Table of Contents
- What are End Screens?
- What are Cards?
- How to Add End Screens
- How to Add Cards
- Video or Playlist Links
- Subscribe Button
- Channel Promotion
- External Links
- Video or Playlist Cards
- Channel Cards
- Poll Cards
- Link Cards
- Timing and Placement
- Visual Appeal
- Call to Action
- Consistency
Introduction
In the bustling world of digital content creation, particularly on platforms like YouTube, capturing and maintaining viewer attention is more challenging than ever.
With millions of videos competing for attention, creators need to employ every available tool to enhance viewer engagement and encourage interactions that can lead to channel growth.
Two of the most powerful tools at a creator’s disposal are YouTube end screens and cards.
YouTube End Screens and Cards
What are End Screens?
End screens are interactive elements that appear in the last 5-20 seconds of a YouTube video.
They are designed to keep viewers engaged by providing clickable links to other videos, playlists, channels, or external websites. These elements can be customized to fit your channel’s branding and objectives.
What are Cards?
Cards are interactive panels that slide in and out during a video, providing additional information, links, and calls to action. Unlike end screens, cards can appear at any point in the video. They are versatile tools for promoting content and encouraging viewer interaction.
The Importance of Viewer Engagement
Engagement is crucial for several reasons. Higher engagement levels lead to better rankings in YouTube’s algorithm, increasing the likelihood that your videos will be recommended to more viewers.
Engaged viewers are also more likely to subscribe, like, comment, and share your content, further expanding your reach.
Setting Up End Screens and Cards
How to Add End Screens
- Upload Your Video: Start by uploading your video to YouTube.
- Access the Video Editor: In YouTube Studio, go to the “Videos” section and select the video you want to edit.
- Add End Screens: Click on the “End screen” option and choose from the available templates or create a custom end screen.
- Customize Elements: Add and position elements such as video links, subscribe buttons, or external links.
- Save: Once you are satisfied with your end screen, click “Save.”
How to Add Cards
- Upload Your Video: Upload your video to YouTube.
- Access the Video Editor: In YouTube Studio, go to the “Videos” section and select the video you want to edit.
- Add Cards: Click on the “Cards” option and select the type of card you want to add.
- Customize Elements: Add the necessary information and position the card at the desired timestamp.
- Save: Click “Save” to apply the card to your video.
Types of End Screens and Their Uses
Video or Playlist Links
Linking to other videos or playlists is a great way to keep viewers engaged. You can promote related content, series, or any video you want to highlight.
Subscribe Button
Adding a subscribe button to your end screen makes it easy for viewers to subscribe to your channel without leaving the video.
Channel Promotion
You can promote another channel, which is particularly useful for collaborations or highlighting other channels you own.
External Links
If you are part of the YouTube Partner Program, you can link to external websites. This is useful for driving traffic to your blog, online store, or social media pages.
Types of Cards and Their Uses
Video or Playlist Cards
These cards link to other videos or playlists and are useful for recommending content relevant to the current video.
Channel Cards
Channel cards can be used to promote another channel, which is ideal for collaborations or featuring guest creators.
Poll Cards
Poll cards engage viewers by allowing them to participate in polls. This can provide valuable feedback and increase interaction.
Link Cards
Link cards, available to those in the YouTube Partner Program, can link to external websites, making them useful for promoting products, services, or other online content.
Best Practices for Using End Screens
Timing and Placement
End screens should appear in the last 5-20 seconds of your video. Ensure they don’t cover any crucial content and are positioned in a way that complements the video’s ending.
Visual Appeal
Use visually appealing elements that match your channel’s branding. Clear, attractive visuals can increase the likelihood of clicks.
Call to Action
Include a strong call to action (CTA) to encourage viewers to take the desired action, whether it’s watching another video, subscribing, or visiting a website.
Consistency
Be consistent with the placement and style of your end screens across your videos. This helps viewers become familiar with where to look for additional content.
Conclusion
End screens and cards are essential tools for any YouTube creator looking to increase engagement and grow their channel.
By strategically implementing these elements, you can keep viewers engaged, encourage specific actions, and ultimately enhance the overall viewer experience.
Remember to monitor your performance through YouTube Analytics and continually refine your approach based on the data you collect.
With consistent and thoughtful use, end screens and cards can significantly contribute to your channel’s success.
