absolutely. Trackli tracks the initial app install (even if the app is free) and then monitors for in-app purchases or subscription activations. You can configure commissions to trigger on installs, purchases, or both.
How does Trackli prevent fake install fraud?
Trackli validates every purchase through Apple's App Store Server Notifications. This server-side verification ensures that reported installs and purchases are genuine, preventing click flooding and install spoofing common in mobile affiliate fraud.
What's the attribution window for App Store installs?
You can configure the attribution window from 7 to 90 days in Trackli. If a user clicks an affiliate link and installs the app within your defined window, the install and any subsequent purchases are attributed to that affiliate.

Ready to launch your affiliate program?

Start tracking affiliate referrals in minutes. No complex setup, no enterprise pricing.