YouTube Expands Shopping Affiliate Program for Indian Creators

Google-owned YouTube is set to revolutionize the way creators monetize their content with the expansion of its YouTube Shopping affiliate program in India. This innovative initiative enables eligible creators to tag products directly in their videos, allowing them to earn commissions on purchases made by viewers on popular platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.

This new feature allows video creators to prominently showcase products in their content and pin them during livestreams. A dedicated product list, filled with essential information, will be displayed to viewers, who can easily click on a product to be redirected to the retailer’s website without needing to search for it themselves. This functionality extends to both new and existing videos, providing creators with ample opportunities to monetize their previous content.

YouTube emphasizes the importance of seamless product discovery across various formats, including long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams. With this feature accessible on any device—whether mobile, web, or Connected TVs—YouTube aims to amplify the impact of creators and simplify the connection between them and their audiences. “By making product discovery seamless, YouTube is empowering creators to engage their audiences in new and exciting ways,” the company stated in a press release.

Previously, YouTube offered a shopping feature that allowed eligible creators to link their online stores to their channels. However, to qualify for the newly expanded YouTube Shopping affiliate program, creators must meet certain criteria. They need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program, have more than 10,000 subscribers on their channel, and be based in an eligible country, including India and the U.S. Additionally, creators cannot operate a music channel or one classified as “Made for Kids.”

Travis Katz, General Manager and Vice President of Shopping at YouTube, commented on the program's global success, stating, “With over 30 billion hours of shopping-related content watched in 2023 alone, the incredible global success of YouTube Shopping demonstrates the power of connecting creators, viewers, and brands in exciting new ways.” He further added, “We’re now bringing this same momentum to India with the launch of the YouTube Shopping affiliate program starting with Flipkart and Myntra. We’re always looking to provide creators with more choices in how they connect their viewers to products they love. We plan to gradually expand to more partners in the future as we continue to enhance our capabilities.”

The introduction of the YouTube Shopping affiliate program is a game changer for content creators in India. It not only opens up new revenue streams but also enhances the shopping experience for viewers, allowing them to discover and purchase products seamlessly. As creators integrate shopping into their content, they will be able to engage their audiences more effectively, further blurring the lines between entertainment and e-commerce.