If you’re a content creator on YouTube, you know the importance of keeping your audience engaged and informed. One powerful tool at your disposal is the use of end screens and cards in your videos. These features not only enhance viewer experience but also help you promote your content and engage with your audience on a deeper level.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of adding end screens and cards to your YouTube videos, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned YouTuber or just starting out, mastering these tools can significantly boost your channel’s performance.
1. What are YouTube End Screens and Cards?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s clarify what exactly end screens and cards are:
End Screens: End screens are interactive graphics that appear during the last 5-20 seconds of your video. They allow you to promote other videos, playlists, channels, or websites, encouraging viewers to continue engaging with your content.
Cards: Cards are small, clickable notifications that appear within your video. They can be used to promote other videos, playlists, channels, and merchandise, as well as to conduct polls or share links to external websites.
Now that you know what they are let’s explore why they matter.
2. Why are End Screens and Cards Important?
End screens and cards are crucial tools for several reasons:
- Viewer Engagement: They keep viewers engaged with your content by providing them with relevant suggestions and additional information.
- Promotion: You can promote your own content, merchandise, or external websites, increasing your chances of earning revenue and expanding your audience.
- Viewer Retention: By offering viewers more of your content, you can increase watch time, a critical metric for YouTube’s algorithm.
- Audience Interaction: Cards enable you to create polls and gather feedback directly from your audience.
Now, let’s move on to the practical aspect of adding end screens and cards to your YouTube videos.
3. How to Add End Screens to Your YouTube Videos
Adding end screens is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Sign In to YouTube Studio
Ensure you’re logged in to your YouTube account and access YouTube Studio.
Step 2: Select the Video You Want to Edit
Choose the video to which you want to add end screens and click on it.
Step 3: Click on “Editor”
In the left sidebar, click on “Editor.” This will open up the video editor.
Step 4: Add End Screen Elements
Scroll down to the end screen section, and you’ll see a timeline representing the last 20 seconds of your video. Click the “Add element” button to insert end screen elements, such as video or playlist thumbnails, subscribe buttons, and links to other channels or websites.
Step 5: Customize and Arrange Elements
Drag and drop the elements to arrange them as you like. You can also customize the text and duration of each element.
Step 6: Save Changes
Once you’ve added and arranged your end screen elements, click “Save” to apply the changes to your video.
That’s it! Your video now has end screens that will appear during the specified time frame.
4. How to Add Cards to Your YouTube Videos
Adding cards to your videos is equally simple. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Sign In to YouTube Studio
Just like with end screens, log in to your YouTube account and access YouTube Studio.
Step 2: Select the Video
Choose the video to which you want to add cards and click on it.
Step 3: Click on “Editor”
In the left sidebar, click on “Editor” to open the video editor.
Step 4: Add Cards
Scroll down to the “Cards” section, and you’ll see an option to “Add card.” Click on it.
Step 5: Choose Card Type
You’ll have various card types to choose from, such as video or playlist cards, channel cards, poll cards, and link cards. Select the type that suits your purpose.
Step 6: Customize the Card
Enter the necessary information, such as the video URL, channel name, or website URL, and customize the card’s appearance and timing.
Step 7: Save Changes
Once you’ve configured the card to your liking, click “Create card” to add it to your video.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully added cards to your video.
5. Best Practices for Using End Screens and Cards
Now that you know how to add end screens and cards, let’s explore some best practices for effectively using these features:
1. Be Relevant: Ensure that the content you promote using end screens and cards is relevant to the video your viewers just watched.
2. Use End Screens Wisely: Don’t clutter your end screen with too many elements. Stick to a few well-chosen options to avoid overwhelming your audience.
3. Test Different Cards: Experiment with different card types to see which ones resonate best with your audience. This can help you refine your content strategy.
4. Monitor Performance: Regularly check your YouTube analytics to see how well your end screens and cards are performing. This can guide your future content decisions.
5. Engage Your Audience: Use cards to create polls, quizzes, and interactive elements that encourage audience engagement.
6. Don’t Overdo It: While these tools are powerful, resist the urge to overuse them. Too many cards or end screens can be distracting and counterproductive.
6. Common FAQs About End Screens and Cards
Q1: Can I add end screens and cards to old videos?
Yes, you can edit and add end screens and cards to your previously uploaded videos at any time.
Q2: How many end screen elements can I add to a video?
You can add up to four elements to your end screen. This can include video or playlist thumbnails, subscribe buttons, and links.
Q3: Do end screens and cards work on mobile devices?
Yes, end screens and cards are compatible with both desktop and mobile devices, ensuring a consistent experience for all viewers.
Q4: Can I use external links in cards?
Yes, you can include external website links in cards, which can be helpful for promoting merchandise or directing viewers to additional resources.
Q5: Do end screens and cards impact my video’s ranking on YouTube?
While end screens and cards can improve viewer engagement and retention, they are not direct ranking factors. However, they can indirectly benefit your video by increasing watch time and viewer interaction, which are considered by YouTube’s algorithm.
Conclusion:
Incorporating end screens and cards into your YouTube videos is a strategic move that can enhance your viewers’ experience, promote your content, and boost your channel’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices, you’ll be well on your way to using these powerful tools effectively. Start implementing end screens and cards today and watch your YouTube channel flourish as you engage and connect with your audience on a whole new level.
