Get FREE Training Workshop from John Crestani
John Crestani has been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, Entepreneur.com, and dozens of other publications for his success online. More importantly, he’s helped thousands of everyday people from around the world create success for themselves as well.
Can affiliates add Amazon links to YouTube videos?
Yes, Amazon affiliates can add affiliate links to YouTube videos, but there are some important guidelines and best practices to follow to ensure compliance with both Amazon’s policies and YouTube’s guidelines.
How to Add Amazon Affiliate Links to YouTube Videos:
- Include Links in Video Descriptions:
- You can add Amazon affiliate links to the description box of your YouTube video. This is the most common way to promote Amazon products.
- Make sure to add relevant affiliate links to products mentioned in your video, such as gear, books, or other products related to the video’s content.
- Use Time-Stamped Links:
- If you are discussing multiple products in a video, you can use time-stamped links. This means that you link to specific products at the right point in the video. You can create these links in the description with timestamps, making it easier for viewers to find exactly what they’re looking for.
- Pinning Affiliate Links in the Comments:
- Some YouTube creators choose to pin a comment with affiliate links to products mentioned in the video. This is another way to make the links more accessible to viewers, in addition to placing them in the description.
- Adding Affiliate Links in Video Overlays (Cards/End Screens):
- YouTube cards and end screens allow you to add clickable links within the video. However, Amazon affiliate links are not directly allowed on these features due to YouTube’s restrictions on external links. You can, however, link to your own website, blog, or other platform where you have placed Amazon affiliate links.
Best Practices for Adding Amazon Affiliate Links on YouTube:
- Disclose Your Affiliate Relationship:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires content creators to disclose their affiliate relationships. Be transparent and inform your viewers that the links you share are affiliate links.
- Use clear language like: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases,” either in the video itself or in the video description.
- YouTube also has its own disclosure policies, and it’s important to follow both Amazon’s and YouTube’s guidelines when using affiliate links.
- Don’t Use Affiliate Links in Video Content Directly:
- YouTube generally does not allow clickable links in the video itself (except for the cards and end screens), so you can’t add clickable Amazon affiliate links directly into the video content. Make sure you are only placing clickable links in the description or comments.
- Avoid Overloading Your Description:
- Keep your video description clean and easy to read. If you’re adding multiple affiliate links, group them logically (e.g., by product category) and make sure they’re not overwhelming to your audience.
- Use shortened links (such as the Amazon SiteStripe short links) to keep the links neat and user-friendly.
- Add Links that Are Relevant to Your Video:
- The affiliate products you promote should be relevant to the content of your video. For example, if you’re doing a tech review, link to the specific product you’re reviewing. If you’re making a cooking tutorial, link to the kitchen products you’re using.
- Providing value to your audience is key. Don’t overload your video with links that aren’t helpful or directly related to the content you’re sharing.
- Avoid Misleading Practices:
- Don’t trick your viewers into clicking affiliate links. Ensure that your video accurately represents the products and is aligned with the content you’re creating.
- Amazon’s terms prohibit misleading or deceptive practices, so always make sure the link is relevant and transparent.
Amazon’s Affiliate Link Policy on YouTube:
- Amazon allows affiliates to promote products through video, but they do not allow affiliate links to be used in a misleading way.
- Amazon’s affiliate program policies specify that links should not be placed in a way that could deceive viewers or violate the terms of service, which includes making sure the links are disclosed properly.
YouTube’s Link Policy:
- YouTube allows affiliate links to be included in video descriptions and comments as long as they comply with their guidelines. However, YouTube also has rules regarding spam, deceptive practices, and the misuse of the platform, so it’s important to be honest about affiliate links.
Summary:
- Yes, Amazon affiliates can add affiliate links to YouTube videos, primarily in the video description or comments.
- Always disclose your affiliate relationship, follow YouTube’s guidelines about external links, and ensure that the products you promote are relevant and valuable to your viewers.
