What Is an Affiliate Product Feed?

An affiliate product feed is a structured file or API containing approved catalog data such as product IDs, names, descriptions, prices, images, availability, categories and destination URLs.

How publishers use feeds

Feeds let publishers build searchable product listings, comparison pages and deal sites without typing every product by hand. Regular updates keep prices and stock current.

Common formats

CSV, XML and JSON files, or API endpoints that return product data on request.

Rules to follow

Each merchant may have different access rules and update schedules. A feed does not automatically give permission to resell products or guarantee that a click is tracked.

• Use official deep links from the feed.
• Refresh prices and stock regularly.
• Follow image, caching and display requirements in the program agreement.

Common challenges

Duplicate products, inconsistent categories and outdated stock. Plan category mapping and deduplication before importing large feeds.

Frequently asked questions

Can I edit product descriptions from a feed?

Check the program's terms. Some allow rewriting; others require original descriptions.

How often should feeds be updated?

As often as the merchant allows and your traffic needs, so prices and stock stay accurate.