YouTube unveils new ways for creators to earn with brand deals, YouTube Shopping program

During its recent Made on YouTube event, the platform revealed exciting new features aimed at increasing revenue streams for content creators through brand partnerships and the YouTube Shopping program. This initiative allows creators to monetize their content by showcasing and tagging products directly within their videos. One of the standout updates is the ability for creators to replace brand sponsorships in long-form videos. This innovative approach enables creators to insert brand segments into designated swappable slots, giving them the flexibility to remove or resell these sponsorships once a deal concludes. YouTube plans to roll out this feature with a select group of creators starting early next year. Additionally, YouTube is set to implement an AI-driven system designed to pinpoint the most effective moments for product mentions, automatically displaying product tags at these peak times. This strategy aims to capture viewer attention when it is most engaged. The platform is also testing the automatic identification and tagging of eligible products featured in videos, enhancing the shopping experience for viewers. For creators utilizing Shorts, new functionality will soon allow them to include direct links to brands' websites, facilitating easier product discovery and purchase opportunities for audiences. This feature will also enable creators to provide advertisers with insights into how their Shorts contribute to traffic generation, moving beyond conventional engagement metrics. Moreover, YouTube is expanding its Shopping program to reach more creators and countries, including Brazil, while incorporating additional merchants like Nike, Etsy, and Best Buy in the U.S., as well as Olive Young and ZigZag in Korea. Since July 2025, the platform has reported a fivefold increase in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), with over 500,000 creators now enrolled in the program. In the past four years, YouTube disclosed that it has distributed over $100 billion to creators, artists, and media organizations.