A new feature coinciding with the full launch is that YouTube, in addition to manual management, is introducing an automatic tagging function. Content creators can activate a mode where YouTube’s system reviews recently uploaded videos to automatically identify and tag qualified Amazon products in the content.
For the tools to function, a technical setup is required where the creator’s YouTube Shopping account is linked to an active account within either the Amazon Influencer Program or Amazon Associates. The commission is then paid out via YouTube’s existing AdSense system.
Criticism Regarding Range and Click-Through Rate
In an attempt to keep unscrupulous sellers away, Amazon offers only a pre-selected product catalog. This strategic choice, however, has become a noticeable obstacle for affiliates. On industry forums, several users express dissatisfaction that it is practically difficult, and sometimes impossible, to find the desired Amazon products in the system. This is reported by, among others, Ecommercebytes.
At the same time, the integration’s conversion rate is being questioned. An affiliate user who has tested the new solution states that comparable features on Facebook yield a conversion rate of seven percent, while the corresponding figure on YouTube is described as non-existent. The overall criticism from early testers is that viewers simply do not click on the product tags to the extent expected.
New Information Regarding International Purchases
The integration primarily targets American creators, but YouTube’s parent company Google has now published clarifying guidelines regarding international viewers. When a user outside the US clicks on a product tag, YouTube Shopping first attempts to match the item with an offer from a trusted, local retailer. This is done to enable commission revenue even on international purchases.
If a local match is not available, the viewer is instead redirected to their local Amazon store, or alternatively, the US site. Google and Amazon have not currently communicated any timeline for when content creators in more markets can be expected to gain access to the tool.