YouTube Shopping rolls out in PH
As more Filipinos turn to video content for entertainment and product suggestions, YouTube is rolling out a new feature to make online shopping easier.
In collaboration with Shopee, YouTube has introduced its Shopping affiliate program in the Philippines, enabling viewers to purchase products directly from videos made by local creators. With YouTube Shopping, viewers can now purchase products directly from videos by their favorite creators, all without leaving the app.
This feature enables content creators to tag products in their videos, allowing viewers to easily discover and buy items with a simple click.
The launch is part of a bigger push across Southeast Asia, where video shopping is growing fast. YouTube Shopping is now live in six countries in the region. The trend is being driven by viewers who trust creators’ recommendations more than traditional ads. A study showed users are nearly twice as likely to trust YouTube creators as influencers on other platforms.
“Southeast Asia is shaping the future of shopping with its powerful combination of a deeply engaged video-first audience, a profitable digital economy, and a vibrant creator community,” said Sapna Chadha, vice president of Google Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier.
“We’re thrilled to bring YouTube Shopping to the Philippines—making Southeast Asia home to six out of nine countries globally that have it. Just seven months since our regional debut, we’re seeing strong traction across creators, sellers, and advertisers already. Building on this early momentum, YouTube Shopping will continue to grow, unlocking new opportunities for viewers, creators, brands, and partners across this dynamic region,” she added.
In the Philippines, the creator scene is booming. Over 450 local channels now have more than a million subscribers. YouTube’s goal is to help these creators make money while helping brands and small sellers reach new customers.
Shopee Philippines head Vincent Lee called the partnership a “major step” that brings content, community, and shopping together.
“At Shopee, we are committed to delivering engaging shopping experiences that integrate content, community, and commerce. Our partnership with YouTube Shopping is a significant milestone for our brands and sellers, allowing them to connect with creators and harness their influence to drive sales effectively,” said Lee.
The YouTube Shopping affiliate program lets creators tag products in regular videos or live streams. Viewers can click on the tagged item and go straight to Shopee to buy it. The system works well for creators in beauty, tech, and home product categories.
Since launching the YouTube Shopping affiliate program across the region, YouTube and Shopee have witnessed active usage and purchases across different categories such as Beauty, Mobile & Gadgets, and Home & Living.
