How to Add Amazon Affiliate Links in YouTube Videos (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
Adding affiliate links to your YouTube videos is a straightforward process that allows you to earn commissions by recommending products. For 2026, it is critical to follow updated transparency requirements and use the correct placement for different video formats.
1. Choose and Generate Your Affiliate Link
Before adding links to YouTube, you must join an affiliate program (such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale).
- Sign up: Apply for programs related to your niche (e.g., tech, beauty, or travel).
- Generate your link: Use the program’s dashboard to create a unique tracking URL for the specific product you are featuring.
- Optional – Shorten the link: Long affiliate links can look messy. Use services like Bitly or Rebrandly to create cleaner, shorter URLs
2. Add Links to Your Videos
Depending on the video type, placement matters for visibility and compliance.
- Long-Form Video Description:
- Open your video in YouTube Studio and navigate to the Description box.
- Place links near the top (the first 2–3 lines) so they are visible before the “Show More” button.
- Always use the full URL including
https://to ensure it is clickable.
- Pinned Comment: For high visibility, paste your affiliate link in a comment on your own video and select Pin so it stays at the top of the comment section.
- YouTube Shorts:
- Since Shorts descriptions are often hidden, pinning a link in the comments is the most effective method.
- Use the “Related Video” feature to link viewers from a Short to a longer video that contains detailed affiliate info.
