The iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore and Mac App Store feature millions of songs, thousands of apps for iOS and Mac, Hollywood movies to rent or buy, TV shows, music videos, games, audiobooks and ebooks, and free podcasts. You too can be part of the excitement by joining the iTunes, App Store, iBookstore and Mac App Store Affiliate Program.

Program Benefits

• Make Money: As an affiliate, you can earn commissions on all qualifying revenue generated by links to iTunes, App Store, iBookstore and Mac App Store.
• Enhance Your Website and App: In addition to generating commissions, you can add valuable and compelling content to your site or app and make it easy for your customers to find music, apps, TV shows, movies, books, audiobooks, Mac apps and more.
• Stay in the Know: Our affiliate resource website will keep you up to date on new iTunes tools, special promotions, and more. Check it out at http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/resources.

It's Easy to Join

We've partnered with four affiliate networks across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. These affiliate networks provide the technological interface that enables affiliates to access links, track performance, and get paid. Joining is easy. Get started by following the steps below:

1. Join an Affiliate Network: To start, determine which regional affiliate program area best matches the audience for your website or app. Next, visit one of the affiliate network sites using the links below and complete the online application. Please note that you will need to provide contact information as well as information about your site or app.

• United States--LinkShare
• Europe--TradeDoubler
• Japan--LinkShare Japan
• Australia & New Zealand--dgm

2. Apply for the Affiliate Program: After you have been accepted into an affiliate network, you still need to apply to the iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store program. To apply, simply complete the forms, read and agree to the program terms and conditions, and submit your application. You will be notified of your approval to join the program in one to two weeks.
3. Create Links: For you to earn commissions, links must contain your unique affiliate tracking code. To properly code affiliate links, log into your affiliate network account and access our Link Maker tool, an RSS feed generator, artwork, or other tools. If you have a large number of links to create, you should use one of our advanced linking solutions--the search API or the EPF data feed. Make sure to carefully create and test your links to ensure that they function properly.

Types of Links

• Link Maker: The Link Maker tool allows you to create affiliate links to most content available in the iTunes Store or the App Store. You can access this tool via your affiliate network.
• Color Banners: Use color artwork to promote content on the iTunes Store. We have a collection of general use art for music, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
• Free Single of the Week: Check out the artwork for the iTunes free Single of the Week--it's a great way to get your audience to try iTunes. This artwork is refreshed weekly so that it automatically updates on your site. This means that once you've added a Single of the Week banner to your website, you won't need to manually update it each week.
• RSS Feed Generator: Use the RSS feeds to incorporate lists for top music releases, apps, or TV episodes. You can add these to your website using a standard RSS feed reader.
• Widget Builder: The Widget Builder allows you to easily create interactive widgets for your website or blog. You can access this tool via your affiliate network.
• Affiliate Tools: A variety of advanced tools are available to help technically savvy partners create links to the iTunes Store and App Store. These include a Search API, an Enterprise Partner Feed that provides advanced data feed for the whole store, and a tool to build iTunes mixes and playlists outside the iTunes Store. More information about these advanced affiliate tools can be found in the Documentation section of the Affiliate Resources site.

Reporting and Tracking

Each regional affiliate network offers a variety of reporting options for affiliates through its dashboard. To maximize sales, spend time to get to know the reporting system for your affiliate network. Tools are available that allow you to code clicks and sales by link placement or campaign. However, please note that SKU-level sales reporting is not currently available with the affiliate program.

The affiliate program provides a unique way for your app to interface with iTunes, the App Store, the iBookstore, and Mac App Store to link to millions of songs, thousands of apps, Hollywood movies to rent or buy, TV shows, music videos, games, ebooks, audiobooks, and free podcasts. You too can be part of the excitement by joining the affiliate program.

Program Benefits

• Make Money: As an affiliate, you can earn commissions on all qualifying revenue generated by links to the App Store, Mac App Store and iTunes.
• Enhance Your App: In addition to generating commissions, you can add valuable and compelling content to your app and make it easy for your customers to find music, other apps, TV shows, movies, audiobooks, and more.
• Stay in the Know: Our affiliate resource website will keep you up to date on new tools, special promotions, and other resources. Check it out at http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/resources.

Program Use

The sky is the limit when you combine creativity, your app, and the App Store and Mac App Store Affiliate Program. Among the great implementations of the program are discovery apps, which help users learn about new music, artists, movies, TV shows, and even other apps. The affiliate program is also a good fit for apps that explore any of the content areas inside the store. Do you have an app that showcases a certain city? Use the affiliate program to link to artists performing at local venues or to movies playing at local theaters. We encourage you to integrate affiliate links in appropriate ways that add value to your app and its users.

We’ve partnered with four affiliate networks across North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. These affiliate networks provide the technological interface that enables affiliates to access links, track performance, and get paid. Joining is easy. Get started by following the steps below:

1. Join an Affiliate Network: To start, determine which regional affiliate program area best matches the audience for your website or app. Next, visit one of the affiliate network sites using the links below and complete the online application. Please note that you will need to provide contact information as well as information about your app.

• United States—LinkShare
• Europe—TradeDoubler
• Japan—LinkShare Japan
• Australia & New Zealand—dgm

2. Apply for the Affiliate Program: After you have been accepted into an affiliate network, you still need to apply to the iTunes, App Store and Mac App Store program. To apply, simply complete the forms, read and agree to the program terms and conditions, and submit your application. You will be notified of your approval to join the program in one to two weeks.
3. Create Links: For you to earn commissions, links must contain your unique affiliate tracking code. To properly code affiliate links, log into your affiliate network account and access our Link Maker tool, an RSS feed generator, artwork, or other tools. If you have a large number of links to create, you should use one of our advanced linking solutions—the Search API or the EPF data feed. Make sure to carefully create and test your links to ensure that they function properly.

Types of Links

• Link Maker: The Link Maker tool allows you to create affiliate links to most content available in iTunes, the App Store or Mac App Store. You can access this tool via your affiliate network.
• RSS Feed Generator: Use the RSS feeds to incorporate lists for top music releases, apps, or TV episodes. You can add these to your website using a standard RSS feed reader.
• Widget Builder: The Widget Builder allows you to easily create interactive widgets for your website or blog. You can access this tool via your affiliate network.
• Affiliate Tools: A variety of advanced tools are available to help technically savvy partners create links to iTunes, App Store and Mac App Store. These include a Search API, an Enterprise Partner Feed that provides advanced data feed for the whole store and a Web iMix tool that can be used to create a dynamic playlist. 

Reporting and Tracking

Each regional affiliate network offers a variety of reporting options for affiliates through its dashboard. To maximize sales, spend time to get to know the reporting system for your affiliate network. Tools are available that allow you to code clicks and sales by link placement or campaign. However, please note that SKU-level sales reporting is not currently available with the affiliate program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my application to join the affiliate program is denied?
If you feel that your app was inappropriately denied, you can appeal by sending an email to itunesaffiliates@apple.com. You can also attempt to reapply to the program after 14 days.

Can app developers from outside the United States join?
Yes, there are currently affiliate programs in nineteen countries around the world administered by four affiliate networks. We encourage developers from anywhere to apply but only accept those that have significant traffic in a country where there is an affiliate program.

Can I apply to more than one region’s program?
Yes. If your app sees traffic from multiple countries where our affiliate program exists, we encourage you to join more than one program. However, it is important to know that a single link often will not work for multiple countries. Links vary for each iTunes Store because rights to the content often vary by country.

Are all app publishers automatically approved to be affiliates?
No, app publishers have to go through the same approval process as websites.

Is there an API?
Yes. It is known as the Search API. Further information can be found on the Search API page in iTunes & App Store Resources site.

Can a link go straight into the store and not through the affiliate network?
Yes. As long as a URL includes the partnerId and correct version of the affToken, it does not have to go through the affiliate network. However, clicks are not tracked, just sales.

