AliExpress and YouTube Launch Global Affiliate Program
The partnership allows creators to tag shoppable products across long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Advertising
Live Poll
Does watching shopping-enabled content on platforms like YouTube make your personal shopping experience better?
AliExpress and YouTube have announced a global affiliate partnership that integrates the e-commerce platform into the YouTube creator ecosystem. Eligible creators can now select and tag products directly within YouTube Studio to facilitate purchases through affiliate links.
Why it matters
This collaboration bridges the AliExpress affiliate network with YouTube's creator tools to streamline social commerce. It provides a new monetization channel for creators while expanding product visibility across diverse international markets.
The partnership is expanding to four new global markets, including the United Kingdom, United States, Brazil, and Germany, following its initial pilot phase in South Korea.
The players
AliExpress
An international online retail service based in China that is owned by the Alibaba Group.
YouTube
A global video-sharing platform and subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.
The details
Under the new Brand+ program, creators can discover AliExpress products and attach them to their content, allowing viewers to purchase items by clicking integrated links. The feature works across long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams, with eligible creators managing the process through their YouTube Studio dashboard.
Timeline
March 2026: The collaboration first launched in South Korea.
October 20, 2026: AliExpress and YouTube announced the global partnership.
Market Landscape
This integration follows the established pattern of social commerce growth by embedding transactional retail features directly into the video creator workflow. The move positions both companies to compete more aggressively in the creator-led economy against rival integrated shopping platforms.
Viewers will see more shoppable product recommendations embedded within their favorite videos and livestreams. Eligible content creators gain a new way to earn commissions by tagging products directly through their YouTube Studio interface.
The takeaway
Social media platforms are increasingly functioning as direct storefronts for global retailers to capture consumer attention. Creators looking to monetize their content should check their YouTube Studio eligibility to see if they can participate in the new Brand+ program.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving media strategies in the Advertising section.
Live Poll
Does watching shopping-enabled content on platforms like YouTube make your personal shopping experience better?
