YouTube adds AliExpress to its Shopping affiliate programme.
AliExpress and YouTube have signed a global affiliate partnership that lets eligible creators tag AliExpress products in their videos and earn commission. After a start in South Korea, it is expanding to the US, Brazil, the UK and Germany.
AliExpress announced the deal on 20 October. Creators can pick products in YouTube Studio and tag them in long-form videos, Shorts and livestreams; viewers click through to buy on AliExpress. The partnership launched in South Korea in March 2026, and further markets will follow in line with YouTube's own affiliate rollout. AliExpress says the focus is on its Brand+ branded products in consumer electronics, sports and outdoor, home and living, and lifestyle, and creators get bestselling and trending product data to help choose what to feature.
In the announcement, Eric Zhang, vice president of AliExpress, said content and commerce are converging globally. Social Media Today notes that YouTube said at its Made on YouTube event that affiliate listings would reach creators in 35 markets by the end of 2026, and that the UK opened in August.
Neither company gave commission rates or dates for the four new markets, and there is no word on the Middle East.
If YouTube's affiliate listings reach Saudi Arabia and the UAE as part of the 35-market plan, regional retailers could find themselves competing with low-priced cross-border products inside creator videos. Local brands with affiliate ambitions would do well to build creator relationships around YouTube Shopping before that happens.
Why it matters
A major cross-border marketplace is plugging into YouTube creator commerce, adding price pressure on retailers wherever YouTube affiliate listings launch.
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