
YouTube is testing a new Shorts bonus program which it hopes will provide more incentives for creators to keep posting content. The app is also testing affiliate bonuses and rolling out updated analytics displays for YouTube Shopping.
First, YouTube is experimenting with a new Shorts bonus program for creators and inviting selected users to participate in an additional monetization program, based around posting consistency and performance.

YouTube hasn’t communicated the specific requirements of the program, which may vary by creator. But the basics stipulate that creators will have to upload a minimum number of public Shorts within a specific period specified in their invitation (16 per month, based on at least one example shared by user Muaaz on X). Meanwhile, creators could also be eligible for additional promotional payments based on what YouTube called “valid, engaged Shorts views.”
YouTube said the test will be open to invited creators in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Brazil, Japan and South Korea, but added that there is no way for non-invited creators to apply at this stage.
YouTube Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie said the platform may invite more creators to the program in the coming months.
Ritchie also said that YouTube is also looking to get more creators involved in its shopping affiliate program by providing exclusive offers for videos that include certain products.
The option will provide another way for brands to incentivize creators to post about their products, by providing additional rewards on top of the regular affiliate revenue share.
As explained by Ritchie: “Creators can head over to YouTube Studio, Shopping Hub, or check Studio notifications and review exclusive offers for your channel. Check eligible products, bonus amounts, commission rates, and active dates right on the campaign detail page.”
From there, creators who post videos that include these items will be eligible for bonus commissions and rewards.
Ritchie said the provided creative briefs and suggestions in these listings are non-binding, and creators are able to use their own approaches when it comes to incorporating affiliate offers into their videos.
“To lock in your bonus, you just need to make sure your video matches the required format,” Ritchie said. “Post a short or a long-form video, tag the participating product directly in the video, check the box disclosing that yes, the video includes paid promotion and keep it public continuously for at least 30 days.”
Finally, YouTube is rolling out an updated analytics display for shopping creators. The revised metrics offer new data on sales driven by content, improved product clicks and impression data and seller breakdowns in advanced analytics.

These insights could provide more tools to help creators hone in on key opportunities and drive better performance with their shopping listings.
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