YouTube Shorts has exploded in popularity, and with the right strategy, it can be more than just a place to gain views; it can be a real source of income. One of the smartest ways to earn money with Shorts is by using affiliate marketing links.
In this blog, we’ll break down how to use affiliate links effectively in YouTube Shorts, so you can start earning commissions, even if you’re just starting out.
What are Affiliate Links?
Affiliate Links are special tracking URLs provided by an Affiliate Marketing Network for brands/advertisers like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and 2500+ affiliate marketing programs across various niches. When someone clicks your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
No need to create your own products or handle customer service. Your job is simply to recommend and share.
Why are YouTube Shorts great for Affiliate Marketing?
- Massive organic reach (even without many subscribers)
- Short-form content that grabs attention fast
- Quick production using just a smartphone
- You can drive viewers straight to products in under 60 seconds
How to Use Affiliate Links in Your YouTube Shorts Videos?
1. Pick the Right Product/Service
Choose products/services that:
- Are relevant to your niche (tech, fashion, home, beauty, etc.)
- Have high demand or are trending
- Solve a problem or provide clear value
Tip: Start with affordable, useful items to increase conversion rates.
2. Join Affiliate Programs
Sign up for popular affiliate programs like:
- Amazon India (Commission: 0.32% – 7.60%)
- Flipkart (Commission: 0.38% – 4.50%)
- HDFC Bank Instant Loan (Commission: ₹168.75 – ₹8,100)
- Udemy (Commission: 11.25%)
- MakeMyTrip Hotels (Commission: ₹112.50 – ₹187.50)
After joining, you’ll get a dashboard to generate custom affiliate links for the products you want to promote.
3. Create Short, Engaging Videos Around the Product/Service
When making your Short:
- Hook the viewer in the first 2–3 seconds
- Show the product/service in action or highlight its benefits
- Use clear text overlays if possible (eg: “Best ₹299 Gadget!”)
- Keep the focus on value—why someone should want this
Example Shorts:
- “This ₹499 Amazon gadget blew my mind!”
- “Top 3 Flipkart kitchen hacks under ₹300”
- “I ordered this Myntra dress and WOW 😍”
4. Place the Affiliate Links Correctly
Since Shorts don’t allow clickable links in the video itself, here’s how to share them:
✅ Put the affiliate links in:
- The Shorts video description
- A pinned comment
Also include a simple call-to-action (CTA):
“Buy now: link in description👇”
“Found on Amazon: check pinned comment!”
🔔 Important: Always include a disclaimer like:
“I may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links, thanks to affiliate marketing (at no extra cost to you).”
This builds trust and keeps you compliant with YouTube Shorts guidelines.
5. Boost Visibility & Clicks
To get more clicks on your links:
- Use trending sounds and hashtags like #Shorts #AmazonFinds #BudgetBuys
- Post regularly (3–5 times/week is ideal)
- Share your Shorts video on other platforms: Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Try comparison-style Shorts: “Amazon vs Flipkart – which one’s better?”
- Use Cuelinks link shortener to shorten links and track clicks
- Focus on problem-solving products or “hidden gems”
- Monitor which Shorts convert best, then double down on that content style
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on:
- Purely Sales!
- The price of the products you promote
- Affiliate Marketing Platform’s commission structure
Some creators earn ₹5,000 to ₹50,000+ per month just by placing the right affiliate links under viral Shorts.
Final Thoughts
Using affiliate links in YouTube Shorts is a smart, low-cost way to make money online. You don’t need thousands of subscribers or monetization to begin earning, just great content and a clear link placement strategy.
Start by picking one product, shoot a 60-second Short, and place your affiliate link where it counts. The rest is just consistency and creativity.
Sahil Ajmera is content writer with more than 7 years of work experience in field of Affiliate Marketing, Digital Marketing, etc. He loves saving money on everything. His aim is to get readers exactly what they are looking for and that too without wasting much of their time. Whatever he is writing on, you are sure to find a way to earn & save good!
