Affiliate marketing remains on the margins of the digital ad ecosystem. But as new brands engage, the space is beginning to leave behind its reputation as a bottom-funnel, low-value spending channel.

Key Question: What is pushing affiliate marketing closer to the bigger digital ad budgets its proponents covet?

KEY STAT: Agencies have convinced clients that affiliate marketing can be used to drive results up and down the funnel—a significant win for a channel typically viewed as performance-focused.