YouTube is introducing a fresh feature that empowers creators to incorporate timestamps for tagged products within their videos. By including a timestamp, a shopping cart icon will be strategically displayed during opportune moments, enhancing the potential for user engagement. By targeting potential customers with precision during strategic video moments and enhancing the shopping experience, creators can anticipate a boost in user engagement and conversions. The timing of this addition is crucial, as it allows creators and sponsors to regain some control ahead of YouTube’s decision to phase out specific ad controls for newly uploaded videos next month. The affected ad types include pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, and non-skippable ads.
In addition to the new timestamps, YouTube is set to roll out other shopping features that enhance the overall shopping experience. For instance, creators will have the ability to bulk tag affiliate products within their video libraries. This tool is expected to be particularly helpful for monetizing older content that continues to draw substantial traffic. YouTube has confirmed plans to introduce a new reporting tool within YouTube Studio, allowing brands to identify which affiliate products contribute the most revenue. This reporting capability is slated to become available in the upcoming weeks.