Overview

The affiliate program allows you to place links on your website to the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store. You can link to books, audiobooks, podcasts, songs, albums, apps, TV shows, movies, and more. In the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, you’ll earn a 5 percent commission (and 4 percent in Europe) on eligible sales generated by links over 72 hours. Most other affiliate programs offer just a 24-hour purchase window.

How do I sign up?

To start, determine which regional affiliate program area best matches your audience. Next, visit one of the affiliate network sites using the links below and complete the online application. Please note that you will need to provide contact information as well as information about your site or app.

• United States and Canada--LinkShare: https://cli.linksynergy.com/cli/publisher/registration/registration.php?
• Europe--TradeDoubler: http://www.tradedoubler.com/pan/login?action=register
• Australia and New Zealand--DGM Pro: http://www.dgm-au.com/affiliate-signup.htm

After you have been accepted into an affiliate network, you still need to apply to the program from within the affiliate network. To apply, simply find the iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store Affiliate Program, complete the online application, and read and agree to the program terms and conditions. You will be notified of your approval to join the program in one to two weeks.

What happens next?

Once you have been accepted as an affiliate, you will be able to access your account from inside the affiliate network using the user name and password that you created when you established the account. From inside the network, you can access all of the tools you need to create links, update your account, make changes to your password, and so on.

What does it cost to join?

Nothing. It’s free to become an affiliate.

Eligibility

We accept a wide variety of sites and apps to the program. However, we reserve the right to refuse any site that does not comply with our terms and conditions. Unsuitable sites include, but are not limited to, those that:

• Infringe trademark rights of Apple or any third party or otherwise violate the rights of any third party similar to any Apple trademark or service mark, including but not limited to Apple, iTunes, iMac, Apple Store, Mac, MacBook, iPod, and iPhone; for a complete list of Apple’s trademarks see http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/appletmlist.html.
• Contain sexually explicit materials.
• Contain hate/violent/offensive content.
• Promote discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
• Promote illegal activities or otherwise violate any applicable laws, including those targeting spyware, ”adware,” or SPAM.
• Violate any intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, scraping text or images from Apple’s websites.
• Do not clearly state an online privacy policy to its visitors.
• Otherwise are considered offensive or inappropriate at Apple's sole discretion.

Can websites outside the United States join?

Yes, there are currently affiliate programs in nineteen countries around the world administered by four affiliate networks. We encourage website publishers and app developers from anywhere to apply but only accept those that have significant traffic in a country where there is an affiliate program. It is important to note that commissions can only be earned in countries where you have used the correct affiliate link and are a member of the affiliate program.

Can I apply to more than one region’s program?

Yes. If your site or app sees traffic from multiple countries where our affiliate program exists, we encourage you to join more than one program. However, it is important to know that a single link often will not work for multiple countries. Links vary for each store because rights to the content often vary by country.

If I have more than one site, can I still become an affiliate?

Absolutely. Just register each of your sites as a subaffiliate under one affiliate account.

Can I change or negotiate the affiliate program Terms & Conditions?

No, we do not do custom agreements and Terms & Conditions for individual affiliates.

Linking to the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store

On the desktop, links launch the Mac App Store or iTunes software application and open to the iTunes Store. If a visitor to your site does not yet have the Mac App Store or iTunes installed, the link redirects the browser to a website where the user can download the iTunes software for both PC and Mac for free. iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store links are compatible with most Internet browsers, including Safari, Internet Explorer, and Firefox.

What is the easiest tool to create just a few affiliate links?

The Link Maker tool is the easiest way to create just a few links. To ensure tracking of the sales you refer through the Link Maker tool, it’s important to access the tool through the affiliate network’s dashboard. With the Link Maker tool you can search for and create links to authors, books, audiobooks, songs, artists, albums, apps, TV shows, and more. You'll receive a URL to add to your website and email campaigns.

• Link Maker: http://itunes.apple.com/linkmaker

Will one link work for the same item in all stores/countries?

No, each country usually has a unique identifier for each item. Although there is sometimes overlap, it’s very uncommon. We recommend that you have a separate link for a specific item in each regional or country store.

Earning Commissions

As an affiliate in the U.S., AU, or NZ program, you can earn a 5 percent commission on all qualifying revenue generated by affiliate coded links. Affiliates in Europe can earn a 4 percent commission. You receive a commission on eligible sales through the iTunes Store, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store over 72 hours from a click.

How do I know how much money I’ve earned?

You can run reports on sales, commissions, visitors, clicks, impressions, and conversion rates for the affiliate program through the affiliate network reporting interface.

When do I get paid? How long does it take to get my first check?

You will get a single check from the affiliate network each month for the commission you’ve earned after you have reached the program’s minimum. There’s normally a 60 to 90 day lag from the time of sale to affiliate payment, allowing time for billing processing.

Do sales of free items show up in the reports?

For zero dollar sales of books in the iBookstore, you will not see any transactions reported.

When will I receive my commissions?

After meeting the minimum dollar threshold, you will receive your commissions up to 90 days after the month has finished.

Program Overview

What is the affiliate program?

The affiliate program allows you to place links on your website or within your app to iTunes Store, App Store or Mac App Store. You can link to songs, albums, artists, apps, TV shows, movies, music videos, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. You'll earn a commission on all qualifying revenue generated by links.

How do I sign up?

To start, determine which regional affiliate program area best matches the audience for your website or app. Next, visit one of the affiliate network sites using the links below and complete the online application. Please note that you will need to provide contact information as well as information about your site or app.

• United States--LinkShare
• Europe--TradeDoubler
• Japan--LinkShare Japan
• Australia & New Zealand--dgm

After you have been accepted into an affiliate network, you still need to apply to the program from within the affiliate network. To apply, simply find the iTunes, App Store and Mac App Store program, complete the forms, and read and agree to the program terms and conditions. You will be notified of your approval to join the program in one to two weeks.

What if my application to join the affiliate program is denied?

If you feel that your site or app was inappropriately denied, you can appeal by sending an email to itunesaffiliates@apple.com or itunesaffiliates@euro.apple.com in Europe. You can also attempt to reapply to the program after 14 days.

What happens next?

Once you have been accepted as an affiliate, you will be able to access your account from inside the affiliate network using the user name and password that you created when you established the account. From inside the network, you can access all of the tools you need to create links, update your account, make changes to your password, and so on.

What does it cost to join?

Nothing. It's free to become an affiliate.

Eligibility

Is my website or app eligible for the affiliate program?

We accept a wide variety of sites and apps to the program. However, we reserve the right to refuse any site that does not comply with our terms and conditions. Unsuitable sites include, but are not limited to, those that:

• Infringe trademark rights of Apple or any third party or otherwise violate the rights of any third party similar to any Apple trademark or service mark, including but not limited to Apple, iTunes, iMac, Apple Store, Mac, MacBook, iPod and iPhone; for a complete list of Apple's trademarks.
• Contain sexually explicit materials.
• Contain hate/violent/offensive content.
• Promote discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
• Promote illegal activities or otherwise violate any applicable laws, including those targeting spyware, "adware" or SPAM.
• Violate any intellectual property rights, including, without limitation, scraping text or images from Apple's Websites.
• Do not clearly state an online privacy policy to its visitors.
• Otherwise are considered offensive or inappropriate at Apple's sole discretion.

Can websites outside the United States join?

Yes, there are currently affiliate programs in nineteen countries around the world administered by four affiliate networks. We encourage websites from anywhere to apply but only accept those that have significant traffic in a country where there is an affiliate program. It is important to note that commissions can only be earned in countries where you have used the correct affiliate link and are a member of the affiliate program.

Can I apply to more than one region's program?

Yes. If your site or app sees traffic from multiple countries where our affiliate program exists, we encourage you to join more than one program. However, it is important to know that a single link often will not work for multiple countries. Links vary for each store because rights to the content often vary by country.

If I have more than one site, can I still become an affiliate?

Absolutely. Just register each of your sites as a subaffiliate under one affiliate account.

Are all app publishers automatically approved to be affiliates?

No, app publishers have to go through the same approval process as websites.

Can I change or negotiate the affiliate program T&Cs?

No, we do not do custom agreements and T&Cs for individual affiliates.

