Apps

YouTube enables gifts, expands Shopping affiliate program to SEA

More ways to earn via social media content creation

Published

September 20, 2024

Manila Connoisseur

YouTube is introducing more ways to earn for content creators. In the latest MadeOn YouTube roundup, the video streaming platform bared that it will now enable gifts for creators.

If this sounds all too familiar, it’s because YouTube’s counterpart, TikTok, already has this feature. Facebook, meanwhile, has Stars to help pages monetize their video content as well.

While it’s more voluntary for Facebook, on TikTok, various creators go on livestreams to do all kinds of entertaining, funny, and sometimes even embarrassing things so viewers can send them gifts in real-time.

Now, YouTube is offering the same. Viewers simply have to purchase Jewels, which becomes the credit to send gifts to streamers to show their appreciation and support.

YouTube Shopping affiliate program expands

Moreover, aside from gifts, YouTube is expanding its YouTube Shopping Affiliate Program, making it available in Indonesia.

It is another way for users to earn money through product commissions. Qualified YouTube accounts will have the ability to tag products from various sellers on the videos they upload on YouTube.

Users may tag products both on uploaded videos via the YouTube Studio or during livestreams via Live Studio.

It is quite a development in the region, considering major ecommerce players like Shopee and Lazada have both integrated livestreams on their apps to let affiliates earn for every product they sell through their stream.

Hype videos

Furthermore, YouTube is giving new users the chance to find their niche on the platform. That’s through Hyped Videos.

Every week, YouTube will compile the Top 100 hyped videos of the week from creators who have just 500 to 500,000 subscribers — or what YouTube considers “small creators.”

Each week, these creators have the opportunity to hype up to three videos for a chance to be on the leaderboard. It is separate from YouTube’s main trending videos, and can be found on the Explore.

It is currently in an experimental phase for small creators in Brazil, Turkey, and Taiwan. YouTube mentioned it will announce when the test group expands to more people.

For relevance?

YouTube remains one of the most popular video streaming platforms in the world. That’s in spite of the birth of younger counterparts.

And as it is no secret that we are well into the visual age of social media where everyone can be a content creator, it looks like YouTube is doing everything at its disposal to remain a relevant video streaming platform in the years to come.

As the line between ecommerce and social media continues to become blurred as it stands, there’s no harm in taking these calculated risks if you’re the OG video streaming website.

YouTube gifts and the expansion of its Shopping affiliate program are just two of the major updates YouTube introduced in its latest MadeOn roundup.

Related Topics:Jewels TikTok YouTube YouTube Shopping

Apps

Apple Music is getting a Liquid Glass makeover

The new logo debuts next week with iOS 27.2.

Published

October 22, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Apple Music is getting a revamp. In one of the tamer things going on with the brand today, Apple has introduced a new design language for its native music streaming platform.

In the midst of all the hubbub surrounding the iPhone Duo, Apple released a change in the visual identity of Apple Music. Rather than a static logo, the platform’s newest evolution offers a dynamic look that melds Liquid Glass and the power of sound together.

Confirmed through a behind-the-scenes video, Apple says that the new aesthetic was made with practical effects. Music producer Fred Again and NEST Acoustics submerged the platform’s logo in a tank of mineral oil and creating ripples with sound. The new language matches well with the chrome aesthetic typical of today’s trends and… well, Liquid Glass, of course.

Apple says that the more ripple-filled version will play before longer content like concert recordings (similar to Netflix’s startup stinger). Meanwhile, a black-and-white version will replace the app’s icon currently colored red and white. Current previews show off a simple logo, but it’s unknown whether Apple is adding a but more elements when the final version drops.

The updated version will debut for users after next week’s iOS 27.2 and macOS 27.2 updates.

Apps

Disney+ strengthens footing as go-to sports streaming app with UFC, NBA, more

ESPN on Disney+ brands itself as ‘new home ground for sports’

Published

October 20, 2026

GadgetMatch

Disney+ is strengthening its footing as a go-to sports streaming app as ESPN on Disney+ is now available in the Philippines, one of its markets with a huge sports-loving fanbase.

The launch coincides with a brand new campaign, “Ito ang Homecourt Mo!” (This is your homecourt!), welcoming Filipino fans to a new home ground for games, stories, and moments.

Subscribers can access live events, on-demand replays, studio shows, documentaries and original programming together in one dedicated destination through ESPN on Disney+.

Production and coverage will be led by ESPN, delivering high-quality broadcasts, commentary and expert analysis across the sports season where available, alongside Disney+ general entertainment and family programming.

Following last season’s success, NBA returns to ESPN on Disney+ with matchups during NBA Tip-Off Week.

Christmas Day games will also be available to stream, including the NBA Finals rematch between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the Philadelphia 76ers versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

Playoff games through the conference finals shall also be streamed live and on demand.

Meanwhile, the UFC is among some of the new regular sports programs Filipinos can watch on Disney+.

The action kicks off at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi scheduled on October 25, where two world championship titles are expected to be on the line: UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski takes on undefeated No. 1-ranked contender Movsar Evloev, and UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defends against former champion and No. 1-ranked Merab Dvalishvili.

Alongside live UFC numbered events and UFC Fight Nights, fans will have access to a library of classic fights and curated UFC content.

There will also be the original and and behind-the-scenes programming, including UFC Countdown, UFC Connected, UFC Main Event, UFC Fight Flashback, UFC Reloaded, and ROAD TO UFC.

A new home ground for sports

Other notable sports programming will include the Formula E 2026/27 season, with practice, qualifying and main races across 21 rounds in 13 host cities.

Also available on Disney+ are NCAA events, including March Madness, and Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), with all games live across the regular season and championship series.

ESPN’s popular 30 for 30 documentaries will continue to be available on the platform. The line-up also features ESPN studio shows, including ESPN FC and Pardon the Interruption.

Apps

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically

Passengers stand to save up to 50% compared with booking a solo ride

Published

October 18, 2026

GadgetMatch

GrabCar Group Ride now splits the fare automatically among passengers, making it simpler to book such ride types.

Each rider can save up to 50% on fare as well when using a group ride, compared with booking a solo ride.

The ride type lets the ride host and up to two friends share one GrabCar, with up to three drop-off points along the way. The more people join, the more affordable the ride becomes for everyone.

Regular ride buddies can also be saved as a group, together with frequent pickup and drop-off pins. This way, repeat bookings take just a few taps.

Such a system is ideal for officemates headed the same way or friends coming home from a night out, as well as plenty of other scenarios.

To book a Group Ride, follow these steps: