YouTube is bringing affiliate shopping features to more creators

YouTube creators can start making money earlier in their careers. On Wednesday, the company said it’s reducing the Shopping affiliate program subscriber threshold from 1,000 to 500.

The affiliate program launched in 2022, allowing creators to earn kickbacks when viewers buy products tagged in their videos. It applies to YouTube Shorts, VOD and Live content. Creators will still need to meet the YouTube Partner Program’s other requirements to reap the benefits.

Perhaps not a coincidence, the move comes only a day after Meta added shopping links to Reels. Creators on Facebook and Instagram can now link to up to 30 distinct products from marketplace partners in a single video.