Linking to iTunes, App Store and Mac App Store

How do links work?

Links launch the Mac App Store or iTunes software application and open to the iTunes Store. If a visitor to your site does not yet have the Mac App Store or iTunes installed, the link redirects the browser to a website where the user can download the iTunes software for both PC and Mac for free. iTunes, App Store and Mac App Store links are compatible with most Internet browsers, including Safari, Internet Explorer, and Firefox.

How do I create links?

Inside the affiliate network you have multiple choices to create affiliate links. As an affiliate, you have access to the RSS feeds. You can also create direct links to any song, artist, album, app, TV show, movie or audiobook on iTunes as well as to iMix playlists, podcasts, and iTunes Essentials.

What is the easiest tool to create just a few affiliate links?

The Link Maker tool is the easiest way to create just a few links. This tool can be found inside the affiliate network interface. With the Link Maker tool you can search for and create links to songs, artists, albums, apps, TV shows, music videos, audiobooks, or podcasts. You'll receive a URL to add to your website and email campaigns.

I cannot find the content or iTunes page I need within the Link Maker tool. How do I create an affiliate link?

Promotional or themed content pages and iTunes Essentials are currently not in the Link Maker tool. To create a link to these pages or items, you need to first copy the URL from the store then use the Bulk tab found from inside the Link Maker tool.

How do I programmatically create a large quantity of links?

Multiple options are available to affiliates to programmatically create links. A search API as well as an enterprise-level data feed are available to use. The Enterprise Data Feed (EPF) is available to affiliates who need access to metadata for creation of a large number of links. The EPF is reserved for larger affiliates who can independently manage the file. There's no tech support for use of the EPF. Further information can be found on the iTunes & App Store Resources site at http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/resources .

Is there an API?

Yes. It is known as the Search API. Further information can be found on the iTunes & App Store Resources site at http://www.apple.com/itunes/affiliates/resources .

What is an RSS feed? How do I add an affiliate-coded RSS feed to my website?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an Internet technology that allows you to subscribe to content changes and display them on your website. Using our RSS Feed Generator, you can easily create feeds to display, for example, Top Albums and Top Apps charts, that will be automatically updated. To publish the feed to your website, you need an RSS parser.

Will one link work for the same item in all stores/countries?

No, each country usually has a unique identifier for each item. While there is sometimes overlap, it's very uncommon. We recommend that you have a separate link for a specific item in each regional or country store.

Earning Commissions

How much commission will I earn?

As an affiliate, you can earn a 4 to 5 percent commission on all qualifying revenue generated by affiliate coded links. The affiliate commission varies by regional area. You receive a commission on all sales over 72 hours from a click. Most other affiliate programs offer just a 24-hour purchase window.

How do I know how much money I've earned?

You can run reports on sales, commissions, visitors, clicks, impressions, and conversion rates for the affiliate program through the affiliate network reporting interface.

When do I get paid? How long does it take to get my first check? You will get a single check from the affiliate network each month for the commission you've earned after you have reached the programs minimum. There's normally a 60 to 90 day lag from the time of sale to affiliate payment, allowing time for billing processing.

Why don't I see my commission?

As an affiliate, you will earn commissions on sales generated only on the regional iTunes, App Store or Mac App Store for which you have generated coded links. Links to the Apple Online Store or an international iTunes, App Store or Mac App Store that you have no affiliate relation to do not earn commissions. To earn commissions on international store sales, you need to apply to join the affiliate program associated with that specific country, and you need to have separate links to that content. Reporting of commissions by the affiliate network can take approximately five days in the US, Japan and Canada, up to two weeks for Europe and is done monthly for Australia and New Zealand.

Do sales of free items show up in the reports?

For zero dollar sales of music in the iTunes Store, you will see reports of $0 transactions. For zero dollar sales of apps, you will not see any transactions reported.

Can I sell music and video on my website?

No. All transactions must take place on the iTunes Store, App Store or Mac App Store. You can create a playlist outside of the store, but all transactions happen inside the iTunes Store, App Store and the Mac App Store.

When will I receive my commissions?

After meeting the minimum dollar threshold you will receive your commissions up to 90 days after the month has finished.

Advertiser - A company that uses affiliate marketing as a way to increase sales to their store.
For example: iTunes or the App Store.

Affiliate link - A specialized link that contains specific information, typically about the publisher and the advertiser, to aid in the process of matching sales and the appropriate commission to the relevant publisher.

Affiliate network - The service that compiles publishers and advertisers, provides tools for each, and is responsible for billing and paying the appropriate parties.
For example: LinkShare or TradeDoubler.

API - The Application Programming Interface  (API) is a way to connect directly to a third-party web service to query for information or use its services. The Search API provides information about the different media found inside the iTunes and App Store.  

Banner ad - A graphical piece of art that can be clicked and that directs the visitor to a specific destination inside of a store.

Cookie - A piece of information that is used to help keep track of certain information about a visitor through a session. For example: Apple uses a cookie to make sure that when a visitor purchases an item in the store, the proper publisher, who sent the visitor to iTunes or the App Store, is rewarded with the proper commission.  

Data feed - A regularly updated source of information. A data feed of all the metadata in the iTunes and App Store is available in the Enterprise Partner Feed (EPF). 

Deep link - An affiliate link to a specific item inside of a store.

Encoded - A process of changing a URL to make it able to pass as a variable inside of another URL. The most common way of doing this online is using Percent-encoding. For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percent-encoding.

Encrypted ID - The eleven character used inside of an affiliate link to identify a publisher or site in the LinkShare network. 

Metadata - Information or content used to describe an item in the store. This could be an album name, artist name, or the length of a song.

Publisher - The party responsible for building and maintaining a website or app who may or may not use affiliate marketing as part of their revenue model. For example: You.

Text link - A short sentence or phrase that is a link into an advertiser's store.

URL - Uniform Resource Locator, commonly known as a link, is the "address" to pages, sites, or services on the Internet. URLs also have the ability to pass information inside of them as parameters. Passing specific information about an affiliate program as parameters in a URL effectively turns it into an affiliate link. 

Visitor - A person using an app or visiting a website who participates in the affiliate process.

This document is intended for nontechnical users of the iTunes & App Store Affiliate Program through the LinkShare and TradeDoubler affiliate networks. This document explains some of the tools used to generate links and how you can get started using them. It also describes the basic components of affiliate links and the fundamentals of how they work.    

Table of Contents

• Tools for Building Affiliate Links
  • Banner Ads
  • Text Links
  • Link Maker Tool
  • RSS Feed Generator
  • Advanced Linking Tools
  • Search API
  • Enterprise Partner Feed (EPF)
• Digging Deeper
  • The Affiliate Link
  • Different Structures of Affiliate Links
    • Deep Links
    • General Links
    • RSS Links
  • Reporting
  • Identifying Affiliate Links

Tools for Building Affiliate Links

LinkShare and Apple both offer multiple tools for building links in different ways.  The following is a quick breakdown of the tools and what they are best used for:

Banner Ads

Banner ads are the bread and butter of online advertising but are typically not as effective as other forms of advertising to convert traffic into sales. These type of ads are a great way to start integrating the affiliate program into your site.

Banner ads are available in a variety of sizes. It is important to correctly accommodate banner sizes in the design and flow of your site's design. 

Available banner ads for North America and Japan can be found inside the LinkShare dashboard. You can locate these by following this series of steps:
Links > Get Links > Apple iTunes > Banners/Images

A properly built banner ad, in HTML, from the LinkShare dashboard should look similar to this:

<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261.10005699&type=4&subid=0"><IMG alt="" border="0" src="http://images.apple.com/itunesaffiliates/US/2010/01/03/InventionOfLyingThe_300x300.jpg"></a><IMG border="0" width="1" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&bids=146261.10005699&type=4&subid=0">

Available banner ads for Europe can be found inside the TradeDoubler dashboard. You can locate these by following this series of steps:
Search > iTunes > Links > Get Ads

A properly built banner ad, using JavaScript, from the TradeDoubler dashboard should look similar to this:

<script type="text/javascript">var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(img)g(16413800)a(xxxxx)' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11);document.write('<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=1740504&g=16413800" target="_BLANK"><img src="'+uri+'" border=0></a>');

Text Links 

Text links are phrases or short sentences that typically point to a certain genre of items in the iTunes Store. They are typically used when a graphical banner ad does not fit in the design of the website. They are also used when text-based advertising is necessary. 

