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Configuring YouTube and Deep Links in Email Templates

How to ensure links with query strings resolve correctly when using Account Merge Tags

Overview

When configuring links for social icons specifically for YouTube or other "deep links" you may notice that the URL structure requires a specific setup to ensure customers land on the exact video or page you intended.

Links that point to specific content often use a "query string," which includes a question mark (?).

  • Example: https://youtube.com/watch?v=123

This guide explains how to configure these links within your Email Templates to ensure they function seamlessly.

How URL Parameters Work

A standard URL format allows for only one question mark (?) to introduce parameters.

In some email templates, tracking tags (UTMs) are set up to start with a question mark. If you use an Account Merge Tag that also contains a link with a question mark (like a specific YouTube video), the final link allows the template to append a second question mark.

Scenario:

  • Merge Tag Link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=123 (Includes a ?)

  • Template Setup: ?utm_source=email (Adds a ?)

  • Result: https://youtube.com/watch?v=123?utm_source=email

To ensure the link directs the customer correctly, we simply need to ensure the final URL structure uses a single question mark.

Configuration Steps

We recommend checking your Email Templates where these Merge Tags are used.

Option 1: Streamline the Template (Recommended)

If your Account Merge Tag points to a specific destination (ie. a specific YouTube video), the link is already highly specific.

The most reliable configuration is to remove the manual tracking parameters for that specific icon or link in the template editor.

  1. Navigate to the Email Template.

  2. Select the relevant link or icon (ie. the YouTube icon).

  3. Set the URL to use only the merge tag (ie. ).

  4. Remove any manually typed parameters following the tag (ie. ?utm_source=...).

This ensures the exact link you placed in your Account Settings is the exact link the customer clicks.

Option 2: Use an Ampersand for Additional Parameters

If you require additional tracking on a link that already uses a query string, you can update the template to use an ampersand (&) instead of a question mark (?).

  • Template Setup: &utm_source=email

Note: This method works best when all links used in that specific merge tag are guaranteed to have a query string (a ?) already present.

Validation

You can verify this configuration quickly:

  1. Save your template changes.

  2. Send a Test Email.

  3. Click the link to confirm it lands on the specific video or content page.