Cookies are commonly used in marketing and advertising to track user behavior and store their information. When someone clicks on an affiliate link, a cookie is placed on their device. The cookie remembers the user’s history, such as when they click a link or an ad, allowing merchants to determine where purchases are coming from. Even when the user leaves and comes back at a later time to complete a merchant’s desired action or make a purchase, affiliates are still eligible to receive a commission.
Cookie life, or its duration, is usually determined by the merchant and can vary greatly among merchants. Some cookies can last anywhere between 10 to 90 days. Some merchants even have lifetime cookies. The most common duration for cookies is 30 days.