YouTube End Screens and Cards: How to Add Them Step by Step
End screens and cards help viewers watch your next video instead of leaving. Here is how to add them in YouTube Studio and make them work.
- End screens appear in the last 5 to 20 seconds of a video. Your video must be at least 25 seconds long, and you can add up to 4 elements on a standard 16:9 video.
- Cards are small pop-ups during the video. You can add up to 5 cards per video, linking to a video, playlist or channel.
- Add both in YouTube Studio: Content > select video > Editor > End screen or Info cards.
- Neither works on videos set as "made for kids", and link elements to outside websites need the YouTube Partner Program.
A viewer finishes your video and leaves YouTube. That is a lost chance to show them your next video. End screens and cards are free tools that help viewers keep watching your channel instead of going elsewhere.
This guide explains what each one does, the official limits, exactly how to add them in YouTube Studio, and simple ways to make them work better on a small channel.
What are YouTube end screens and cards?
Both are clickable elements you add to a video after you upload it. They do not change the video file itself.
- End screens appear near the end of the video. They can show another video, a playlist, a subscribe button, another channel, or (for eligible channels) a link to a website.
- Cards appear during the video. A small teaser shows at the time you choose, and viewers can tap it to open the card.
End screens vs cards: what is the difference?
| Point | End screens | Cards |
|---|---|---|
| When they show | Last 5 to 20 seconds | Any time you choose |
| Maximum per video | Up to 4 elements (16:9 video) | Up to 5 cards |
| Minimum video length | 25 seconds | No minimum stated |
| Subscribe button | Yes | No |
| Outside website link | Only for YouTube Partner Program | Only for YouTube Partner Program |
| Made for kids videos | Not available | Not available |
These limits come from YouTube's official help pages. YouTube does update features, so if something looks different in your Studio, check the help pages linked at the end.
How to add an end screen in YouTube Studio
Step 1: Leave space at the end of your video
Plan the last 10 to 20 seconds of your video for the end screen while you edit. Use a simple background, or keep talking while pointing to where the elements will sit. Avoid putting important text in that area, because the elements will cover it.
Step 2: Open the Editor
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Click Content in the left menu.
- Click the video you want to edit.
- Click Editor in the left menu.
Step 3: Add elements
- Click End screen.
- Choose a template (a ready layout) or add single elements.
- For a video element, pick one of three options: your most recent upload, the best for viewer (YouTube picks), or a specific video.
- Drag the elements into place and set how long each one shows on the timeline.
- Click Save.
If you have a good end screen on one video, you can import it to others from the end screen editor. This saves time when your layout is the same every week.
Which end screen elements should you use?
- Video: The most useful element. Point to a video that is the natural next step for the viewer.
- Playlist: Good for series and tutorials, because one click leads to many videos.
- Subscribe: Shows your channel icon. Works best when you also ask clearly in the video.
- Channel: Promote a second channel or a collaborator, with a short message.
- Link: Send viewers to an approved website, such as your blog or store. Available only in the YouTube Partner Program.
How to add cards to a YouTube video
- In YouTube Studio, go to Content and click your video.
- Click Editor in the left menu.
- Choose Info cards, then pick a card type: video, playlist, channel or link.
- Set the start time for the card on the timeline under the video.
- Add an optional custom message and teaser text. For a channel card, these are required.
- Click Save.
When to show a card
Show a card at the exact moment you mention something. For example, "I explained how to set up the channel in another video" is the right second to show a card for that video. A card that pops up without reason feels random and gets ignored.
Why are my end screens or cards not showing?
| Problem | Likely reason | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| End screen option is greyed out | Video shorter than 25 seconds | Use a video that is 25 seconds or longer |
| End screens and cards missing | Video set as made for kids | This is a rule, not a bug. Set the audience correctly; never mislabel it to get features |
| No Link option | Channel not in the YouTube Partner Program | Use video or playlist elements for now |
| Viewer says they cannot see it | App, device or the viewer hid end screens | Check on another device and add a spoken call to action |
| Video element shows a strange video | "Best for viewer" option chosen | Switch to a specific video if you want control |
How to make end screens actually get clicks
Adding an end screen is easy. Getting viewers to click is the real skill. These habits help:
- Say it out loud. "If you want to fix the next problem, watch this video" while you point to it.
- Pick the next logical video. Part 2 after Part 1. A related problem after a fix. Not your most popular video if it has nothing to do with this one.
- Keep it short. Many viewers leave once the main content ends. Do not add a long goodbye before the end screen.
- Use one strong choice. Two or three elements often work better than a crowded screen.
- Build playlists. A playlist element keeps people watching for longer than a single video.
- Keep the layout the same. Regular viewers learn where to tap.
How to check if your end screens are working
Open YouTube Analytics for the video and look at the Engagement tab. Here you can see how your end screen elements perform, including how often viewers click them. Compare a few videos and see which element types and layouts get more clicks.
If clicks are low, try changing the video you point to, or improve the spoken call to action. Our guide on YouTube Analytics key metrics explains how to read these numbers without getting confused.
How end screens and cards fit into channel growth
End screens and cards do not bring new viewers by themselves. They help you keep the viewers you already have. That matters because a viewer who watches two or three of your videos is more likely to subscribe.
For new viewers, you still need clear titles, good thumbnails and searchable topics. Read our YouTube SEO guide for titles and descriptions, and if your views are stuck, try the fixes in YouTube videos not getting views.
Final word
End screens and cards take only a few minutes per video, and they help viewers find your next video at the right moment. Leave space at the end of every video, add one or two relevant elements, use cards when you mention another video, and check Analytics to see what works.
Next step: open your three most-watched videos today and add an end screen to each one. If you want a full plan for growing and earning from a channel, explore our courses.
Sources: YouTube Help, Add end screens to videos and Add info cards to videos.
Frequently asked questions
How long must a video be to add an end screen?
YouTube says the video must be at least 25 seconds long. The end screen can then appear in the last 5 to 20 seconds.
How many cards can I add to one YouTube video?
You can add up to 5 cards to a video. Each card can link to a video, playlist, channel, or, for YouTube Partner Program channels, an approved website.
Why can't I add end screens to my video?
The most common reasons are that the video is shorter than 25 seconds or is set as made for kids. End screens and cards are not available on made for kids videos.
Can I add a website link in an end screen?
Only if your channel is in the YouTube Partner Program, and the website must follow YouTube's policies. Other channels can use video, playlist, subscribe and channel elements.