Hands up if you spend an ungodly amount of hours binging on your favourite YouTubers or just watching the random YouTube clips throughout the day (we do too!). The tube that feeds us the latest and hottest music videos, travel vlogs, and silly cat videos is also the go-to platform for many of us to get product reviews ranging from smartphones to skincare products. Now, while watching the reviews, wouldn’t it be awesome if you could purchase the same product with just a few clicks without ever leaving YouTube? The good news is, you can indeed! Say hello to YouTube Shopping.
What Is YouTube Shopping?
YouTube Shopping is an integrated feature that allows viewers to buy products directly from YouTube videos, Shorts, and livestreams without leaving the platform. Creators can tag items within their content, and viewers simply click the product link or “View Products” button to explore and make purchases. No sweat.
In Malaysia, did you know that YouTube Shopping is available for products on Shopee? While the sheer convenience to viewers is obvious, creators stand to benefit too with more earnings by allowing viewers to discover and purchase items directly from their videos and shorts.
This seamless mix of entertainment and e-commerce makes shopping more engaging, convenient, and trustworthy for both viewers and content creators!
How To Shop via YouTube?
Shopping on YouTube is as easy as watching your favourite videos! With YouTube Shopping, you don’t need to pause, search, or switch apps as everything is built right into the video. Here’s how:
- Look out for product tags – While watching a video, you’ll see a small shopping bag icon or a “View Products” button below the video.
- Click to explore – Tap on it to see the list of Shopee items the creator has tagged.
- Shop instantly – Select the product you like, and you’ll be directed straight to Shopee to complete your purchase.
Yes, it’s that simple. Watch, click, and shop, all without interrupting your YouTube sesh!
How Shopee × YouTube Shopping Works for Content Creators
If you’re a creator, YouTube Shopping makes it super easy to turn your content into a new income stream, all while helping your audience shop smarter. Here’s how it works:
- Check your eligibility
- Tag Shopee Products in Your Videos – Inside YouTube Studio, you’ll find a Shopping tab where you can tag Shopee products in your videos, Shorts, and even livestreams. You can add up to 60 items per video, so your audience can instantly see what you’re recommending.
- Viewers Shop, You Earn – When viewers click on those product tags and make a purchase on Shopee, you’ll earn a commission. It’s a seamless way to link your authentic reviews or product features directly to sales.
- Commission & Extra Perks – On top of earning upsized commissions, creators can unlock perks like ads boost and exclusive buyer vouchers. The more you create and engage your audience, the more you stand to earn.
In short, it’s not just about sharing content anymore; it’s also about building a community where your recommendations can directly benefit both you and your viewers! For a more detailed look at the workings of the program, check out the video below.
Alright, How Do I Sign Up To Join the Program?
If you’re keen to tap into the Shopee YouTube Affiliate Program, here’s what you need to do and take note of:
- Ensure Channel Eligibility:
- Be part of the YouTube Partner Program.
- Have at least 10,000 subscribers.
- Must NOT be a music channel, an official artist channel, or associated with music partners (e.g. labels, distributors, publishers, VEVO)
- Must NOT be set as “Made for Kids” and have a significant number of videos marked as “Made for Kids”.
- Register your interest here and follow the steps accordingly.
Check Out These Local Creators Who Are Benefiting From The Shopee x YouTube Program
There is no shortage of local YouTubers who are currently participating in the Shopee YouTube program. Below are just two examples who have successfully turned their passion for content creation into a source of income while helping viewers shop smarter. They demonstrate how seamless and engaging YouTube Shopping can be by blending authentic recommendations with direct purchase links that make it easier for fans to shop the exact products featured in their videos.
Aisyah Habshee (549K subscribers)
FUZZ CHANNEL (431K subscribers)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many products can I tag per video?
- You can tag up to 60 Shopee products per video
How and when do I get paid?
- Earnings are processed through Google AdSense. Payments are typically made 60–120 days after a purchase to account for returns or cancellations.
What types of incentives are offered?
In Malaysia, creators get to enjoy:
- Up to 10% commission during peak sales, and up to 80% from select sellers.
- RM1,500 cash for milestone tagging and monthly challenges.
- Up to RM700 in welcome vouchers.
What products are prohibited from being promoted?
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gambling-related content
- Health care related content: Non-prescription Drugs, Prescription Drugs, Unapproved Pharmaceuticals and Dietary Supplements, Products Related to Pregnancy and Fertility
- Foods and drinks high in salt, sugar, and fat
How to optimise product display on YouTube?
- Choose attractive and high-quality products with standard images
- Avoid restricted categories and make sure you don’t violate Google policies.
- Check products carefully before posting, especially image standards and description information.
For more information, you can refer to the help article here.
