Affiliate network configuration that determines how publishers are approved to join a program: auto-approval (all publisher applications are automatically approved — fastest to build publisher volume but no quality control), manual approval (affiliate manager reviews each application individually — recommended for launch and for quality-controlled programs), or conditional auto-approval (automatically approve publishers who meet defined criteria such as minimum monthly traffic, specific content categories, or network reputation score). Manual approval is the recommended setting for new programs: it allows the affiliate manager to review publisher content, assess brand fit, and reject publishers whose content is incompatible with brand standards before they access affiliate links. Auto-approval is appropriate only for established programs with clear content category requirements and robust fraud detection, or for programs that deliberately prioritize volume over quality (coupon-heavy programs). Network tools for approval screening: Impact's Publisher Discovery shows publisher content, traffic, and audience before approval; CJ's Content Certified designates vetted editorial publishers; Awin's Publisher Profile shows publisher category and traffic history.
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