How to Add a Link to a Video on YouTube: A Creator’s Guide

So, you want to supercharge your YouTube videos with links? Excellent choice! Adding links to your YouTube videos is crucial for driving traffic, promoting products, building your audience, and ultimately, maximizing the impact of your content. The process is straightforward, but understanding the nuances is key to using this powerful tool effectively. Let’s dive in.

The primary way to add a link to your YouTube video is through YouTube End Screens and Cards. Both of these features appear directly on the video itself and offer different advantages.

Adding Links Using YouTube End Screens

End Screens are visual elements that appear in the final 5-20 seconds of your video, allowing you to direct viewers to other content. They are ideal for suggesting related videos, encouraging subscriptions, and promoting external websites.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Links with End Screens:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Head to studio.youtube.com and log in to your account.
2. Navigate to Content: In the left sidebar, click “Content” to view your uploaded videos.
3. Select the Video: Click on the thumbnail or title of the video you want to edit.
4. Open the Editor: In the left sidebar, click “Editor.”
5. Add an End Screen: In the Editor, locate the “End screen” box on the right-hand side and click on it.
6. Choose a Template or Create Your Own: YouTube offers pre-designed end screen templates, or you can start from scratch. Templates can save time and offer a professional look.
7. Add Elements: Click the “+” Element button to add various elements:
   • Video: Suggest another video from your channel. You can choose the “Most Recent Upload,” “Best for Viewer,” or select a specific video.
   • Playlist: Promote a curated playlist to keep viewers engaged longer.
   • Subscribe: Encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel. This is a must-have on every end screen.
   • Channel: Promote another YouTube channel. This is useful for collaborations.
   • Link (Website): This is where you add your external link! However, to add external links to your end screens, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and your channel must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Once you’re eligible, you can add a link to your associated website or a website that complies with YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
8. Position and Time Your Elements: Drag and resize the elements to your desired positions on the screen. You can adjust the timing of each element to appear and disappear at specific points during the end screen’s duration.
9. Save Your Changes: Once you’re satisfied with your end screen, click “Save” in the top right corner.

Adding Links Using YouTube Cards

YouTube Cards are interactive notifications that appear in the top right corner of your video during playback. They are less visually intrusive than end screens and can be used to promote a wider range of content, including videos, playlists, channels, polls, and, most importantly, external websites.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Links with Cards:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Same as before, head to studio.youtube.com and log in.
2. Navigate to Content: Click “Content” in the left sidebar.
3. Select the Video: Choose the video you want to edit.
4. Open the Editor: Click “Editor” in the left sidebar.
5. Add a Card: In the Editor, locate the “Cards” box on the right-hand side and click on it.
6. Choose a Card Type: Click the “+” Card button to add a card. You have the following options:
   • Video: Recommend another video.
   • Playlist: Direct viewers to a playlist.
   • Channel: Promote another channel.
   • Link (Website): Again, you’ll need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program and meet the eligibility criteria to use this feature.
7. Enter the URL: If you’re eligible for external links, paste the URL of the website you want to promote.
8. Customize the Card: You can customize the card’s teaser text (the text that appears when the card is displayed) and thumbnail. Use compelling language and visuals to encourage clicks.
9. Set the Card Timing: Drag the blue slider on the timeline to choose when the card will appear in your video. Cards can appear at any point during the video’s runtime.
10. Save Your Changes: Click “Save” to save your card.

Tips for Effective Linking

• Relevance is Key: Only link to content that is directly relevant to the video. Irrelevant links will annoy viewers and decrease engagement.
• Clear Call to Action: Tell viewers why they should click the link. Use clear and concise language.
• Mobile Optimization: Ensure the linked website or content is mobile-friendly, as a significant portion of YouTube viewers watch on mobile devices.
• Track Your Results: Use YouTube Analytics to track the performance of your end screens and cards. This data will help you optimize your linking strategy.
• Compliance with Guidelines: Always adhere to YouTube’s Community Guidelines and AdSense policies when adding links.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and best practices for adding links to your YouTube videos:

1. Why can’t I add external links to my YouTube videos?

The most common reason is that you are not yet part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) or your channel doesn’t meet the eligibility requirements. You need to be accepted into the YPP to unlock the ability to add external website links in end screens and cards. Review YouTube’s monetization policies for more details.

2. What are the requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program?

As of the current date, the general requirements include having 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months, adhering to YouTube’s monetization policies, having an AdSense account, and complying with all of YouTube’s Community Guidelines. These requirements are subject to change, so always refer to YouTube’s official documentation.

3. Can I add affiliate links to my YouTube videos?

Yes, you can add affiliate links if you disclose them appropriately. Be transparent with your audience and let them know that you may earn a commission if they purchase through your link. Include a clear disclaimer in your video description, such as “This video contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.“

4. How many end screen elements can I add to a video?

You can add up to four elements to your end screen. These elements can include videos, playlists, subscribe buttons, channels, and links. Choose them strategically.

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

You can add up to five cards per video. Think carefully about the timing and placement of each card to avoid overwhelming viewers.

6. Can I edit the links in my end screens and cards after the video is published?

Yes, you can edit the links and timing of your end screens and cards even after the video has been published. This is useful if you need to update a broken link or promote a different product.

7. What’s the difference between an end screen and a card?

End Screens appear at the very end of your video (the last 5-20 seconds) and are designed to provide viewers with a final call to action. Cards appear during the video playback and can be used to promote relevant content at specific moments.

8. What’s the best way to promote my channel using end screens and cards?

Use the “Subscribe” element in your end screens to encourage viewers to subscribe. In your cards, consider linking to a playlist of your most popular videos to keep them engaged with your content.

9. Can I use end screens and cards on live streams?

Yes, you can add end screens and cards to your live streams. However, end screens will only appear once the live stream has ended and is processed as a regular video. Cards can be added and displayed during the live stream.

10. How do I track the performance of my end screens and cards?

YouTube Analytics provides detailed data on the performance of your end screens and cards. You can see metrics like click-through rates (CTR), impressions, and how many viewers interacted with your links. This data will help you optimize your linking strategy.

11. Are there any types of links that are prohibited on YouTube?

Yes, you cannot link to websites that violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines, such as those that promote hate speech, violence, or illegal activities. Additionally, deceptive links or links that lead to malicious websites are strictly prohibited.

12. What is the best practice for timing my end screens?

The ideal timing for your end screens is to have them appear for the last 20 seconds of your video. This gives viewers enough time to see the elements and take action. Make sure your video content provides a natural transition into the end screen.

Mastering the art of adding links to your YouTube videos is a game-changer. By following these guidelines and constantly optimizing your strategy, you can unlock the full potential of your content and build a thriving online presence. Good luck, and happy linking!