AI Generated – YouTube Shopping Hero
YouTube has introduced its YouTube Shopping affiliate program across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The rollout enables eligible video creators to tag retail items directly inside their regular uploads, Shorts, and live broadcasts.
Consequently, viewers can purchase recommended products without leaving their viewing session. The service connects regional content creators with commercial retailers through video commerce on social media platforms.
Expansion of the YouTube Shopping affiliate program
The initial phase of the expansion operates in partnership with Amazon as the primary merchant. Furthermore, regional representatives confirmed that additional local and international retailers will join the network in upcoming phases.
According to internal company metrics, users worldwide watch over 40 billion hours of shopping-related content on YouTube annually. Specifically, more than 40 million logged-in users across Middle Eastern and North African nations searched for shopping videos during June 2026.
“Launching YouTube Shopping in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt gives creators another practical way to build their businesses, while offering brands a way to connect with highly engaged audiences.”
Javid Aslanov, Head of YouTube in the Middle East and North Africa
Lower Eligibility Thresholds for Creators
Under the YouTube Shopping affiliate program, creators can earn commissions on completed product sales. Importantly, the eligibility threshold requires a minimum of 500 subscribers within the YouTube Partner Program.
Qualified channels can tag products and receive payouts when audience members buy items, including transactions originating outside the region. Therefore, smaller channels gain access to commercial monetization earlier in their operational lifespan.
Technical Features and Screen Integration
The platform uses Google artificial intelligence to detect items in videos automatically and generate tagging suggestions. This automation reduces the administrative time required for manual product indexing across large video libraries.
Additionally, viewers watching content on television screens can scan on-screen QR codes using a smartphone to complete purchases immediately. These interactive checkout tools integrate with retail applications to finalize transactions.
