Partnerize has released its 2026 Zero-Click Commerce Index, revealing that publishers generate 3.84 times more measurable purchase influence through AI-mediated discovery than traditional last-click attribution captures. The report analysed publisher citation activity across six US consumer categories, introducing the HaloIndex to measure the ratio of AI-mediated publisher influence to click-through attribution. Luxury Fashion showed the highest score at 10.94 times, whilst Consumer Audio Devices registered 1.54 times. The research identified 1,056 citation gaps, including 47 high-priority commercial opportunities where influence exceeds compensation. The findings highlight a structural mismatch as consumer discovery shifts to AI-generated answers, with traditional measurement systems failing to recognise significant publisher influence. The methodology used VantagePoint by Partnerize, which has been independently certified by the Alliance for Audited Media.

Partnerize has launched the Influence Compensation Lighthouse Program, an invite-only initiative to establish standards for measuring and compensating influence in AI-driven commerce. The programme addresses the shift from click-based to AI-mediated consumer decision-making. Founding participants include Adobe, HubSpot, Marriott International, Wolverine Worldwide, Away Travel and Vox Media. The initiative operates under the VantagePoint Fractional Compensation Standard, which allocates value across multiple contributors to purchase decisions beyond last-click attribution. During the pilot phase, Partnerize will temporarily underwrite influence-based commissions to enable immediate publisher compensation whilst brands gather economic proof points. The methodology has been independently certified by the Alliance for Audited Media, with Ipsos conducting companion research to establish industry benchmarks. The programme aims to connect visibility in AI environments to measurable business outcomes and compensable value.