Creator guides · Updated October 11, 2026

How to Use Affiliate Links on YouTube

You can research affiliate programs for products you discuss on YouTube, apply to the provider, and share your assigned tracking links where both the program and YouTube allow them. Helpful videos explain the recommendation before directing viewers to a link.

Match a program to the video’s question

A viewer searching for a software tutorial, camera setup, or camping checklist has a specific problem. Research programs for the tools that actually help solve it. Browse affiliate programs for YouTube creators, then narrow your search by topic.

Open the program details and confirm current terms with the provider. Check whether video promotion is accepted, which countries qualify, what action earns commission, and whether the exact product in your video is eligible. Do not assume an advertised rate covers every purchase.

Apply and generate your tracking link

Present your channel and intended content accurately when applying. Approval gives you access to the provider’s assigned link tools; AffiFind does not issue those links. See how to get affiliate links for the full process.

If permitted, link to the demonstrated product rather than making viewers search a retailer’s entire store. Use the provider’s approved tracking tools for separate videos or campaigns. Avoid changing tracking parameters manually.

Where are YouTube links clickable?

YouTube’s official link-sharing guide distinguishes link locations. Long-form video description and comment URLs can be clickable with advanced features enabled. Channel profile links are clickable. URLs in Shorts descriptions and comments are not clickable.

Check the feature access on your channel and preview the published destination. For Shorts, plan a supported next step such as a relevant channel profile link; do not tell viewers to click a plain-text URL that the interface does not support. Follow YouTube’s external-link policy as well as the provider’s terms.

Write a useful description

Organize links in the same order as the items discussed. Give each a product name and short context. A camera setup video might group the camera, microphone, and lighting separately so viewers can find the equipment relevant to them.

Explain alternatives in the video itself. If a tool is optional or an existing free option is sufficient, say so. If you have not personally used a product, do not imply that you tested it. A referral link should support the answer, not replace the explanation.

Disclose the relationship in the video

Explain that you may receive commission from eligible purchases. Include the disclosure in the video and near the links in its description. The FTC’s endorsement questions cover affiliate relationships in video recommendations. Review applicable local requirements and any platform disclosure tools as well.

Measure the path from viewing to a qualifying action

Use channel insights to learn which questions attract viewers and the provider dashboard to review attributed activity. An audience member may watch without buying, or a purchase may fail the provider’s eligibility checks. Clicks, pending conversions, approved commission, and paid commission are separate outcomes.

Record the video topic, product, link destination, and date you checked the terms. Revisit older descriptions when products are discontinued or offers change. Compare useful outcomes across topics without promising an income per view.

YouTube affiliate questions

Continue with affiliate marketing basics, finding programs, or comparing terms.