YouTube introduces its shopping affiliate program for Indian creators

YouTube has rolled out its Shopping affiliate program for Indian creators, enabling them to tag and promote products from platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.

In Short

• YouTube brings Shopping Affiliate program in India
• The feature will allow Indian content creators to tag and promote products from websites
• YouTube's effort to enhance creator monetization

YouTube expanded its shopping features in India today by introducing a new YouTube Shopping affiliate program. This feature has already been available in most countries including the US and South Korea, and is now coming to India enabling YouTube creators to tag products from different websites.. For now, in India, YouTube will allow creators to showcase products from Flipkart and Myntra in their videos, earning commissions on sales. Through this feature, YouTube aims to support creators in diversifying their income streams while providing viewers with direct links to product recommendations from their trusted content creators.

YouTube explains that its Shopping affiliate program will enable eligible creators to tag products in various video formats, including long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams. When viewers will click on these tagged products, they will be directed to the corresponding Flipkart or Myntra page to complete the purchase.

This expansion notably builds on YouTube's existing shopping features, which allow creators to connect their own merchandise stores to their channels, along with other monetization options like ads, YouTube Premium, Brand Connect, and fan features such as Channel Memberships, Super Chat, and Super Stickers.

As for joining the program, creators must complete a registration process. Once enrolled, they can tag products in both new and existing videos, as well as in livestreams. Viewers will find tagged items in the video description or under the 'Product' section, allowing for easy product discovery across different devices-whether on mobile, web, or connected TVs. This flexibility will enable creators to use the program in multiple content formats and reach a broader audience across various screens, a feature particularly significant given the rapid increase in YouTube viewership on Connected TVs in India over the past three years.

Discussing the program and its global success, Travis Katz, General Manager and Vice President of Shopping at YouTube, said, "The incredible global success of YouTube Shopping, with over 30 billion hours of shopping-related content watched in 2023 alone, demonstrates the power of connecting creators, viewers, and brands in exciting new ways. We're now bringing this same momentum to India with the launch of the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, starting with Flipkart and Myntra. The YouTube Shopping affiliate program offers Indian creators a unique opportunity to diversify their revenue streams and deepen their connection with their audiences."