- Hello, insiders, I am Kyle,
a Partner Manager here at YouTube,
and today we are excited to introduce an easy way
to link Shopify stores with YouTube channels
to enable creators and brands
to easily feature their products across YouTube.
So for a little bit of context,
in 2017 we first integrated with Teespring,
which is now called Spring.
This allowed creators to design merchandise
to host on their channels in the shelf, starting in the US.
Since then, we've expanded to 14 additional retailers
and 18 additional geos as of 2019
and now we have integrations with over 50 retailers
across 28 markets.
As more people turn to YouTube
to shop from their favorite creators,
we want to make it easy for them
to shop across videos and live streams.
This launch will allow eligible channels
to showcase their merchandise and products
to YouTube's billions of users
across multiple surfaces directly within YouTube,
rather than just providing a link of the description.
When you connect,
you'll also unlock the store tab on your channel,
your own storefront on YouTube
featuring the products that you want to promote.
To sell your products on YouTube,
you just have to connect your Shopify store
in a few simple steps.
To connect Shopify to YouTube,
first sign into YouTube Studio.
On the left menu, you want to then select monetization.
Next, click the shopping tab.
This tab will only surface if your channel is eligible.
From here, select connect store.
Next, click Shopify and then select continue.
You'll now want to click go to Shopify,
which will then open Shopify in a new tab.
Be sure that you're logged into Shopify
and select add app to add the Google channel.
At the top right, click add sales channel.
Next, select connect Google account
and sign into the same Google account
that manages your YouTube channel.
Now be sure to complete all store requirements
on the next page.
You'll next want to connect your Merchant account
or create a new one if you don't already have one.
Enter your phone information
and verify your identity via text message.
You'll then need to carefully read and agree
to Google's terms of service and select complete setup.
Once this is completed,
you'll now want to sync your products with YouTube.
Under the next selection, select get started.
Be sure your channel meets the channel requirements
and then click continue.
Next, select your YouTube channel from the dropdown menu
and then read and agree
to YouTube's shopping terms of service
and then select complete setup.
After you complete the setup process,
your products will be reviewed
for compliance with our policies
and the Google Merchant center policies.
This process typically takes a few business days,
but once approved,
your products will show up in YouTube Studio
and you can select which videos
you want your products to appear.
Now, there are a whole host of benefits
to connecting your store with YouTube.
First is visibility.
You can now feature products directly beneath your content
in end screens and other places across YouTube.
Products also sync automatically,
so if something goes outta stock on your Shopify store,
it's automatically updated on YouTube
so you don't have to worry about disappointing your viewers
with out-of-stock messages.
You also get access to additional shopping features,
such as live shopping.
And lastly is onsite checkout.
Viewers can seamlessly discover and buy your products
without ever leaving YouTube.
This feature is currently only available
for creators and viewers in the US,
but we'll keep you posted as this expands to more countries.
Now let's talk about a few of the best practices
when it comes to selling on YouTube.
Our early tests have shown
that viewers are most excited to shop
when you have a new product available,
so consider planning your shopping strategy
around times when you have new product drops,
special offers, or other deals
that get your viewers excited.
We also see a lot of success when there are limited runs
or some other form of product scarcity.
Now, it is recommended
that you do have a strong call to action
to let your viewers know where to find your products.
Now, rather than the typical
"link's in the description" terminology,
this new integration allows you
to change up your call to action,
but do continue to let viewers know
where they can find the products, directly below the video.
So shoppable content is most effective
when it's not overly salesy.
Do your best not to make videos
that are simply about the product.
Instead, make interesting, valuable,
entertaining, or inspiring videos
that viewers want to watch naturally
and then think creatively
about how you can incorporate your product into that video.
The best social sellers seamlessly integrate products
into their videos.
Think about ways that you can almost personify the product.
The products should have a brand of their own
and become a recurring character in your videos.
So whether it's part of a daily routine,
a fun inside joke that only your truest fans are in on,
or something that you simply cannot
make your videos without,
build products into the story and culture of your channel
and the sales will more naturally follow.
Now, if you're interested in learning more
about the Shopify integration,
we'll leave a link in the description below.
Thanks for watching and happy selling.