A variety of prebuilt text links are available in the LinkShare dashboard. You can find these by following this series of steps:
Links > Get Links > Apple iTunes > Text/Email

A properly built text link from LinkShare should look similar to this:

<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261.10005691&type=3&subid=0" >iTunes DL page</a><IMG border=0 width=1 height=1 src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&bids=146261.10005691&type=3&subid=0" >

Create your own text links from the TradeDoubler dashboard. You can find this functionality by following this series of steps:
Search > iTunes > Links > Create Text Link

A properly built text link from TradeDoubler should look similar to this:

<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p(23708)a(1740504)g(11703474)" title="iTunes Store" target="_blank">iTunes Store</a><img src="http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(inv)g(11703474)a(1740504)" />

Link Maker Tool

The Link Maker tool is the most popular tool and easiest way to create links to specific content in the iTunes Store. Linking to specific content is called "deep linking." Typically, links to specific items best convert traffic into sales. 

Although the Link Maker tool is easy to use, you, the publisher, will need to be sure to correctly define which type of links you want to create. For example, if you do not correctly select the country for which iTunes affiliate links are being generated, the links could be completely ineffective for generating commissions from sales.

The Link Maker tool is hosted on an Apple server, not by LinkShare or TradeDoubler. However, it is important to reach the tool through the LinkShare or TradeDoubler dashboard because the relevant tracking information to correctly build the links is then transferred from LinkShare/TradeDoubler to the Link Maker tool. You can find the Link Maker tool by following this series of steps:
For LinkShare Affiliates: Links > Get Links > Apple iTunes > Link Maker Tool
For TradeDoubler Affiliates: Search > iTunes > Info/Tools

A properly built deep link from the Link Maker tool should look similar to this:

For LinkShare Affiliates: <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30" target="itunes_store"><img height="15" width="61" alt="Pearl Jam - Backspacer - Just Breathe" src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" /></a>

For TradeDoubler Affiliates: <a href="http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=xxxxxx&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Falbum%2Fthe-essential-michael-jackson%2Fid181306608%3Fuo%3D4%26partnerId%3D2003" target="itunes_store">The Essential Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson</a>

RSS Feed Generator

Using Really Simple Syndication, the RSS Feed Generator creates dynamic lists of top content on iTunes and the App Store, including Songs, Albums, New Releases, Top Apps, free apps, and so on. The RSS Feed Generator tool allows mass customization on a number of different inputs to create the perfect output for your needs. 

While it is easy to generate a customized feed, integrating and stylizing the feed into your site can be challenging for those who are less technical. It's best to only proceed with using this tool if you have resources available to proper implement the RSS feeds.

As with the Link Maker tool, it is important to configure the feed to use the country that matches the affiliate program in which you are currently enrolled. Failure to match these could result in affiliate links that do not properly commission.

You can find the RSS Feed Generator by following this series of steps on the LinkShare dashboard:
Links > Get Links > Apple iTunes > RSS Feed Generator

For TradeDoubler Affiliates: Search > iTunes > Info/Tools

A properly built RSS feed using Country equal to US, Media Type being Music, Feed Type being Top Albums, Size being 10, and Genre open to all genres would look similar to this:

http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStoreServices.woa/ws/RSS/topalbums/sf=143441/limit=10/xml?partnerId=30&LS_PARAM=http%3A%2F%2Fclick.linksynergy.com%2Ffs-bin%2Fstat%3Fid%3DCBIMl*gYY%2F8%26offerid%3D146261%26type%3D3%26subid%3D0%26tmpid%3D1826%26RD_PARM1%3D

A properly built RSS feed using Country equal to UK, Media Type being Music, Feed Type being Top Albums, Size being 10, and Genre open to all genres would look similar to this:
http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStoreServices.woa/ws/RSS/topalbums/sf=143444/limit=10/xml?partnerId=2003&TD_PARAM=http%3A%2F%2Fclkuk.tradedoubler.com%2Fclick%3Fp%3D23708%26a%3Dxxxxxx%26url%3D

Advanced Linking Tools

Multiple advanced linking tools are also available to users of the affiliate program. These tools provide raw links and require the affiliate partner to properly encode these links to be affiliate links. For more information about advanced linking tools, see the "Advanced Linking" document.

Search API

The Search API allows for search parameters to be built into a URL that is used to query. The results of these queries are displayed in JSON format where the relevant information can be parsed by a script on the publisher's server.

Enterprise Partner Feed (EPF)

The EPF is a data feed of all the metadata from all the different storefronts for iTunes and the App Store. This massive database is available, with an account, for affiliate program users in order to programmatically build deep links. To work with this tool, you should have advanced technical knowledge of databases, SQL, and ingesting data.

Digging Deeper

The Affiliate Link

The affiliate link is the integral piece combining all three aspects of the affiliate program: the publisher (you with a website or app), the affiliate network (LinkShare / TradeDoubler), and the advertiser (iTunes and App Store). The link is used to refer traffic from your (the publisher's), site through the affiliate network (LinkShare / TradeDoubler) to do tracking, into the advertiser's store (iTunes) to make a sale. 

Without an affiliate link, there would be no way to properly track who is responsible for sending qualified sales and therefore who should be rewarded with the predefined commissions. LinkShare / TradeDoubler, the affiliate network, sits in the middle to aid in the tracking and administration of accounts, among other things. 

A typical affiliate link is encapsulated in the HTML necessary to make it display correctly. This HTML could include other elements as well, such as an image tag (IMG), java script code, link tag (A HREF), and so on. Make sure not to manipulate this code unless you completely understand what you are changing. If you manipulate the HTML code around the affiliate link, you risk building a link that is not affiliate commissionable. The core of the HTML that is given to you by the affiliate network is the affiliate link. 

Different Structures of Affiliate Links

A variety of different structures of affiliate links are available to you as the publisher, depending on your needs and revenue model. These can be divided into three major types: general, RSS, and deep links. 

Deep Links

Deep links are links that are built to point to a specific item or page inside the iTunes or App Store. The Link Maker tool, Search API, and EPF are all tools that generate deep links. These types of links are typically divided into two parts: the link to the affiliate network and the link to a specific item or page inside the store. The second part of the link is typically encoded and passed through the first link as a parameter. Deep links are typically built with the Link Maker tool found through the affiliate network dashboard. 
The following is an example of a deep link for LinkShare publishers:
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30

For TradeDoubler publishers:
http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=xxxxxxx&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Falbum%2Fthe-essential-michael-jackson%2Fid181306608%3Fuo%3D4%26partnerId%3D2003

The following is an HTML example from the Link Maker tool:

For LinkShare Publishers: <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30" target="itunes_store"><img height="15" width="61" alt="Pearl Jam - Backspacer - Just Breathe" src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" /></a>

For TradeDoubler affiliates: <a href="http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=xxxxxx&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Falbum%2Fthe-essential-michael-jackson%2Fid181306608%3Fuo%3D4%26partnerId%3D2003" target="itunes_store">The Essential Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson</a>

General Links

General links are the links that are associated with banners or text links. General links are generally much shorter than deep links. Banner links typically include an IMG tag in the accompanying HTML. Text links typically just consist of an HREF tag. 

