In a study by YouTube with Publicis and TalkShoppe, they found that 89% of viewers trust product recommendations from YouTube creators. That is a very high percentage, and with that knowledge in mind, YouTube has partnered with Shopify to make it easier than ever to help sell products to your viewers.

Now with the ability to connect a Shopify store directly to your YouTube account, you'll be able to give a buying experience that's solely integrated into YouTube. Through a storefront under your video player, endscreens, and in different ways across YouTube. From browsing to checking out, your viewers don't even have to leave your video to make a purchase.

Here's a step-by-step on how to get started:

- Sign in to YouTube Studio.

- In the left Menu, click Monetization.

- Click the Shopping tab.

- Click Connect Store.

- Select Shopify, then continue.

- Click Add App, then Add Sales Channel.

- Connect your YouTube account.

- Complete the listed store requirements.

- Add or create a Merchant Center Account

- Lastly, select Complete Setup

From here, you'll be able to select your products and ensure they're assigned to the correct YouTube channel. After completing the setup process, YouTube and Merchant Center will review to ensure all your products are in line with their policies. They note this review process could take up to a few business days.

Now let's look at some of the best practices YouTube has listed about making the most of your newly added store. Firstly, YouTube has found that most viewers follow through with purchases directly after new products, deals, or special offers drop. So make sure you're making the most out of your next product release or big sale with a solid call to action.

Secondly, product scarcity has been shown to help sell products. So have limited-time runs and exclusive items, which can help build hype and sales around your product. This brings us to the last point YouTube makes: how you use your video to sell these products. They recommend not trying too hard to sell your product but rather integrating that product into your typical content.

Let's say, for example, you are selling mugs branded with your logo. Instead of making the video solely about your new mugs, make a normal video your viewers would typically watch. Then, use the mug during your video and end things off, letting your viewers know they can buy the mug you've been using directly under the video. Blend the products into your content, rather than the other way around.

We're excited to see how everyone uses this feature to make the most of monetization on YouTube. If you have any questions about this or anything else on YouTube, feel free to contact us.