How to Use YouTube Cards and End Screens Effectively

What happens when a viewer finishes your video? Do they leave, or do you guide them to more of your content? YouTube Cards and End Screens are powerful, free tools designed to increase session watch time by keeping viewers on your channel. Using them effectively is a key part of a smart YouTube content strategy.

What Are YouTube Cards?

YouTube Cards are small, clickable pop-up notifications that you can place at specific times in your video. They are best used to provide contextual links without interrupting the viewing experience.

Best Practices for Cards:

• Link to Relevant Videos: When you mention a topic you've covered in another video, add a card at that exact moment. Verbally prompt the viewer, e.g., "I talk more about that in my video on [topic], which you can click on right here."
• Use Them Sparingly: Don't litter your video with cards. One or two strategically placed cards are far more effective than five random ones.
• Link to Playlists: If you're creating a series, a card can link to the full playlist.

What Are End Screens?

An End Screen is a 5-20 second screen at the very end of your video where you can promote videos, playlists, and your subscribe button. This is your most powerful call to action, far more effective than just asking in your video intro.

Best Practices for End Screens:

• Plan for Your End Screen: When filming, leave 10-15 seconds of simple, non-essential content at the end (like you talking over background music) where the end screen elements can appear without covering anything important.
• Always Include a Subscribe Button: Make it as easy as possible for people to subscribe.
• Promote "Best for Viewer": YouTube's algorithm can dynamically choose a video from your channel that it thinks the specific viewer is most likely to watch next. This is a powerful option.
• Promote a Relevant Video or Playlist: Manually choose to promote your newest video or a playlist that is directly related to the video the viewer just finished.