How to Use YouTube Shopping: The 2025 Update

YouTube is making big moves in social commerce, refining its YouTube Shopping features to create a seamless buying experience. While platforms like TikTok Shop have taken the lead in social shopping, YouTube is playing the long game—testing new features and expanding its shopping affiliate programme globally.

So, how can you use YouTube Shopping to sell more products?

What is YouTube Shopping?

YouTube Shopping allows creators and brands to tag products in videos, enabling viewers to purchase directly from embedded links. It’s designed to make shopping while watching content as effortless as possible.

Key Developments in 2025

✔️ Expanded Affiliate Programme – YouTube Shopping is now available to more creators, starting with tests in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
✔️ Live Shopping Experiments – YouTube first tested a live shopping channel in South Korea, and we may see a UK rollout soon.
✔️ Shopify Integration – YouTube’s partnership with Shopify lets creators tag products in videos (as seen with MrBeast and Kylie Jenner).
✔️ Second-Screen Shopping – Viewers can see a product on TV and buy it using their phone—a smart move, as TV is now the most popular way to watch YouTube in the US.

How to Sell Products on YouTube?

If you’re in e-commerce, here’s how to connect your YouTube channel to your shop:

1. Tag Products in Your Videos

If your region supports YouTube Shopping, tag your products directly in your content. This makes it easy for viewers to click and buy without leaving YouTube.

2. Optimise Your Video Descriptions

Not all regions have YouTube Shopping yet. If that’s the case, use your video descriptions strategically:
✅ Include product links
✅ Add a call-to-action (CTA) (e.g. “Shop now: [Your Link]”)
✅ Feature a promo code to encourage conversions

3. Use Your YouTube Banner & About Section

Add a clear shop link to your channel banner and description. Make it easy to find so visitors know where to buy.

4. Explore the YouTube Affiliate Programme

If you don’t have your own products, consider joining the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Programme to earn commissions by promoting relevant products.

What’s next for YouTube Shopping?

📌 YouTube aims to replicate the success of WeChat’s e-commerce model in China.
📌 Expect more shopping features to roll out globally throughout 2025.
📌 If you’re selling products, now is the time to start integrating YouTube into your e-commerce strategy.

We’ll keep you posted on any UK updates in our FREE Monthly Social Media Updates.