TL;DR:
- YouTube allows external URLs on channel banner / About / description / Community / video description with few restrictions.
- Restrictions: external link cards inside videos require YouTube Partner Program (1K+ subs + 4K watch hours).
- Flagged URLs: spam / phishing / regulated content (gambling, adult, certain pharmaceuticals depending on region).
- Most legitimate URLs work fine, including bio link tools (UniLink, Linktree), affiliate links, store URLs.
Where Links Are Allowed
| Slot | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Channel banner (links section) | Up to 14 URLs, first 5 on banner |
| About tab description | Up to 1,000 chars, URLs auto-linked |
| Video description | Up to 5,000 chars, URLs auto-linked |
| Community posts | 500+ subs required, URLs auto-linked |
| Pinned comment on video | Any URL |
| End screen link card | Partner Program only (1K+ subs + 4K watch hours) |
| External link card mid-video | Partner Program only |
YouTube Partner Program Threshold
To unlock end screen / card external links:
- 1,000+ subscribers, AND
- 4,000+ watch hours in last 12 months, OR
- 10M+ Shorts views in last 90 days (alternative path).
Channels below threshold can still use channel banner / About / description / Community URLs ??” just not in-video external links.
Flagged URL Categories
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| Spam / phishing | Blocked |
| Adult content | Mostly blocked / age-restricted |
| Gambling (region-dependent) | Restricted in some regions |
| Regulated pharmaceuticals | Restricted |
| Firearms / weapons | Restricted in some regions |
| Crypto / NFT | Allowed but scrutinised |
| Affiliate links | Allowed (declare per FTC rules) |
| Bio link tools | Allowed |
Affiliate Disclosure Requirements
If linking affiliate URLs (Amazon, etc.), YouTube + FTC require disclosure:
- Verbal disclosure in video ("This video contains affiliate links ??” I earn a small commission if you buy through my links").
- Written disclosure in description (top, before any affiliate URL).
- Use Studio's "Includes paid promotion" checkbox for sponsored content.
SEO Considerations
- All YouTube outbound URLs are
nofollow??” no SEO authority passes. - Description URLs help YouTube index your channel for search; keywords matter.
- Avoid URL spam ??” Google may downrank channels with excessive outbound link patterns.
Region-Specific Restrictions
- EU: GDPR-related disclosures for tracking pixels on linked destinations.
- US: Federal regulations for certain product categories.
- India / specific bans: some content categories restricted regardless of URL.
- China: YouTube isn't accessible; bio link rules irrelevant.
If Your URL Gets Flagged
- YouTube usually shows a security warning rather than fully blocking.
- Switch to a clean parent domain (your own,
unil.ink). - If your destination is legitimate but flagged due to URL pattern (spam-looking shortener), use a different shortener.
- Submit support ticket if unblocking required.
FAQ
What links can I put in YouTube bio?
Most legitimate URLs ??” websites, stores, other socials, bio link tools, affiliate links (with disclosure).
Why is my YouTube link blocked?
Domain may be on YouTube's flagged list. Switch to clean parent domain.
Do I need YouTube Partner Program for external links?
Only for in-video link cards / end screen external URLs. Channel banner / About / description don't require it.
Can I add Amazon affiliate links?
Yes ??” with proper FTC disclosure in description.
Are crypto / NFT links allowed?
Allowed but scrutinised. Use clean domain to avoid flags.
Key Takeaways
- Most legitimate URLs allowed across YouTube link slots.
- External in-video links require Partner Program (1K subs + 4K hours).
- Spam, phishing, adult, regulated content blocked.
- Affiliate links require FTC disclosure.
- Bio link tool URLs (UniLink, etc.) are universally allowed.
Trusted URL for YouTube
UniLink uses unil.ink ??” trusted parent domain, never flagged, full analytics.
Try UniLink free ?†’