YouTube Unveils New Monetization Features at Made on YouTube Event
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At its "Made on YouTube" event on Tuesday, the platform announced several innovative features designed to help creators increase their earnings through brand deals and the YouTube Shopping program. The program allows creators to monetize content by showcasing and tagging products directly within their videos.
Swappable Sponsorship Slots in Long-Form Videos
One of the highlights is a new flexible sponsorship feature enabling creators to replace brand sponsorships in long-form content. This system allows for dynamic swapping of sponsor segments, giving creators the ability to:
- Insert brand sponsorships into designated slots within videos.
- Remove sponsorships once a deal concludes.
- Resell sponsorship slots for new brands.
YouTube plans to test this feature with a select group of creators early next year. This approach not only offers greater flexibility but also optimization in ad placements.
AI-Powered Product Tagging
YouTube is also integrating AI technology to enhance product tagging:
- Automated identification of the best moments for product mentions.
- Auto-tagging eligible items when they are discussed in videos.
This AI system aims to capture viewer interest at peak engagement moments, improving the effectiveness of product promotion.
Enhancements for Shorts Creators
For Shorts, YouTube will soon introduce a new link feature that directs viewers to brand websites directly from Shorts content. This makes it easier for viewers to discover and purchase products, and allows creators to demonstrate the impact of their Shorts beyond traditional metrics like views and likes.
Improved Brand-Creator Matching
The platform will soon be able to proactively recommend suitable creators for brand collaborations via its Creator Partnerships Hub within Google Ads. This feature helps brands find perfect matches efficiently.
Expansion of YouTube Shopping Program
The YouTube Shopping program continues to grow globally:
- Expanding into new markets including Brazil.
- Partnering with merchants like Nike, Etsy, Best Buy, Shark Ninja, Michaels, and Michael Kors in the U.S.
- Adding Olive Young and ZigZag in Korea.
Since July 2025, the program has experienced a fivefold increase in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), with over 500,000 creators enrolled worldwide. Moreover, YouTube has paid creators, artists, and media companies over $100 billion USD in the past four years.
About the Author
Aisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch, with a background in telecom journalism and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University. You can reach her via email at aisha@techcrunch.com or through Signal at aisha_malik.01.
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Image credits: YouTube