How to Add a Hyperlink to a YouTube Video: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to add a hyperlink to your YouTube video? Excellent choice! It’s a powerful way to drive traffic, promote related content, and enhance the viewer experience. The short answer is you primarily achieve this through YouTube Cards and End Screens. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, transforming you from a YouTube novice to a link-embedding ninja.

Utilizing YouTube Cards: Your Dynamic Linking Powerhouse

YouTube Cards are those interactive elements that appear in the top right corner of your video. They’re clickable banners offering viewers direct access to other content.

How to Add YouTube Cards: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Access your account at studio.youtube.com. This is your command center.
2. Select Your Video: In the left-hand menu, click on “Content” to see your list of uploaded videos. Choose the video where you want to add the card.
3. Navigate to the Editor: Click on the video title, then in the left-hand menu, select “Editor“.
4. Find the “Cards” Option: In the editor timeline, locate the “Cards” option on the right-hand side. Click on it.
5. Choose Your Card Type: YouTube offers several card types:
   • Video: Link to another video on your channel or any other YouTube video.
   • Playlist: Link to a curated playlist of your videos.
   • Channel: Promote another YouTube channel. Ideal for collaborations.
   • Link: (Must be in the YouTube Partner Program and meet eligibility requirements) Link to an approved external website. This is where the real magic happens for driving traffic off YouTube.
6. Specify the Linked Content: Depending on the card type, you’ll be prompted to search for and select the specific video, playlist, channel, or website you want to link to.
7. Customize the Card: Add a custom message and teaser text. The teaser text is what briefly appears before the full card reveals itself, so make it enticing.
8. Set the Timing: Drag the blue marker along the timeline to specify when you want the card to appear during the video.
9. Save Your Changes: Click the “Save” button in the top right corner. Voila! Your card is live.

Mastering End Screens: Captivating Viewers at the Finish Line

End Screens are the visual elements that appear in the last 5-20 seconds of your video. They’re another crucial avenue for adding hyperlinks and keeping viewers engaged.

How to Add End Screens: Converting Viewers into Subscribers and Customers

1. Follow Steps 1-3 from the YouTube Cards section: Sign in to YouTube Studio, select your video, and navigate to the Editor.
2. Find the “End Screen” Option: In the editor timeline, locate the “End Screen” option on the right-hand side. Click on it.
3. Choose a Template or Create Your Own: YouTube offers pre-designed templates with various layouts for videos, playlists, subscribe buttons, and links. You can also create a custom end screen from scratch.
4. Add Elements: Select the elements you want to include:
   • Video: Promote another video. Options include “Best for viewer,” “Most recent upload,” or a specific video.
   • Playlist: Link to a playlist.
   • Subscribe: A button that allows viewers to subscribe to your channel.
   • Channel: Promote another channel.
   • Link: (YouTube Partner Program required) Link to an approved external website.
5. Position and Resize Elements: Drag and resize the elements to arrange them on your end screen.
6. Set the Timing: Adjust the start and end times for each element on the timeline.
7. Save Your Changes: Click the “Save” button. Your end screen is ready to convert viewers.

Important Considerations: Rules and Best Practices

• YouTube Partner Program: Linking to external websites via cards and end screens requires enrollment in the YouTube Partner Program and adherence to their policies. Your site must also comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
• Relevance: Ensure the linked content is relevant to the video content. Don’t just throw in random links for the sake of it.
• Call to Action: Clearly instruct viewers to click the cards or end screen elements. Use verbal cues in your video.
• Visual Appeal: Design visually appealing cards and end screens that blend seamlessly with your video.
• Mobile Optimization: Remember that many viewers watch on mobile devices. Ensure your cards and end screens are easily visible and clickable on smaller screens.
• Analytics: Regularly check your YouTube Analytics to see how your cards and end screens are performing. Adjust your strategy based on the data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add a hyperlink directly into the YouTube video description?

Yes, you can, but these links are not clickable within the YouTube platform itself. Viewers will need to copy and paste them into their browser, which significantly reduces click-through rates. Description links are best for secondary information or resources.

2. What are the requirements for linking to an external website?

You must be part of the YouTube Partner Program, and your website must comply with YouTube’s Community Guidelines and AdSense Program Policies. YouTube needs to verify that the linked site is safe and appropriate for their audience.

3. How do I join the YouTube Partner Program?

You need to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months. You also need to comply with YouTube’s monetization policies and have an AdSense account linked to your channel.

4. Can I add affiliate links using YouTube Cards or End Screens?

Yes, but with caution. Disclose that you are using affiliate links, as transparency is crucial. Also, ensure that the products or services you’re promoting are relevant to your video’s content and comply with YouTube’s advertising policies. Failing to do so can result in demonetization or even channel termination.

5. How many cards can I add to a single YouTube video?

You can add a maximum of five cards to a single video. Use them strategically to maximize their impact.

6. How long should my end screen be?

End screens can last between 5 and 20 seconds. The optimal length depends on your video content and viewer engagement. Experiment to find what works best.

7. Can I add a hyperlink to a livestream?

Yes, you can add cards to a livestream. This can be useful for directing viewers to related content or for donation links.

8. How do I edit or delete a card or end screen after it’s been added?

Simply go back to the YouTube Studio Editor for the specific video, navigate to the “Cards” or “End Screen” section, and make your changes. Remember to save your modifications.

9. Why are my cards or end screens not showing up?

There could be several reasons:

• Timing issues: Ensure the card or end screen is set to appear during the active video timeline.
• Technical glitches: Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache.
• Eligibility requirements: Double-check that you meet the requirements for using external links.
• YouTube’s algorithm: Occasionally, YouTube’s algorithm may suppress cards or end screens if they are deemed irrelevant or disruptive.

10. Can I see how many people are clicking on my cards and end screens?

Absolutely! YouTube Analytics provides detailed data on card and end screen performance, including impressions, click-through rates, and conversions. Use this data to refine your linking strategy.

11. What is the best strategy for using cards and end screens effectively?

Focus on providing value to the viewer. Link to related content that enhances their experience, promotes your channel, or offers a clear call to action. Don’t overload the screen with too many elements.

12. Can I use third-party tools to add more advanced hyperlinks or interactive elements?

While YouTube’s native tools are powerful, some third-party platforms offer advanced features like interactive quizzes, polls, and customized call-to-action buttons. However, always research and choose reputable tools to avoid security risks or violations of YouTube’s terms of service.

By mastering the use of YouTube Cards and End Screens, you’ll be well on your way to effectively leveraging the power of hyperlinks to grow your channel, drive traffic to your website, and engage your audience like never before. Now go forth and link!