To set up a YouTube merch shelf, your channel must first qualify for YouTube Shopping, then you connect an eligible store in YouTube Studio and arrange approved products. On desktop, go to YouTube Studio > Earn > Shopping. If the Shopping tab is missing, check eligibility before troubleshooting the store connection.
What YouTube means by “merch shelf”
YouTube Shopping can appear in several places: a channel store or Store tab, products in descriptions, product tagging or a Shopping button, and a product shelf associated with eligible videos or livestreams. These are different surfaces. This guide focuses on connecting your official merchandise store and managing the channel’s product selection; a channel-home shelf and a shelf beside or below an individual video are not the same feature, and not every channel can use every surface.
YouTube describes Shopping as a way for eligible creators to showcase their products and official branded merchandise. YouTube’s overview of managing products from your store explains the available surfaces and conditions.
Check eligibility before connecting a store
YouTube Shopping is available only to eligible creators. YouTube’s current overview says a channel must be in the YouTube Partner Program and meet the applicable subscriber threshold, or be an Official Artist Channel, as well as satisfy audience and policy requirements. The threshold depends on the applicable YPP eligibility rules; do not assume a single number applies to every channel or region. Check YouTube’s current eligibility guidance for your channel.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Confirm that the channel is in YPP and meets the relevant subscriber threshold, or qualifies as an Official Artist Channel.
- Review the channel’s audience settings and YouTube Shopping policy requirements.
- Use the channel you intend to connect; a different channel under the same Google account may have different eligibility.
The Shopping tab appears in Earn only when the channel is eligible. If it is absent, resolve eligibility first rather than treating the missing tab as a store-platform error.
Choose and prepare a supported store
You need an official merch retailer or store platform supported by YouTube. Shopify is one documented option, not a requirement. Choose a platform based on whether it supports your country, fits your existing store, can provide a compliant product feed, and can handle your local shipping and orders.
The retailer or platform—not YouTube or Google—is responsible for merch sales and local shipping support. Check its current country availability, product-feed requirements, inventory, and fulfilment arrangements before connecting it. A successful connection does not guarantee every product will be approved.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Connect your store in YouTube Studio
- Open YouTube Studio on desktop. Sign in to the account that manages the eligible channel.
- Go to Earn > Shopping. If no store is connected, choose Get Started. If you are adding another store, choose Connect new store.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. Select the supported platform or retailer and link the official store to the intended channel.
- Finish the platform’s authorization steps. YouTube allows multiple stores to be connected; follow the prompts for each one.
The exact choices shown can depend on your channel and the store platform. If Earn > Shopping is not available, return to the eligibility checks rather than looking for a different connection menu.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Shopify setup: use the Google & YouTube app
If your merch store is on Shopify, Shopify documents a separate setup route through its Google & YouTube app:
- Install or open the Google & YouTube app in Shopify.
- Connect a Google account that has admin access to the YouTube channel you want to use.
- In the app, choose YouTube Shopping > Get Started.
- Select the correct YouTube channel and accept the terms.
- Complete the remaining setup prompts.
If the process stalls, verify that the connected Google account has admin access to the intended channel and that you selected the right channel. Shopify is an optional documented integration; you do not need Shopify if you use another supported store platform.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Wait for product review, then arrange the shelf
YouTube reviews connected products for YouTube and Google Merchant Center policy compliance. Product review typically takes a few business days, but that is an estimate, not a guaranteed turnaround. A store can be connected while particular products are still pending, disapproved, or otherwise unavailable.
- In YouTube Studio, open Earn > Shopping and check the connected products’ status.
- For a disapproved item or feed problem, check the product listing and policy status with your store administrator or retailer. YouTube’s guidance says the retailer or platform administrator with Merchant Center access can submit an appeal.
- Once items are eligible, customize the selection and order in the Shopping tab. You can select and order up to 30 items for the channel-level arrangement.
- Save your changes. If you prefer not to curate the selection, use the option to return to YouTube’s automatic product selection.
Keep the store’s product information, availability, and feed current. YouTube’s review applies to products, not just to the initial store connection.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhy is my YouTube Shopping shelf not showing?
First identify which surface is missing: the channel’s Store tab or product display, a product shelf on a particular video or livestream, or the display as seen by one viewer. Then check the relevant cause below.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The Shopping tab is missing in Studio
- Check whether the channel meets current YouTube Shopping eligibility requirements, including YPP status and the applicable subscriber threshold or Official Artist Channel status.
- Review audience settings and policy eligibility. The Shopping tab is only shown for eligible channels.
The store is connected but products do not appear
- Confirm that at least one product is approved and eligible; a connected store alone does not make every item displayable.
- Check the product feed, inventory, and policy status with the retailer or store administrator.
- If a listing was disapproved, ask the administrator with Merchant Center access about correcting it or submitting an appeal.
The shelf is missing from particular videos or livestreams
Shopping display can be restricted by the content or its monetization status. Check whether the content is marked made for kids, has a copyright claim, is limited or ineligible for monetization, involves ticketing or donations, or participates in Creator Music revenue sharing. A connection that works on one video may not mean every video qualifies for the same Shopping surface.
A viewer cannot see the products
Availability can vary by viewer location and by device or browser context. Check the relevant Shopping surface from a supported region and playback context before concluding that the store connection failed.
Shopify setup will not complete
Verify that the Google account connected to the Google & YouTube app has admin access to the intended YouTube channel. Then reopen the app’s YouTube Shopping setup and confirm that the correct channel is selected.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
What to expect from orders and shipping
YouTube provides the Shopping display, but your official merch retailer or store platform handles sales and local shipping support. Make sure your store is prepared to accept orders and fulfil them in the places where your viewers shop; displaying a product on YouTube is not the same as YouTube fulfilling it.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is separate from YouTube Shopping: it keeps an uploaded video or playlist live on a YouTube channel, rather than connecting merchandise or going live from a camera. For that separate task, upload your recording, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploaded video streams at its original quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or its plans. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
