7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Is CPA/affiliate marketing prohibited on YouTube?

by Johnny12345
6 replies
I spent some time reading YouTube's terms of service and other related help documents, but haven't found any real answers. I've heard some people say that you're not supposed to promote affiliate products or CPA offers on YT because it's considered "spamming."

I don't want to take a chance of getting banned, so can anyone explain YouTube's rules (as related to internet marketing)?

For example...

Can you simply make a video that shows a domain name that would then redirect anyone who goes to it to an affiliate or CPA offer?

Or...

Can you display an (obvious) affiliate link at the end of a video?

Also...

Can you use the words "Free Trial" in the title of a YouTube video (or is that spamming)?

Thanks,

Johnny
#affiliate #marketing #prohibited #youtube
  • Profile picture of the author Steve Taylor
    I would not display an obvious aff. url in the vid.

    You can put a URL in the video to your home page or blog, then redirect them to the offer.

    Also in the decsription part put your url including the http.
    -Steve
    Signature

    Ask...Because you never stop learning.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[904275].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    It's not spamming to put your own URL on your own youtube video or in that box on the right corner of your own video, but it's considered spamming to put your url in the "comments" of a certain video. Also, best to not use your affiliate link at all. Otherwise, absolutely nothing wrong with it, this is used by many, many marketers.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[904678].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TheCren
    It's not considered spamming. I have several accounts that promote affiliate products through the use of videos and they haven't gotten banned.

    I wouldn't use an obvious aff. link anywhere. That's just a common rule. But I don't think it would get you banned - nor in any other YT trouble.
    Signature
    Niche Marketing Tools and Info
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[904689].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    What i meant to say was it's spamming to post your links in the comments of someone else's video. You see that all the time and it's so stupid because it's just obvious the more net-savvy public these days. That and it's annoying as H-E-2l's.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[904699].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    It just seems like CPA marketing (especially) is difficult to do with videos because you have to worry about upsetting YouTube AND the CPA network. Ever since Robert Plank got banned from YouTube (seemingly without reason), I've been hesitant to even try it.

    Johnny
    Signature
    => Need A Persuasive Sales Letter? Click Here...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[905130].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fizfaz
    I think should not be a problem if you're put your link in the your video detail. Many marketers do that but don't spam your link to someone else video.
    But if you're promoting any affiliate product or CPA offer, just make sure that the advertiser allowed you to do get traffic from YT or else you might get banned by the advertiser. Alternatively, you can blank the referrer
    Signature
    Cheap Langkawi Packages
    Best Treadmills for Home
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[905143].message }}

Trending Topics