How to Add Links to a YouTube Video: A Creator’s Blueprint

So, you want to amplify your YouTube game? You’ve crafted compelling content, attracted viewers, and now you’re ready to guide them further down your rabbit hole – or, perhaps more practically, to your online store, social media profiles, or a related video. The secret sauce? Adding clickable links directly within your YouTube videos. Let’s dive into precisely how to do this, transforming casual viewers into engaged followers and customers.

The short answer: You primarily add links to your YouTube videos using YouTube Cards (iCards) and End Screens. YouTube Cards appear during the video, prompting viewers to click, while End Screens appear in the final 5-20 seconds, offering a final call to action. You’ll manage these through YouTube Studio.

Unleashing the Power of Links: Cards and End Screens Explained

YouTube offers two primary mechanisms for integrating links directly into your videos: YouTube Cards and End Screens. Think of them as strategic opportunities to engage viewers beyond the immediate video content.

Mastering YouTube Cards (iCards)

YouTube Cards are interactive notifications that pop up during your video. They’re small, non-intrusive, and incredibly effective for driving traffic elsewhere. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Access YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and navigate to YouTube Studio. This is your central hub for video management.

2. Select Your Video: Click on “Content” in the left-hand menu. Find the video you want to add cards to and click on its title or thumbnail.

3. Open the Editor: On the video details page, look for the “Editor” option in the left-hand menu. Click it.

4. Add Cards: In the Editor, locate the “Cards” option on the right-hand side (it looks like a small “i” in a circle). Click on it to expand the Cards panel.

5. Choose Your Card Type: YouTube offers several card types, each serving a different purpose:

   • Video: Links to another video on your channel.
   • Playlist: Links to a playlist on your channel.
   • Channel: Promotes another YouTube channel.
   • Link: Directs viewers to an approved external website (requires meeting YouTube’s Partner Program requirements and having your website associated).

6. Position Your Card: Drag the blue playhead along the timeline to the exact moment you want the card to appear.

7. Customize the Card: Depending on the card type, you’ll need to provide specific information. For example, if you choose a “Video” card, you’ll need to select the video you want to link to. For a “Link” card, you’ll need to enter the URL of the approved website.

8. Add a Custom Message (Optional but Recommended): This is where you grab attention! Write a short, compelling message that encourages viewers to click. Examples: “Check out my latest vlog!”, “Learn more here!”, or “Exclusive discount inside!”.

9. Add a Teaser Text (Optional): This text appears briefly before the card expands, further piquing viewer curiosity.

10. Save Your Changes: Click the “Save” button in the top right corner to apply your changes.

Crafting Killer End Screens

End Screens are visual elements that appear in the last 5-20 seconds of your video. They’re a final opportunity to encourage viewers to subscribe, watch another video, or visit an external link. Here’s how to create them:

1. Access YouTube Studio: Same as with cards, log in and navigate to YouTube Studio.

2. Select Your Video: Go to the “Content” section and choose the video you want to edit.

3. Open the Editor: Click on the “Editor” option.

4. Add an End Screen: In the Editor, find the “End Screen” option on the right-hand side. Click on it to expand the End Screen panel.

5. Choose a Template or Create Your Own: YouTube offers pre-designed templates or allows you to build your end screen from scratch. Templates are a great starting point, especially for beginners.

6. Add Elements: You can add the following elements to your end screen:

   • Video: Links to another video (YouTube will often suggest “Best for Viewer” based on their viewing history, or “Most Recent Upload,” or you can choose a specific video).
   • Playlist: Links to a playlist.
   • Subscribe: A direct subscription button for your channel.
   • Channel: Promotes another channel.
   • Link: Directs viewers to an approved external website (same requirements as with Cards).

7. Position and Resize Elements: Drag and resize the elements on the end screen canvas to create a visually appealing layout. Make sure they don’t overlap important visuals in your video.

8. Set Element Timings: You can adjust the start and end times of each element within the 5-20 second window.

9. Save Your Changes: Click the “Save” button in the top right corner.

Dos and Don’ts for Maximum Link Engagement

• Do: Use clear and concise language in your card messages and end screen text.
• Do: Make sure the links you use are relevant to your video content.
• Do: Use visually appealing thumbnails and graphics for your cards and end screens.
• Do: Analyze your analytics to see which cards and end screens are performing best and adjust accordingly.
• Don’t: Overload your videos with too many cards or elements on your end screen. This can be distracting and overwhelming for viewers.
• Don’t: Use deceptive language or clickbait tactics. This can damage your credibility and alienate your audience.
• Don’t: Forget to check that your links are working correctly after you’ve added them.
• Don’t: Neglect mobile viewers! Ensure your end screens and cards are optimized for smaller screens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the requirements for adding external links to YouTube Cards and End Screens?

To add external links, you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program and have your website associated and verified with your YouTube channel. This is to prevent spam and ensure that links are directed to legitimate websites.

2. How do I join the YouTube Partner Program?

You need to meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months. You also need to comply with YouTube’s monetization policies and AdSense program policies.

3. How do I associate my website with my YouTube channel?

Go to YouTube Studio > Settings > Channel > Feature eligibility. You’ll find the option to verify your website under “Intermediate features” or “Advanced features,” depending on your current standing.

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

Yes, you can, but you must comply with YouTube’s policies on affiliate marketing. Be transparent about your affiliate relationships and disclose them in your video description. Avoid misleading viewers with false claims or exaggerated promises.

5. How many Cards and End Screen elements can I add to a video?

You can add up to 5 Cards to a single video. End screens allow up to 4 elements (e.g., one video, one subscribe button, and two links).

6. How can I track the performance of my Cards and End Screens?

YouTube Analytics provides detailed data on the performance of your Cards and End Screens. You can see how many clicks each card or element received, the click-through rate (CTR), and how they contributed to your overall channel performance. Regularly analyze these metrics to optimize your strategies.

7. Can I edit or remove Cards and End Screens after they’ve been added?

Yes, you can easily edit or remove Cards and End Screens at any time through the YouTube Studio Editor. This allows you to update links, change messages, or remove elements that are no longer relevant.

8. Do Cards and End Screens work on mobile devices?

Yes, Cards and End Screens are designed to work on both desktop and mobile devices. However, it’s important to ensure that your end screen elements are appropriately sized and positioned for smaller screens. Always test on mobile to confirm.

9. What is the best way to design an effective End Screen?

Use a clear and concise layout with visually appealing graphics. Include a strong call to action, such as “Subscribe,” “Watch next,” or “Learn more.” Make sure your end screen is consistent with your brand and complements your video content. A/B test different designs to see what resonates best with your audience.

10. What are the common mistakes to avoid when using Cards and End Screens?

Avoid overloading your videos with too many Cards or elements. Don’t use deceptive language or clickbait tactics. Make sure your links are working correctly, and always provide value to your viewers. Relevance is key.

11. Are Cards and End Screens only available for longer videos?

No, Cards and End Screens can be added to videos of any length. However, end screens have a minimum duration requirement (typically the last 5-20 seconds). Even short videos can benefit from strategically placed cards.

12. Can I add links to product pages directly within my video?

Yes, provided that you are part of the YouTube Partner Program and the product pages are on a website you have associated with your channel. This allows you to seamlessly drive traffic to your online store or affiliate offers. This is a powerful way to monetize your content directly.

By mastering the art of adding links through YouTube Cards and End Screens, you’ll transform your videos into powerful tools for driving traffic, building your audience, and achieving your online goals. So, get creating, linking, and growing!