Example of link in a banner for LinkShare publishers:
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261.10005699&type=4&subid=0

For TradeDoubler publishers:
http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=1740504&g=16413800

The following is an HTML example of a banner link:

For LinkShare publishers: <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261.10005699&type=4&subid=0"><IMG alt="" border="0" src="http://images.apple.com/itunesaffiliates/US/2010/01/03/InventionOfLyingThe_300x300.jpg"></a><IMG border="0" width="1" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&bids=146261.10005699&type=4&subid=0">

For TradeDoubler publishers: <script type="text/javascript">var uri = 'http://impgb.tradedoubler.com/imp?type(img)g(16413800)a(xxxxx)' + new String (Math.random()).substring (2, 11);document.write('<a href="http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=1740504&g=16413800" target="_BLANK"><img src="'+uri+'" border=0></a>');

RSS Links

RSS links are very similar to deep links except that they are initially built backward with the advertiser's link first and the affiliate link encoded as a parameter. 

The following is an example of an RSS link for LinkShare publishers:
http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStoreServices.woa/ws/RSS/topalbums/sf=143441/limit=10/xml?partnerId=30&LS_PARAM=http%3A%2F%2Fclick.linksynergy.com%2Ffs-bin%2Fstat%3Fid%3DCBIMl*gYY%2F8%26offerid%3D146261%26type%3D3%26subid%3D0%26tmpid%3D1826%26RD_PARM1%3D

And an example for TradeDoubler publishers:
http://ax.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStoreServices.woa/ws/RSS/topalbums/sf=143444/limit=10/xml?partnerId=2003&TD_PARAM=http%3A%2F%2Fclkuk.tradedoubler.com%2Fclick%3Fp%3D23708%26a%3Dxxxxxx%26url%3D

Reporting

When you use an affiliate link, you can track three actions: impressions, clicks, and sales.
Impressions. How many times an ad is seen is tracked through the image. Every time that image is loaded on your site, it is called from LinkShare / TradeDoubler, where it resides, and the impression count is increased.
Clicks. How many times an ad or link is clicked is tracked when the visitor clicks a link. This data is sent first to LinkShare or TradeDoubler's tracking server and then to the store.
Sales. How much is sold is tracked by Apple and sent to LinkShare / TradeDoubler. The sales data is reported by the publisher identification, which was associated with the cookie that was attached to the visitor who made a purchase.

The typical flow of sale through an affiliate link has four steps: 

• A website visitor (or app user) clicks an affiliate link. This link includes all the important information relevant to the publisher's website or app.
• The visitor is directed first to a specialized server, run by LinkShare, in order to track clicks. The visitor is then redirected to a specific item or page inside the advertiser's site. This step may also include transforming the important information in the first link into the direct link sent into the advertiser's site. 
• The visitor, now being directed by the link from step 2, lands at the advertiser's site. The relevant tracking information from the link is turned into a cookie that lasts for 72 hours. Any purchases made by this visitor in that time period will be tracked. 
• After a predefined time period, the advertiser (iTunes and App Store) sends the information about all the affiliate sales back to the affiliate network (LinkShare / TradeDoubler) where it is sorted and posted to the publisher's account. It is after this step that you, the publisher, will see the sales updated in your LinkShare / TradeDoubler account.

Identifying Affiliate Links

Knowing how to identify an affiliate link will help in troubleshooting as you implement the links into your site or app. A working affiliate link is made up of certain key parts. You can troubleshoot your links by asking these questions:

• Does the link include information in it that can be used for tracking? This troubleshooting step includes checking to see that your specific account information is there.
  • In a LinkShare link, this would include your Encrypted ID (id=XXXXXXX) inside the "id" value parameter. For example: ="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261.10005691&type=3&subid=0
  • In a TradeDoubler link, this would include your program ID (corresponding to your country - p=xxxxx) and website ID (a=xxxxx) inside the "p" and "a" value parameters. Example: http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=xxxxxx&g=16413800
• Where does the base of the link point to? Does it go to an affiliate network or to the advertiser? In most all cases, the link should point to the affiliate network. The one exception is for the RSS links.
  • click.linksynergy.com is the redirect server that LinkShare uses and you can see that in this example: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261.10005691&type=3&subid=0
  • clkuk.tradedoubler.com is one of the redirect servers that TradeDoubler users. Here is an example: http://clkuk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=1740504&g=16413800
• If the affiliate link is a deep link, you will see the link into the store included in the later part of the link. It may or may not be encoded.
  • For a LinkShare example: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30
  • For a TradeDouler Example: http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=23708&a=xxxxxxx&url=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Falbum%2Fthe-essential-michael-jackson%2Fid181306608%3Fuo%3D4%26partnerId%3D2003

Advanced Linking

The first part of this document is intended for affiliate publishers that need to create affiliate tracking to be added to raw links provided by the advance linking tools. This information is primarily for tech savvy partners who need to automate the creation of many links.

The second part of this document, "Using Affiliate Links Inside Apps," is intended for affiliates that need to create affiliate tracking links that will be implemented inside an app. The aim of this structure is to enhance the user experience on mobile devices. It will enable the user to go directly from an app to the iTunes Store or the App Store without first opening the web browser app. It is not recommended to use this method for website integrations as it limits reporting.

Table of Contents

• Adding Affiliate Tracking
  • Affiliate Encoding for LinkShare
  • Affiliate Encoding for TradeDoubler
  • Affiliate Encoding for DGM
• Understanding Links
  • Clean Links
  • Clean Links Deconstructed
  • Country Codes and Content Availability
  • Legacy (WebObjects) Links
  • The Origin-Storefront Parameter
• Using Affiliate Links Inside Apps
  • Creating Short Links
  • LinkShare Affiliate Token
  • TradeDoubler Affiliate Token
  • DGM Affiliate Token
  • Adding Parameters
  • Launching Redirect in Background
    
• Appendix: Country Codes and Storefront IDs

Adding Affiliate Tracking

Properly built affiliate links are essential for proper integration into the affiliate program. Adding affiliate tracking to raw iTunes links is necessary to fully use the advanced linking tools such as the Search API and the EPF, for linking to special pages inside iTunes and the App Store, and for working with links that deal with promotions.

The affiliate program relies on four separate affiliate networks for programs worldwide. Because each program has a proprietary methodology for building links, this document includes a section for each.

Reminder: LinkShare manages the affiliate programs for the United States and Canada, and LinkShare Japan manages the program for Japan. TradeDoubler manages the affiliate programs in Europe, while DGM Pro manages the Australia and New Zealand programs.

Affiliate Encoding for LinkShare

Following the steps below will allow you to create an affiliate link for the U.S., Canada, or Japan program. Before you begin, it is important to make sure you have been approved for these accounts and have access to them.

1. The easiest way to start building your affiliate links is to first get an example link to use as a guideline. You can do this by logging into your LinkShare dashboard and navigating to the Link Maker tool. Once there, make sure the country pop-up menu matches the affiliate program you just came through. Next, search for anything you like, click one of the results, and take the chunk of HTML that is given to you in step 3. It should look similar to this:

<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30" target="itunes_store"><img height="15" width="61" alt="Pearl Jam - Backspacer - Just Breathe" src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" /></a>

2. From your chunk of HTML, grab the actual link in the HREF tag. For example:

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30

3. From the actual link, you now need to cut out the "wrapper." This is the part of the affiliate link that stays the same. This can be identified as everything in the beginning of link up through the RD_PARM1=. For example:

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=

4. Take your new raw link (from an advanced linking tool or another place) and append partnerId=30 to the end. It is important to note how to attach this parameter. If no question mark is currently in the raw link, attach the partnerId=30 with a question mark. For example:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/achin-and-shakin/id363279843?partnerId=30

If the raw link already includes a question mark, attach the partnerId=30 with an ampersand. For example:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?i=359026563&id=355189623&s=143441&uo=4&patnerId=30

5. After attaching the partnerId to the link, you need to percent-encode it twice. The first example (with the question mark) should look like this:
http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fachin-and-shakin%252Fid363279843%253FpartnerId%253D30

6. Add your wrapper from step 3 to the beginning of your double-encoded affiliate link from step 5. This is your fully functioning affiliate link. For example:

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fachin-and-shakin%252Fid363279843%253FpartnerId%253D30

This link is now a fully functioning affiliate link that is capable of tracking clicks, sales, and commissions through LinkShare.

