How YouTubers Get Free Products and Sponsorships: A Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve probably seen YouTubers unbox new gadgets, test beauty products, or feature a brand in their videos and wondered, “How do they get all this free stuff? And how are they making money doing it?” For content creators, free products and sponsorships are more than just perks—they’re tools to grow their channel and turn their passion into a career.  

If you’re an aspiring YouTuber or looking to elevate your content game, here’s a guide to help you understand how to get free products and secure sponsorships for your videos.  

How YouTubers Get Free Products for Their Videos

Free products can help you create exciting, engaging content while building relationships with brands. Here’s how YouTubers score free items:  

1. Directly Reaching Out to Brands 

The most common way YouTubers get free products is by contacting brands directly. By sending a professional email or message on social media, you can explain why their product would be a great fit for your channel and offer to showcase it in your content.  

What to Include in Your Pitch:  

  - A brief introduction about your channel and niche.  

  - Key audience stats (e.g., demographics, engagement rate).  

  - A specific idea for how you’d feature their product in your videos.  

Brands are always looking for creators to promote their products, so don’t hesitate to make the first move.  

2. Sign Up for Influencer Platforms  

Influencer platforms connect creators with brands looking for partnerships. Many of these platforms offer free products in exchange for reviews or mentions.  

Best Platforms for Free Products:  

  - Aspire (formerly AspireIQ): Works with creators in beauty, lifestyle, and tech niches.  

  - Octoly: Focused on gifting free products to YouTubers in exchange for content.  

  - FameBit (YouTube BrandConnect): Helps creators of all sizes find product and sponsorship deals.  

By creating a profile and listing your niche, you can start connecting with brands almost immediately.  

3. Get Added to PR Lists

Public relations (PR) agencies often send free products or sample kits to influencers to generate buzz around a brand or launch. YouTubers can get on PR lists by:  

- Contacting the brand’s PR team directly.  

- Reaching out to agencies that represent multiple brands in your niche.  

- Posting regularly on social media and tagging brands in your niche to get noticed.  

Once you’re on a PR list, you’ll start receiving products regularly without having to make specific requests.  

4. Join Amazon Review Programs 

Amazon is a treasure trove for free products, with brands actively seeking reviewers to help showcase their products.  

 Programs to Consider:

  - Amazon Vine (Invitation Only): Offers free products to trusted reviewers.  

  - Independent Sellers: Many small brands are willing to send products in exchange for video reviews on YouTube.  

These programs are ideal for unboxings, reviews, or comparison videos.  

5. Leverage Giveaways and Contests

You can also acquire free products by participating in brand-hosted giveaways or contests on social media. While this method isn’t guaranteed, it’s a great way to gain exposure to new products and build relationships with brands.  

How YouTubers Land Sponsorships for Paid Ads

Sponsorships are one of the biggest revenue sources for YouTubers. Here’s how creators secure these deals and monetize their content:  

1. Utilize Influencer Marketing Platforms

Just as with free products, influencer marketing platforms can help you connect with brands willing to pay for sponsored ads. These platforms streamline the process and let you browse campaigns suited to your channel size and niche.  

Top Sponsorship Platforms:  

  - YouTube BrandConnect (Formerly FameBit): Available for YouTubers with over 1,000 subscribers.  

  - Grapevine Logic: Great for smaller creators looking for sponsorships.  

  - Creator.co: Connects micro-influencers with brands for both paid and product-only partnerships.  

  - Social Bluebook: Helps calculate your channel’s sponsorship value and connects you with brands.  

2. Build a Direct Relationship with Brands

Brands often approach YouTubers directly for collaborations. To make this happen, you need to consistently create high-quality content and engage with your audience. Even if brands don’t approach you first, you can take the initiative.  

Pro Tip: When pitching brands, focus on how you can help them achieve their marketing goals (e.g., driving sales, increasing brand awareness).  

3. Join Affiliate Marketing Programs  

Affiliate marketing is another way to earn money from your channel. By promoting products with affiliate links in your video descriptions, you can earn a commission for each sale made through your link.  

Popular Affiliate Networks:

  - Amazon Associates: One of the easiest programs for creators.  

  - ShareASale: Offers access to a wide range of brands.  

  - CJ Affiliate: Connects creators with big-name companies.  

Affiliate marketing works especially well for YouTubers who create product review or tutorial content.  

4. Sign with Talent Agencies or Networks 

For larger creators, signing with a talent agency or Multi-Channel Network (MCN) can unlock access to high-value sponsorship deals. Agencies handle negotiations, contracts, and sometimes even creative aspects of the campaign.  

Examples of Agencies:

  - Studio71 

  - Fullscreen

  - BBTV (BroadbandTV)  

Leverage Your Social Media Presence 

Brands often scout influencers on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. By maintaining an active social presence and tagging brands in your posts, you can attract sponsorship opportunities naturally.  

Tips to Succeed in Getting Free Products and Sponsorships

1. Focus on High-Quality Content: Brands prioritize creators who deliver professional, engaging videos.  

2. Choose a Specific Niche: A focused niche (e.g., beauty, gaming, tech) makes it easier for brands to see you as a good fit.  

3. Engage with Your Audience: Brands value creators with loyal, interactive followers.  

4. Showcase Past Collaborations: Even if they’re small, highlighting previous partnerships builds credibility.  

5. Stay Authentic: Only work with brands you believe in to maintain trust with your audience.  

Conclusion  

Whether you’re looking to unbox free products or land lucrative sponsorship deals, the key is to build strong relationships with brands and consistently deliver value to your audience. By using the strategies outlined here, you can grow your channel, monetize your content, and create exciting opportunities for your YouTube career.  

Are you a YouTuber looking to expand your collaborations? Share your favorite tips or experiences in the comments below!