YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for content creators, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly users worldwide. As a creator, you might have heard about YouTube End Screens and Cards and how they can improve your video’s performance. These powerful tools can help boost your channel’s engagement and lead to more views. In this blog, we will explore the best practices for using YouTube End Screens and Cards to maximize their potential and help your channel grow.
What Are YouTube End Screens and Cards?
Before diving into the best practices, it's essential to understand what End Screens and Cards are. End Screens are interactive elements that appear during the final 5-20 seconds of your video, encouraging viewers to watch more of your content. They allow you to feature a playlist, video, or even promote your channel.
On the other hand, YouTube Cards are interactive notifications that appear in the upper-right corner of your video. These cards can direct viewers to a related video, a website, or even a poll, depending on your goals. By strategically using both End Screens and Cards, you can guide viewers to take specific actions, such as subscribing to your channel or watching additional videos.
Why Are End Screens and Cards Important?
Using End Screens and Cards is more than just an option for video creators—it’s a necessity. According to YouTube, videos with end screens and cards have a higher chance of keeping viewers on your channel longer. This increased engagement signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable, which can lead to better rankings and more visibility.
For instance, channels that use End Screens effectively see a 10-20% increase in views on other videos. Moreover, these features help create a seamless experience for viewers, guiding them naturally to your next piece of content. Without these tools, viewers may leave your channel after watching a single video, missing out on the opportunity to explore your other content.
Best Practices for YouTube End Screens
1. Keep It Simple and Clear
When creating an End Screen, it’s essential to keep it clean and straightforward. Don’t overwhelm your viewers with too many options. Focus on one or two actions you want them to take. For example, you can add a video suggestion and a subscribe button. Using minimal options ensures that your audience isn't confused and knows exactly what to do next.
2. Time It Right
End Screens appear in the last 5-20 seconds of a video, so timing is crucial. Make sure the call to action aligns with the content's flow. If you’re wrapping up a tutorial, prompt viewers to watch another related tutorial. If you’re finishing a vlog, ask them to check out your latest adventure. Timing the End Screen right will enhance its effectiveness in guiding the viewer to further explore your channel.
3. Customize Your Layout
YouTube offers different layout options for End Screens. Whether you want to feature a video, playlist, or a subscribe button, make sure the layout is easy to navigate. You can create a custom design that complements your brand’s visual identity. Using consistent colors and fonts for your End Screen will make your content feel more cohesive, helping viewers connect with your brand.
4. Add a Subscribe Button
A key goal of YouTube End Screens is to increase your subscriber count. One of the best ways to achieve this is by adding a subscribe button. Make sure it's visible and well-placed, so viewers can easily click on it when they're ready to subscribe. Studies show that channels that regularly add subscribe buttons to their End Screens see an average of 10% higher subscriptions.
5. Align With Your Content Strategy
The videos or playlists you choose to feature in your End Screen should align with the video your viewers just watched. For instance, if your video is about fitness routines, show links to other fitness-related content. This ensures that your audience stays engaged with your content, and they're more likely to watch more videos within the same category.
Best Practices for YouTube Cards
1. Add Cards Early On
One of the common mistakes creators make is waiting until the very end to add YouTube Cards. While End Screens appear towards the end, Cards can appear at any time during your video. Add Cards early in the video to capture your viewer's attention before they might leave. For example, if you’re discussing a topic in-depth, you can add a Card linking to a related video early on so viewers can dive deeper into the subject.
2. Use Cards to Promote Playlists
If you want to boost watch time, promoting playlists with YouTube Cards is a great strategy. When viewers click on a playlist card, they are more likely to watch multiple videos in succession. This not only helps with the retention rate but also increases your chances of ranking higher in YouTube search results.
3. Don’t Overuse Cards
While Cards are useful, overloading your video with too many can be distracting for viewers. It’s important to be strategic. You can add up to five cards in a video, but try not to exceed two or three in a single video. Focus on the most relevant content and avoid overwhelming your audience with constant interruptions.
4. Use Polls to Engage Your Audience
YouTube Cards allow you to create interactive polls. Polls are a fantastic way to engage with your audience and get feedback on specific topics. For example, ask your viewers what kind of content they'd like to see next. Polls can also generate conversation in the comments, increasing overall engagement on your videos.
5. Place Cards for Maximum Visibility
You want to place your cards in places where they won’t distract your viewers from the content but are still noticeable. You can adjust the timing of your cards to appear during natural breaks in your video. It’s best not to place them in the middle of an exciting or important scene. Instead, choose a moment when the viewer is likely to be less focused on the action.
Conclusion
Incorporating YouTube End Screens and Cards into your video strategy is essential for boosting engagement and keeping your audience hooked. By following these best practices, you can create more interactive and effective videos that encourage viewers to explore your content further, subscribe to your channel, and stay connected with your brand. The more strategically you use these features, the more success you’ll see with your YouTube channel.
By investing time in optimizing your End Screens and Cards, you're not just promoting more videos but also building a loyal community that returns to your content again and again.
Do you like this personality?