How to Add YouTube End Screen and Cards Effectively

Their successors, YouTube Cards and End Screen, have replaced traditional annotation features. The annotations performed poorly on mobile; thus, the new changes are for the good. The annotations had become outdated and were completely unbefitting. On the contrary, the YouTube cards and end screen offer great access to desktops and mobiles with easier and faster implementation. Are you still looking for Annotations? Stop your search and try considering YouTube end screen. In this article, learn how to use YouTube end screen and cards.

• Part1: Why You Need to Add End Screens To Videos
• Part2: How To Use Youtube End Screen
• Part3: How to Add Cards to Your YouTube Videos

Part 1: Why You Need to Add End Screens and Cards to Videos

YouTube end screens and cards are powerful tools to boost engagement and grow your audience. They can link to other videos, playlists, channels, websites, or even promote crowdfunding and merchandise. To use an end screen, your video needs at least 25 seconds at the end. While you can add end screens directly in YouTube Studio, you can also design a customized version using editors like Wondershare Filmora, allowing you to create a branded end screen with placeholders before uploading to YouTube and adding clickable elements.

Part 2: How To Use YouTube End Screen

What can be added to an end screen?

Videos- This allows the viewers to watch the suggested video from your channel.

Playlist- This directs the viewers to a playlist within your channel.

Subscribe—This allows users to subscribe to the channel quickly. You may change the icon and the appearance of the brand name.

Channel—Click on this element to promote another YouTube Channel. You may also customize it with a message.

Link—This element helps direct users to your website. However, Google has restricted the addition of other links in the video. In order to add, you must have an AdSense account and permit monetization.

How to Add an End Screen in YouTube Studio

Step 1: Sign in to YouTube Studio

Go to YouTube Studio and log in.

Step 2: Select a Video to Edit

Click Content, choose the video you want, then go to the Editor.

Step 3: Click "End Screen"

In the video timeline, select the End screen option.

Step 4: Add and Customize Elements

Choose elements like a video, playlist, or subscribe button, and adjust their layout and timing.

Step 5: Preview and Save

Check how it looks, then click Save to apply the changes.

Part 3: How to Add Cards to Your YouTube Videos

YouTube cards are interactive pop-ups that appear in the top-right corner of your video. You can set them to appear at any point during playback, and when clicked, they expand to show links to videos, playlists, channels, or external websites. Here are the steps.

Step 1: Open YouTube Studio and Select a Video

Log in to YouTube, go to YouTube Studio, and click Content in the left menu. Hover over the video you want to edit and click the pencil icon to open the details.

Step 2: Access the Card Editor

In the Video Details screen, click Cards to launch the card editor.

Step 3: Add and Customize a Card

Click the plus (+) icon to choose a card type (video, playlist, channel, etc.). Then attach the relevant content and fill in the card details—these vary by type but usually include a title, teaser text, and a custom message.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

Once you're happy with the setup, click Save. You can always come back later to update the card content or adjust the timing.

The types of YouTube cards

• Video or playlist: links to other videos/the complete palylist on YouTube related or non-related to that specific videolinks to further purchase websites or specific product.
• Channel: promote another YouTube channel, one of the most common methods to collaborate with other YouTubers
• Poll: Encourage viewers to participate in a poll (vote)
• Link: links to a website which compliments whatever content is in the video.

4 Tips for Using YouTube Cards

Keep It Simple

Use no more than 3–5 cards per video to avoid overwhelming viewers. Too many cards can feel spammy and reduce engagement.

Stagger Their Timing

Don't show multiple cards at once—spread them out across the video to maintain viewer focus and encourage interaction.

Make Them Relevant

Only show cards that relate to what you're talking about in the moment. Random links can confuse viewers and reduce retention.

Save Promotions for the End

The end of your video is a great time to suggest related content. Viewers who stay until the end are more likely to engage further.

Use Cards and End Screens Together

Combine cards (mid-video engagement) with end screens (post-video direction) to guide viewers naturally through your content.

Conclusion

YouTube Cards and End Screens are great for boosting engagement and guiding viewers to more content. You can add them directly in YouTube Studio, or create a custom end screen using video editors like Wondershare Filmora, then upload and link it in YouTube. Whichever method you choose, make those final moments count—viewers who reach the end are already interested in what you have to offer.