YouTube Expands Amazon Shopping Affiliate Programme Across MENA
YouTube has expanded its Shopping affiliate programme to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, partnering with Amazon to help eligible creators earn commissions from product recommendations. Announced on October 26, 2026, the rollout gives creators in the three markets another way to monetise their content through shopping-related videos.
The expansion forms part of YouTube’s broader effort to connect content discovery with online shopping. The Amazon partnership also gives creators a way to earn revenue from product recommendations without relying solely on advertising or brand sponsorships.
How the YouTube Shopping Affiliate Programme Works
Eligible creators can select products through YouTube Studio and attach product tags to their content. In addition, they can use the feature across different formats, including short videos and livestreams, allowing viewers to explore products while watching.
To participate, creators must join the YouTube Partner Programme and meet the Shopping affiliate programme’s eligibility requirements. They must also maintain an active account with Amazon’s Influencer or Associates programme and link their YouTube channel to that account.
Amazon Partnership Expands Creator Earnings Opportunities
The partnership allows creators to earn commissions when viewers purchase products through eligible recommendations. However, commission rates and attribution rules depend on the programme and retailer terms. YouTube provides creators with aggregate performance information, including clicks, sales and estimated revenue, through YouTube Studio Analytics.
Meanwhile, the programme also gives Amazon an additional way to reach customers through product reviews, demonstrations, and shopping-focused videos. For viewers, these formats can make it easier to research products and compare options before buying. YouTube has also highlighted the role of trusted creator recommendations in influencing purchasing decisions.
The expansion arrives as YouTube develops its shopping features across more markets and retail partnerships. In August 2026, the company announced Amazon product tagging for eligible US creators. Now, adding the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt extends the programme’s reach into the Middle East.
Supporting the Middle East’s Creator Economy
YouTube says shopping-related searches and product discovery represent a significant opportunity for creators and retailers in the region. According to figures cited in local reporting, more than 40 million active users across several Arab markets searched for shopping-related content on YouTube during June 2026.
Furthermore, the affiliate programme gives creators another potential income stream as they build audiences around technology, beauty, fashion, home products and other categories. Retailers, meanwhile, can gain exposure through content that helps viewers understand how products work.
Nevertheless, earnings will depend on audience engagement, product selection, conversion rates and commission terms. Creators should also review disclosure requirements and explain their affiliate relationships clearly to viewers.
Overall, the Amazon partnership strengthens YouTube’s position at the intersection of video, retail and creator monetisation. Its rollout across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt gives eligible creators new opportunities to turn product recommendations into measurable commercial activity.
