Eligible YouTube video creators in India can now tag brands and products in their videos, earning commissions whenever a customer makes a purchase. YouTube Shopping was launched in India on Friday as the Alphabet-owned video streaming platform enhances monetization options available to creators in the country. This affiliate marketing program was previously introduced in countries such as South Korea and the US. According to the company, eligible creators will be able to tag brands directly in their videos. At launch, YouTube Shopping will collaborate with two major e-commerce platforms in India, making it accessible via the web, mobile apps, and connected TVs (CTV) for horizontal videos, livestreams, and Shorts.
YouTube Shopping Expanded to Creators in India
Beginning on Friday, the platform announced that video creators could sign up for YouTube Shopping. After a channel’s application for the affiliate marketing program is approved, creators will be able to tag products and retailers in their videos, Shorts, or livestreams. Viewers will have the ability to browse these products without leaving the video. When viewers click on the links and complete a purchase on the retailer’s website—YouTube has partnered with Flipkart and Myntra—the video creator will earn a commission on the viewer’s entire purchase. The commission rate for different products will be shown during the tagging process, and creators can tag up to 30 products in a single video.
YouTube Shopping Eligibility Requirements
To participate, creators must meet certain eligibility criteria. A creator’s channel must be part of the YouTube Partner Program, be based in India, and have more than 10,000 subscribers. Channels categorized as Made for Kids or music channels are not eligible to join the program. Additionally, channels with Community Guideline Strikes in specific sensitive policy areas will be restricted from participating in the YouTube Shopping affiliate marketing program. Tags for products will not appear on videos that contain claimed content, as stated by YouTube.
How to Sign Up for YouTube Shopping
Qualified YouTube channels can enroll in the YouTube Shopping affiliate program through the YouTube Studio website. Here’s how to sign up:
- Log in to YouTube Studio and click on Earn from the menu on the left.
- Go to Programs > Join Now.
- Read and accept the terms of service displayed on your screen to join the program.
