YouTube is allowing eligible creators in the U.S. to tag Amazon products in Shorts, long-form videos and livestreams, giving them a new way to earn commissions from viewer purchases.
The feature brings Amazon into YouTube’s Shopping Affiliate Program. Instead of placing Amazon Associates links in video descriptions, creators can attach products directly to their content. According to YouTube, Amazon will provide a curated catalog of trending and frequently requested products. Creators can also ask YouTube Support to add products that are not listed.
An optional auto-tagging feature can scan recent uploads and identify eligible Amazon products. Creators will see their total daily earnings in YouTube Studio, but not commission breakdowns by product or video. Returned purchases will be deducted from their balance.
The tags can be viewed globally, although eligibility is currently limited to U.S. creators. YouTube said it may match tagged products with trusted local merchant offers for eligible international purchases. Otherwise, viewers will be directed to Amazon’s U.S. site.
Creators must be enrolled in YouTube’s Partner and Shopping Affiliate programs, maintain an active Amazon Influencer or Associates account, and link that account to their YouTube channel.
Source: TechCrunch
