The invention relates to a method for preparing a supported metal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The method is characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) electroplating a layer of nickel on a metallic support, and then b) electroplating a top layer of platinum and/or palladium. The invention also relates to the supported metal catalyst obtained by the method, and the use thereof in hydrogenation reactions of unsaturated hydrocarbons, in particular for the selective hydrogenation of light olefins.