YouTube Shorts have quickly become one of the most powerful tools for affiliate marketers. With over 70 billion daily views (source: YouTube Official Blog), Shorts give you the chance to put your products in front of massive audiences — all without needing expensive equipment or long-form video skills.
If you’ve been struggling to grow your affiliate income, YouTube Shorts might be the shortcut you need. In this guide, you’ll learn step by step how to start affiliate marketing with YouTube Shorts in 2025.
Why YouTube Shorts Are Perfect for Affiliate Marketing
Unlike traditional YouTube videos, Shorts are:
- Fast to create – 15–60 seconds each.
- Highly discoverable – YouTube promotes Shorts on the Shorts feed, giving new channels a chance to go viral.
- Perfect for affiliate products – Quick reviews, tutorials, or hacks can drive clicks to your affiliate links.
- Monetization-friendly – YouTube now shares ad revenue on Shorts (YouTube Partner Program), so you can double dip: ad revenue + affiliate sales.
Step 1: Choose the Right Affiliate Products
Not all affiliate products work well with Shorts. You need something visual, easy to explain, and in demand.
Good categories include:
- AI Tools (great for faceless content creators)
- Fitness Products (resistance bands, supplements)
- Make Money Online Tools (courses, hosting, email marketing)
- Gadgets & Tech (tripods, microphones, smart devices)
Pro Tip: Check out trusted networks like Impact, CJ Affiliate, or ShareASale to find high-paying affiliate programs.
Step 2: Create Faceless YouTube Shorts
Don’t like showing your face? Good news — most viral Shorts are faceless. Here’s how to do it:
- Use Screen Recordings – Show how a product works (perfect for software).
- Stock Footage – Websites like Pexels or Pixabay have free clips you can use.
- AI Tools – Create AI-generated voiceovers and animations for quick production.
- Text-on-Screen Videos – Use catchy captions, trending sounds, and product visuals.
Step 3: Add Affiliate Links the Right Way
YouTube doesn’t allow direct affiliate links in Shorts descriptions, but you can still promote effectively:
- Step 1: Create a simple landing page or bridge page.
- Step 2: Place your affiliate link on that page.
- Step 3: Add your landing page link in your YouTube bio and video descriptions.
- Step 4: Use a call-to-action in your video like: “Check the link in the description to grab this tool.”
If you don’t have a landing page yet, we offer a service where we build affiliate websites and send traffic to them — making affiliate marketing much easier.
Step 4: Use YouTube SEO to Rank Your Shorts
For maximum visibility, optimize your Shorts for search:
- Title: Include your keyword (e.g., “Best AI Tool for YouTube Shorts – Earn Money with Affiliate Marketing”).
- Description: Write at least 200+ words with natural keyword use.
- Tags: Add variations like affiliate marketing YouTube Shorts, YouTube Shorts for beginners, etc.
- Hashtags: Use
#shorts #affiliatemarketing #makemoneyonline.
For advanced SEO tips, check out YouTube’s Creator Academy.
Step 5: Post Consistently & Leverage Analytics
YouTube rewards consistency. Start with 1–2 Shorts per day.
- Test different hooks and intros.
- Use YouTube Analytics to see which videos drive the most clicks.
- Double down on winners — don’t waste time on videos that don’t perform.
Best Niches for Affiliate Marketing on YouTube Shorts
- AI & Automation Tools – Huge demand, high commissions.
- Personal Finance & Investing – Always trending.
- Health & Fitness Hacks – Great for visual Shorts.
- Gadgets & Lifestyle Products – Easy to showcase in 30 seconds.
- Online Courses & Digital Products – Low cost to customer, high earnings for you.
FAQs
Q1: Can beginners really make money with affiliate marketing and YouTube Shorts?
Yes — YouTube Shorts give beginners a level playing field. Even small channels can go viral if their content is engaging.
Q2: Do I need to show my face?
No. Many creators use text, AI voiceovers, or stock footage to make faceless Shorts.
Q3: How many views do I need to make money?
It depends on the product. Some affiliate programs pay $50–$100 per sale, so even a few hundred targeted views can generate income.
Q4: What’s the fastest way to grow with Shorts?
Stay consistent, use trending sounds, and optimize your titles/descriptions for keywords.
Q5: Do I need a website?
Technically no, but having a simple affiliate landing page increases trust and conversions (and avoids YouTube restrictions).
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing with YouTube Shorts in 2025 is one of the fastest, cheapest, and easiest ways to start making money online. With a bit of consistency and the right niche, you can build a powerful income stream from short-form videos.
Ready to start? Check out our affiliate website building service where we create a full website for you and even help send traffic to it — the perfect complement to your YouTube Shorts strategy.