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How to add a Shop Now Button to Your YouTube Channel

YouTube has unveiled the "Merchant Shelf - YouTube Store", but it might not be the right fit for everyone! Let's delve into the two challenges and an immediate solution you can adopt.
Frederik van Lierde - Apr 18, 2021
How to add a Shop Now Button to Your YouTube Channel
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YouTube has introduced a new feature called Merch Shelf, allowing eligible creators to promote their merchandise directly on YouTube. The shelf appears on the channels' video page, although it may not be visible on every video page.

However, there are currently two issues with this feature. Firstly, to be eligible for the Merch Shelf, your channel must be approved and monetized, which requires having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. Secondly, even if you meet these requirements, additional criteria must be met for each video. For example, the viewer must be in a country or region where the merch shelf is available, regardless of whether you ship to that region.

While I believe this feature will become more accessible in the future and expand to a global audience, currently there is an alternative solution. You can include a link to your online shop in your profile. YouTube allows you to add links under the About tab, and you can also incorporate between 1 and 5 links in your Channel Cover Image.

This presents an interesting opportunity! Many channels typically include links to their Instagram or website, as YouTube aims to keep viewers engaged on their platform for as long as possible. However, redirecting viewers to an external website is not financially beneficial for your videos or channel.

Instead, why not utilize this valuable space to link directly to your webshop? By guiding viewers to your online shop within YouTube, you can generate income while still retaining them on the platform.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE

How to add a link to your YouTube Cover Image:

  1. Click on your profile picture (right-top)
  2. Click on YOUTUBE STUDIO
  3. Click on CUSTOMISATION
  4. Click on the BASIC INFO tab.
  5. Scroll down to LINKS
  6. Click ADD LINK
  7. Enter Title: SHOP NOW (preferable uppercase for better visibility)
  8. Enter the direct link to your webshop
  9. In case you have already other links, move the newly created link to the first place.
  10. Click PUBLISH (top right). Your viewers have now SHOP NOW call-to-action on your channel!