Introduction
In May 2026, the affiliate marketing industry experienced a slight expansion, with the total number of active programs reaching 72,292. This represents a net increase of 197 programs, or a 0.3% growth compared to the start of the month, according to Affilitizer Market Barometer data. The market currently comprises 54 active networks.
Top 10 Ranking
| Rank | Network | Programs (Month-End) | Change | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AWIN | 21,508 | -76 | ▼ |
| 2 | Impact | 8,036 | 0 | ▬ |
| 3 | Flexoffers | 6,606 | +16 | ▲ |
| 4 | dgmaxinteractive | 3,179 | +48 | ▲ |
| 5 | CJ | 2,895 | -8 | ▼ |
| 6 | Rakuten Linkshare | 2,814 | 0 | ▬ |
| 7 | Adtraction | 2,427 | -3 | ▼ |
| 8 | AdCombo | 2,423 | 0 | ▬ |
| 9 | Daisycon | 2,400 | -26 | ▼ |
| 10 | ADCELL | 2,384 | -8 | ▼ |
Growth Champions
Three networks recorded notable gains during May 2026. LeadGid led the market in absolute growth, entering the barometer with 500 programs. dgmaxinteractive followed with an increase of 48 programs (+1.5%), bringing its total to 3,179. Flexoffers secured the third position for growth, adding 16 programs (+0.2%) to finish the month with 6,606 programs.
Decline and Closures
Several networks saw significant reductions in program counts. Sellaction lost 99 programs, a 99% decline, leaving it with 1 active program. AWIN recorded an absolute loss of 76 programs (-0.4%). Slice ceased operations on the barometer, dropping from 55 programs to 0 (-100%). Belboon fell by 39 programs (-20.9%), while moonrover decreased by 36 programs (-2.6%). Daisycon also declined by 26 programs (-1.1%).
New Networks
One new entity appeared in the market data during May 2026. LeadGid launched with 500 programs, immediately positioning itself within the medium-sized network segment.
Market Concentration (HHI)
The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for the period ended at 1,225, down from 1,237 at the start of the month. According to Affilitizer Market Barometer data, the market remains moderately concentrated. The top five networks hold a combined market share of 58.4%.
Network Segments
| Segment | Networks | Total Programs | Avg. Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large (≥1,000) | 18 | 66,056 | -0.2% |
| Medium (200–999) | 12 | 4,995 | +10.9% |
| Small (50–199) | 9 | 1,019 | -3.0% |
| Micro (<50) | 15 | 222 | -41.3% |
The Medium segment showed the strongest growth dynamics at 10.9%, largely due to new network entry. Conversely, the Micro segment contracted by 41.3%.
Stability Analysis
Based on the Volatility Index for networks with at least 50 programs, WeDare was the most volatile at 2.6%. Belboon followed at 2.1%, and Affiliate.co.za at 1.0%. In contrast, Rakuten Linkshare, ADCocktail, and Skynet (McAnism) remained the most stable, all reporting 0% fluctuation throughout May 2026.
Regional Distribution
Analysis by network headquarters shows that DACH-based networks manage the highest volume with 27,136 programs, despite a 1.2% decline. North American networks follow with 15,198 programs (+0.1%). The "Other" region category saw the most significant regional growth, increasing 4.7% to 11,699 programs.
Market Summary
The affiliate market grew by 0.3% in May 2026, reaching 72,292 programs. While the top-tier networks saw slight contractions, the entry of LeadGid and growth in the medium-sized segment offset these losses. Market concentration decreased slightly as the HHI dropped by 12 points.
Affilitizer Editorial Team
This article was created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