Affiliate Encoding for TradeDoubler

TradeDoubler offers the iTunes and App Store Affiliate Program as separate programs in 14 different countries. You need to be accepted into at least one country to be able to link in Europe. If you need to link to several EU countries for which you don't yet have an affiliate account, you can enable this directly on the TradeDoubler portal (Settings -> Site Information -> My Countries).

To create an affiliate tracking link for TradeDoubler (Europe), you will need your program ID and website ID. These can be found on the TradeDoubler affiliate dashboard (Under "Settings" then "Site information").

1. Add TradeDoubler tracking before the raw link. This part contains the program ID and your website ID and will be the same for all European affiliate tracking links. For example: http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=(insert_program_ID)&a=(insert_website_ID)&url=ITUNES_URL

2. Add TradeDoubler tracking after the iTunes link. This part contains the partnerId=2003 parameter, a code that enables TradeDoubler to identify that this link belongs to an iTunes affiliate.
a. Check for a "?" in the iTunes link delivered by the API or EPF tool, which indicates that a query string already exists.
b. Attach the partnerId=2003 parameter using the correct separator character ("?" if there was none in the iTunes link or "&" if there is already a "?" in the iTunes link).

Correct tracking examples:
CORRECT: http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=(insert_program_ID)&a=(insert_website_ID)&url=http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/i-gotta-feeling/id317992994?i=317993054&partnerId=2003
CORRECT: http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=(insert_program_ID)&a=(insert_website_ID)&url=http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/id317992994?partnerId=2003

Incorrect tracking examples:
WRONG: http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=(insert_program_ID)&a=(insert_website_ID)&url=http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/i-gotta-feeling/id317992994?i=317993054?partnerId=2003 (The last question mark should be an ampersand.)
WRONG: http://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=(insert_program_ID)&a=(insert_website_ID)&url=http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/id317992994&partnerId=2003 (The partnerId=2003 should be attached with a quesiton mark not an ampersand.)

3. It is strongly advised that you encode these links--from the raw link to the end--before you embed them.

Affiliate Encoding for DGM

Following these steps will allow you to create an affiliate link for the Australia or New Zealand program. Before you begin, it is important to make sure you have been approved for these accounts and have access to them.

1. The easiest way to start building your affiliate links is to first get an example. You can do this by logging into your DGM dashboard and navigating to the Link Maker tool. Once there, make sure the country pop-up menu matches the affiliate program you just came through. Next, search for anything you like, click one of the results, and take the chunk of HTML that is then given to you. It should look similar to this:

<a href="http://www.s2d6.com/x/?x=c&z=s&v=1530946&t=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fau%2Falbum%2Fthe-fixer%2Fid327780123%3Fi%3D327780135%26uo%3D6%26partnerId%3D1002" target="itunes_store"><img height="15" width="61" alt="Pearl Jam - Backspacer - The Fixer" src="http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif" /></a>

2. From your chunk of HTML, grab the actual link in the HREF tag. For example:

http://www.s2d6.com/x/?x=c&z=s&v=1530946&t=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fau%2Falbum%2Fthe-fixer%2Fid327780123%3Fi%3D327780135%26uo%3D6%26partnerId%3D1002

3. From the actual link, you now need to cut out the "wrapper." This is the part of the affiliate link that stays the same. This can be identified as everything in the link up through the "t=". For example:

http://www.s2d6.com/x/?x=c&z=s&v=1530946&t=

4. Take your new raw link and append "partnerId=1002" to the end. It is important to note how to attach this parameter. If no question mark is currently in the raw link, you attach the partnerId=1002 with a question mark. For example:

http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/emperors-box/id365715063?partnerId=1002

If the raw link already includes a question mark, attach the "partnerId=1002" with an ampersand. For example:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTVSeason?id=364115459&s=143460&partnerId=1002

5. After attaching the partnerId to the link you need to percent-encode it. The first example (with the question mark) should look like this:
http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fau%2Falbum%2Femperors-box%2Fid365715063%3FpartnerId%3D1002

6. Prepend your wrapper from step 3 with your double encoded affiliate link from step 5. This is your fully functioning affiliate link. For example:

http://www.s2d6.com/x/?x=c&z=s&v=1530946&t=http%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fau%2Falbum%2Femperors-box%2Fid365715063%3FpartnerId%3D1002

Understanding Links

While understanding how to convert a raw link into an affiliate link is important to fully utilize the affiliate program, understanding how iTunes and App Store links are made will give you more flexibility in fully integrating the affiliate program into a site or an app.

There are two common types of deep links to specific items. These two types are "Clean" links, which were introduced in November of 2009, and "Legacy" WebObject links, which have been around since the inception of the store. Both types of links are supported in the store. Legacy links will continue to be supported indefinitely even though certain content is now referenced by the new Clean links.

Clean Links

Clean links are intended to give customers an indication of the content they see once they click a link. They are shorter and more user-friendly than the older style of links. A few examples of a clean link are:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/blind-pilot/id284309952
http://itunes.apple.com/es/album/3-rounds-a-sound/id284309952?i=318683645
http://itunes.apple.com/fr/artist/plastic-bertrand/id78609223

Clean Links Deconstructed

Next, take a look at an example link, shown in its constituent parts. This is for U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky" on The Joshua Tree album:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/joshua-tree/id267826054?i=267826366

In some cases, the descriptive portion of the link path is removed altogether, with the id directly following the action portion. For example: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id267826054?i=267826366.

Country Codes and Content Availability

If you are dealing with a link that does not have a country code (for example, most EPF links are not tied to a country), you should insert one that is appropriate for your users. The country code serves as a hint to the store. If the specific content is not available in the user's storefront, iTunes prompts the user to switch storefronts to view the requested content.

The country code also serves as a hint for the default language of the page requested when the user's preferred language is unknown. If no country code exists on the link, iTunes defaults to the U.S. storefront.

Legacy (WebObjects) Links

These links have been around since the inception of the iTunes Store, are still supported, and will be indefinitely. The preferred host for these links is now "itunes.apple.com," but "phobos.apple.com" links are also still supported.

Two examples of a Legacy link are:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=315611467&id=315611219&s=143441
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=954266

The Origin-Storefront Parameter

The "s," or "origin-storefront ID," parameter is the analog to the country code in the Clean Link format, and should be used similarly. "s," however, must be a storefront ID (such as 143441 for the United States or 143462 for Japan). A complete listing of countries and their storefront IDs is available in the appendix to this document.

Using Affiliate Links Inside Apps

The use of the affiliate program inside apps is perfectly acceptable and in fact encouraged behavior for app developers. It is important to note that because an app is not viewed in a browser in the way a website is viewed, the behavior of a regular affiliate link can be somewhat jarring. There are two ways to provide a better user experience--using short links or loading the affiliate link in the background.

Creating Short Links

A short link is a raw link that includes the two essential parameters necessary for tracking and commissioning. These are attached to the end of the link. This allows the link to still act as an affiliate link but does not first send the clicker of the link through the affiliate networks redirect. The links described earlier and in the Basic Linking document all send the user to a web proxy that the affiliate network uses to decode the affiliate link, increment any click tracking, attach any user level tracking, and perform other related activities. The Short Link avoids this step of the affiliate process but still allows the link to be affiliate commissionable.

By using a Short Link instead of a fully built affiliate enabled deep link (as described earlier), the site or app developer loses click tracking, as done by the affiliate network, but gains two things in exchange. These are faster resolution of the link and the avoidance of the need to open a web browser for the affiliate network's redirect to work on their proxy server.

The link resolves more quickly because a whole step is taken out of the process. The link goes straight to the iTunes Store or App Store instead of first going to the affiliate network and then being redirected to the appropriate store.

Using the standard affiliate link inside of an app, the app must first be closed, the Safari app then has to open for the redirect page to load, the Safari app then has to close, and the iTunes Store or App Store then loads for the specified item. This experience, called a stutter step, is not the ideal user experience expected inside an app. Instead, using a Short Link, the app closes, then the iTunes or App Store app opens immediately afterward, and the specific, requested item loads. Partners tend to be willing to give up click tracking and other related metrics associated with avoiding the redirect to enhance the user experience on a mobile device (iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad).

