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YouTube Affiliate Marketing

What is YouTube Affiliate Marketing?

YouTube affiliate marketing is a strategy where creators earn commissions by promoting products or services through affiliate links shared in their video descriptions, comments, or other areas of their channel. As a YouTuber, you can partner with brands and programs that align with your niche or audience’s interests. By recommending products you trust, you can build a new revenue stream while continuing to focus on creating content.


For example, if you’re a tech reviewer, you might share an affiliate link to the camera you use. When your audience clicks the link and makes a purchase, you earn a percentage of the sale. YouTube affiliate marketing is an excellent way to monetize your channel beyond ad revenue, especially for creators looking to diversify their income.

Are You Allowed to Put Affiliate Links on YouTube?

Yes, YouTube allows creators to include affiliate links in their content. However, it’s crucial to follow YouTube’s guidelines and disclose your affiliate relationship to your viewers. Transparency builds trust with your audience and ensures compliance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disclosure requirements.


For example, you can include a note in your video description like:


"This video contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to make a purchase through one of the links."


Failure to disclose these relationships can lead to penalties from YouTube or the FTC, so always err on the side of honesty and clarity.

Where Do I Put Affiliate Links on YouTube?

Affiliate links can be placed strategically in several areas of your YouTube channel to maximize visibility and engagement:

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  1. Video Descriptions:

    • Add your affiliate links in the description box below your videos. Include a brief note explaining what the link leads to and why your audience might find it helpful.
      Example:
      “Check out the gear I use to create my videos: [Affiliate Link].”

  2. Pinned Comments:

    • Use the pinned comment feature to highlight your affiliate links. This works particularly well if you mention a product in your video and want to drive viewers to it directly.

  3. YouTube Community Tab:

    • If you have access to the Community tab, share affiliate links as part of your posts when engaging with your audience.

  4. Video Overlays or Cards:

    • Use YouTube Cards to direct viewers to affiliate product pages. However, make sure your links comply with YouTube’s policies and offer clear value to your audience.

  5. Channel About Section:

    • Include links to affiliate programs relevant to your channel in the About section, especially if they’re evergreen resources for your audience.

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