Setting custom commission rates (also known as “tiered commissions”) allows you to offer different commission rates to a subset of creators.
This article contains instructions for how to assign a specific commission rate for each subset of creators using creator lists.
Note: For additional information related to commission rates, review:
How it works
A commission tier is the list of creators that map to a commission rate that you specify (this rate should be different from the default commission rate). A commission tier includes:
- A list of creators: Creators that you’ve determined should receive commission rates higher than the base rate.
- A fixed percentage or amount of commission per sale: This value is the payout amount you assign for sales driven by the creator(s).
How to activate a commission tier
- Onboard to the YouTube Shopping affiliate program.
- Set up a commission tier on your affiliate network platform or in JSON format if you have a direct integration with YouTube.
- Set up an active creator list in Google Merchant Center.
Click to expand the section below and view the steps for adding and editing creator lists.
How to add and edit creator lists
Creator lists are groupings of creators that can be used for applying custom commission rates.
Add a creator list
- In Merchant Center, select YouTube affiliate from the left-navigation menu.
- On the YouTube affiliate program page, select the “Creator lists” tab.
- Creator handles must be added with the format (@ channel handle) and separated by commas when adding multiple creators.
Edit a creator list
When you click “edit”, you’ll be able to view all creator handles in that payout group and you’ll be able to edit the list directly.
Common errors and how to fix them
- Invalid channel name: Verify that the channel handle is spelled correctly and in the right format.
- Not in affiliate program: The creator isn’t part of the affiliate program due to eligibility or hasn’t yet signed up.
- Already on [list name] list: The creator is already in an existing list.
- Currently on the excluded creator list: The creator is on your exclusion list. Go to settings and remove the creator from creator exclusions prior to adding them to a creator list.
View your commission tiers
In Google Merchant Center, select YouTube affiliate from the left-navigation menu. On the “Commissions” tab, you will find the commission tier(s), the tier status, and a range for the payout rates.
Edit commission rates
Commission rates are set and edited in your affiliate network platform or in the JSON format if you have directly integrated with YouTube. If you connect to YouTube Shopping's affiliate program through an affiliate network platform, you should consult your affiliate platform if you want to make changes to the rates.
Commission rate(s) can’t be edited directly in your Merchant Center account.
Reach out to your account manager if you have any questions.