Creating a short link consists of adding two parameters to the end of your existing link. These two parameters are the partnerId and the affiliate token. The affiliate token is known differently depending on what affiliate network you are using. It is important to note that these parameters are case sensitive.

The partnerId either has a value of 30, 2003, or 1002, depending on the affiliate network with which you are working. This value specifies which affiliate network you are using.

The affiliate token parameter is slightly more complicated. The key and the value change depending on the affiliate network with which you are working. Where the partnerId specifies which affiliate network you are using, the affiliate token specifies your specific account inside the affiliate network.

LinkShare Affiliate Token

When using LinkShare, the affiliate token is siteID. This value is your 11-character encrypted ID that exists as the "id" value in any other LinkShare built link. The easiest way to find this value is to build a sample link using the Link Maker tool as defined in steps 1 and 2 earlier in the Affiliate Encoding for LinkShare section. For example, the siteID for an account that generated the following link would be: CBIMl*gYY/8.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=CBIMl*gYY/8&offerid=146261&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252Fus%252Falbum%252Fjust-breathe%252Fid329520595%253Fi%253D329520674%2526uo%253D6%2526partnerId%253D30

TradeDoubler Affiliate Token

If you are using TradeDoubler and wish to build a short link for a country in Europe, your affiliate token key would be "tduid." To get the value for your specific tduid, you first need to go to http://www.tradedoubler.com. Log in to your affiliate account. Click the "settings" tab on the menu on the left and then click "site information." Copy your program ID and website ID and send it to your local Affiliate Manager at itunesaffiliates@euro.apple.com in an email entitled "Affiliate Token."

DGM Affiliate Token

For DGM, the affiliate token is "affToken" and the value is your account ID. This numerical value can be found inside the DGM dashboard by choosing "Company Details" from the "My Details" pop-up menu on the dark blue navigation bar. The Affiliate Company ID is the number you are looking for.

Adding Parameters

Once again, it is very important to correctly add the two parameters (partnerId and the affiliate token) to the link correctly. Failure to do so could result in non-commissioning links. The first parameter added to a link always starts with a question mark. Sometimes the link (Clean or Legacy) will already include a parameter, so it is important to check for this first. If there is already a parameter added to the link, any following parameters need to be added with an ampersand.

Correct tracking examples:
CORRECT: http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/i-gotta-feeling/id317992994?i=317993054&partnerId=2003&tduid=SuperAffiliate
CORRECT: http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/id317992994?partnerId=2003&tduid=SuperAffiliate

Incorrect tracking examples:
WRONG: http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/i-gotta-feeling/id317992994?i=317993054?partnerId=2003&tduid=SuperAffiliate
WRONG: http://itunes.apple.com/pt/album/id317992994&partnerId=2003&tduid=SuperAffiliate

Launching Redirect in Background

A second way to keep the use of an affiliate link inside an app from stutter step is by loading it in the background. This is a very technical workaround and requires a high understanding of software engineering. This method is described in the Apple Developer site under the iPhone OS Reference Library - https://developer.apple.com/iphone/library/qa/qa2008/qa1629.html.

Appendix: Country Codes and Storefront IDs

The iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store logos are recognized worldwide and using them correctly is important. While full documentation and art is available to download below these simple guidelines should always be observed when linking to or using the iTunes, App Store, iBookstore and Mac App Store art.

• Include a link to iTunes, the App Store, iBookstore or the Mac App Store wherever an affiliate badge is used.
• Unless inline with text, an affiliate link should ideally use approved affiliate badge art.
• Never alter the artwork provided except to change the size. See guidelines for size specification and limitations.
• Never use an Apple, iTunes, Mac App Store, iBookstore or App Store logo or any other graphics from iTunes to link to the store. Please use the badges provided.
• iTunes, when used in headlines or text, is always shown as iTunes with a lowercase "i" and uppercase "T" even when it is the first word in a sentence. For the App Store, always capitalize "A" and "S." When using Mac App Store always capitalize the "M","A" and "S." The name iBookstore always starts with a lowercase "i" and is followed by an uppercase "B" even when it is the first word in a sentence.

You can download the affiliate logo guidelines and badge artwork below (please note this is available to everyone):

• App Store Affiliate Guidelines and Badges
• iBookstore Affiliate Guidelines and Badges
• iTunes Affiliate Guidelines and Badges
• Mac App Store Affiliate Guidelines and Badges

Also, you can access badges and banners via your affiliate provider (Linkshare, Tradedoubler and DGM). When you access via your affiliate network, you do not need to download and host any art but rather just implement the affiliate tracking code associated with each.

Correct implementation of affiliate badges gives your users clear visibility and direction on where to go to buy compelling content, thus giving them a good user experience and increasing your monthly commissions.

Inappropriate use of the Apple, iTunes, App Store, iBookstore or Mac App Store logos and affiliate badges may result in removal from the affiliate program; so if you have questions about use, let us know.

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Building Widgets
  • App Discovery
  • App Search
  • App List
  • Album Discovery
  • iTunes Search
  • iTunes Playlist
  • Book Discovery
  • Book Search
  • Book List
  • TV Discovery
  • Movie Discovery
  • Movie & TV Search
• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

Widgets are available for partners to easily integrate a rich and interactive experience into their blog or web sites. Multiple widgets are available with differing functionality, and they can be customized to best fit within a partner's current web property. The widgets currently available include App Discovery, App Store Search, Album Discovery, iTunes Search, and Playlist.

The widgets are built and customized using the Widget Builder tool. If the Widget Builder is accessed through an affiliate network, sales resulting from the widget will be tracked and commissioned through the iTunes, App Store, iBookstore, and Mac App Store Affiliate Program.  

Building Widgets

App Discovery
The App Discovery widget showcases a single app with a display of the app icon, name, current price, genre, and description.

To build an App Discovery widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool. If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Discovery widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select App Discovery from the drop down menu.
3. In the Search App Store search box, type the name of the app you wish to showcase or paste the link to the app found in the desktop App Store. Click the app icon or title from the list that appears.
   The example widget to the right of the page updates to reflect your choice. If you find you need to change your choice, click the small x to the right of the search box and either type a new app name or paste a new link.
4. After you have chosen an app to showcase, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
5. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
6. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
7. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
8. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

App Search
The App Store Search widget allows users to explore the App Store. Users can search for apps for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and discover individual apps from their results.

To build an App Store Search widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select App Search from the drop down menu.
3. You can modify the corner colors of the widget if you are placing the widget on a non-white background for the widget to stay consistent with your site design.  The background colors are in hexadecimal format.  If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
4. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints.  The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325.  The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
5. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
6. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
7. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

App List
The App List widget allows partners to showcase a currated list of apps that they choose. Their users will have the ability to browse the list and read a description of each app.

To build an App List widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select App List from the drop down menu.
3. Add text to the Title field to be displayed in the first line of the widget in bold.
4. Add up to 80 characters that can be used as a description for the widget.  This will be shown as two lines in the widget, below the title text.
5. Creating the list of apps is a multi-step process.  Start by clicking the Add/Edit App List button.
6. In the light box that appears, start by typing an app name or developer name into the iTunes Search box in the upper-right corner.
7. The results of your search appear in the Add Apps box below the search box. Click the Add button for one of the results to add it to your App List.
8. The apps you have chosen for the App List are in the bottom box of the lightbox. You can reorder these by dragging them into a different order. After arranging the apps in the order you want, click the Done button at the bottom right.
9. After an App List has been built, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
10. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
11. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
12. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
13. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Album Discovery
The Album Discovery widget showcases a single album with a display of album art, artist and album name, current price, and track listing with the option to preview each of the songs.

To build an Album Discovery widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool. If you do this through an affiliate network, your Album Discovery widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select Album Discovery from the drop down menu.
3. In the Search iTunes Store search box, type the name of the album you wish to showcase or paste the link to the album found within the desktop iTunes Store. Click the album art or title from the list that appears.
   The example widget to the right of the page updates to reflect your choice. If you find you need to change your choice, click the small x to the right of the search box and either type a new album name or paste a new link.
4. After an album has been chosen to showcase, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
5. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
6. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
7. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
8. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

iTunes Search
The iTunes Search widget lets users explore iTunes to search for tracks or albums and then browse the results with the option to preview songs from within the widget.

To build an iTunes Search widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool. If you do this through an affiliate network, your iTunes Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select iTunes Search from the drop down menu.
3. You can modify the corner colors of the widget if you are placing the widget on a non-white background for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
4. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
5. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
6. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
7. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

iTunes Playlist
The Playlist widget allows partners to showcase a playlist of songs that they choose. Their users will have the ability to browse the list and preview the songs.

To build an iTunes Playlist widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your Playlist widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select iTunes Playlist from the drop down menu.
3. Add text to the Title field to be displayed in the first line of the widget in bold.
4. Add up to 80 characters that can be used as a description for the widget.  This will be shown as two lines in the widget, below the title text.
5. Creating the list of songs is a multi-step process.  Start by clicking the Add/Edit Playlist button.
6. In the lightbox that appears, start by typing an artist name, album name, or song name into the iTunes Search box in the upper-right corner.
7. The results of your search appear in the Add Songs box below the search box. Click the Add button for one of the results to add it to your playlist.
8. The songs you have chosen for the playlist are in the bottom box of the lightbox. You can reorder these by dragging them into a different order. After arranging the songs in the order you want, click the Done button at the bottom right.
9. After a playlist has been built, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
10. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
11. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
12. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
13. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Book Discovery
The Book Discovery widget

To build an Book Discovery widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select Book Discovery from the drop down menu.
3. In the Search iTunes Store search box, type the name of the book you wish to showcase or paste the link to the book found within the desktop iTunes Store. Click the album art or title from the list that appears.
   The example widget to the right of the page updates to reflect your choice. If you find you need to change your choice, click the small x to the right of the search box and either type a new book name or paste a new link.
4. After a book has been chosen to showcase, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
5. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
6. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
7. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
8. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Book Search
The Book Search widget

To build an Book Search widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select Book Search from the drop down menu.
3. You can modify the corner colors of the widget if you are placing the widget on a non-white background for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
4. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
5. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
6. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
7. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Book List
The Book List widget

To build an Book List widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select Book List from the drop down menu.
3. Add text to the Title field to be displayed in the first line of the widget in bold.
4. Add up to 80 characters that can be used as a description for the widget.  This will be shown as two lines in the widget, below the title text.
5. Creating the list of books is a multi-step process.  Start by clicking the Add/Edit Book List button.
6. In the light box that appears, start by typing a book name or author name into the iTunes Search box in the upper-right corner.
7. The results of your search appear in the Add Books box below the search box. Click the Add button for one of the results to add it to your Book List.
8. The books you have chosen for the Book List are in the bottom box of the lightbox. You can reorder these by dragging them into a different order. After arranging the books in the order you want, click the Done button at the bottom right.
9. After a Book List has been built, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
10. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
11. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
12. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
13. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

TV Discovery
The TV Discovery widget

To build an TV Discovery widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select TV Discovery from the drop down menu.
3. In the Search iTunes Store search box, type the name of the TV Show you wish to showcase or paste the link to the TV Show found within the desktop iTunes Store. Click the album art or title from the list that appears.
   The example widget to the right of the page updates to reflect your choice. If you find you need to change your choice, click the small x to the right of the search box and either type a new TV Show name or paste a new link.
4. After a TV Show has been chosen to showcase, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
5. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
6. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
7. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
8. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Movie Discovery
The Movie Discovery widget

To build an Movie Discovery widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select Movie Discovery from the drop down menu.
3. In the Search iTunes Store search box, type the name of the movie you wish to showcase or paste the link to the movie found within the desktop iTunes Store. Click the album art or title from the list that appears.
   The example widget to the right of the page updates to reflect your choice. If you find you need to change your choice, click the small x to the right of the search box and either type a new movie name or paste a new link.
4. After a movie has been chosen to showcase, you can modify the corner colors of the widget. If the background of your site is not white, it is important to modify these colors for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
5. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
6. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
7. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
8. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Movie & TV Search
The Movie & TV Search widget

To build an Book widget, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Widget Builder tool.  If you do this through an affiliate network, your App Store Search widget will affiliate encode all outgoing links with your affiliate tracking parameters.
2. Select Movie & TV Search from the drop down menu.
3. You can modify the corner colors of the widget if you are placing the widget on a non-white background for the widget to stay consistent with your site design. The background colors are in hexadecimal format. If you're unsure of the exact six-digit color combination, ask your web developer to provide the specific color codes. Without the HEX color code, the corners will not match your site's background color.
4. Though the default size is 250 by 300 pixels, the exact dimensions of the widget can be modified to better fit with your current design constraints. The width of the widgets can be as small as 250 pixels but can be expanded up to a maximum of 325. The total height of the widget can be anywhere between 300 and 370 pixels.
5. Copy the HTML iframe code from the HTML-Encoded Output box.
6. Place this code into the body section of your existing HTML code for your web property.
7. After modifying your HTML code, it's always important to load the new page and test the functionality of your newly integrated widget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't my Discovery widget still appear as designed but instead is a Search widget?
- The IDs you chose are no longer valid IDs. You can rebuild the widget using new IDs.

Why is my iTunes Playlist widget not showing all the songs I added?
-  Some of the song IDs used by the Playlist widget have changed or expired. These IDs will be ignored, but the Playlist widget will continue to function.

Why has my iTunes Playlist widget turned into an Album Discovery widget?
- A Playlist reverts to an Album Discovery widget when only one valid ID is left.

Why won't the preview buttons play music?
- Song previews only play in countries that have an iTunes Music Store. They cannot be played in countries where music cannot be purchased.

Can I use multiple widgets on the same page?
- Yes; because each widget is an iframe, you can place as many as you would like on your page.

Using an iMix is a great way to increase your affiliate commissions while providing users the ability to buy multiple songs with a single click. An iMix is a playlist published on iTunes to which you can send your traffic by using an affiliated link. With an iMix, the user can buy each song individually or, with a single click, buy the whole playlist. Creating an affiliated iMix involves two steps--creating the iMix and then building the affiliate link for that iMix.  

Creating the iMix

First, create a playlist with your desktop version of iTunes. You can use songs you have previously purchased from iTunes or ones you find by browsing the iTunes Store. Next, drag the track listings into the playlist on the left side of your iTunes window until the pointer changes to an arrow and a green circle with a plus sign. Keep adding songs to your playlist until it is complete.  

The second step is to publish your playlist to iTunes to create an iMix. You can do this by either selecting your playlist and then choosing "Create an iMix" from the Store menu or by clicking the arrow in the circle to the right of the playlist title.  

After you click the Create button in the dialog that appears, you are asked to log into your iTunes account. 

Next, enter a title and description for your iMix. You will also want to review your selections in the bottom pane and ensure everything you added to the playlist is correct.  Note that the album art is auto-generated, and only music is available to be used in an iMix.  

Clicking Publish finishes the creation process. Your iMix is submitted to the store. You will receive an email notification when the iMix is available on the store. 

Creating the affiliate link

After you receive an email from iTunes that confirms that your iMix has been created and that includes a link, you need to turn that iTunes link into an affiliate link. You can do this by using the Bulk tab on the Link Maker tool.  

Copy your link to the iMix from the email and log into your affiliate network. Navigate through the affiliate network's dashboard until you reach the link for the Link Maker tool.  

Once you arrive at the Link Maker tool, click the Bulk button on the right side of the tool. Paste your link into the Item Links box and click the Get Affiliate Links button. Your affiliate link appears in the box below. If you need HTML for a small or large button or a text link, toggle between the options in the bottom box.  

You can now use this link or HTML wherever you would like to place the affiliate link to your iMix.  

Note: You can use User Level tracking with these links.