What is a video end screen?

hotsiagoodman
November 30, 2024

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What is a video end screen?

A video end screen (also known as an end card) is a feature on YouTube that appears during the last 5-20 seconds of a video. It allows creators to add interactive elements to encourage further viewer engagement. End screens are typically used to promote other content, such as other videos, playlists, or channels, and help guide viewers toward actions like subscribing or watching more content.

Here’s a breakdown of what an end screen is and how it benefits your channel:

Key Components of a Video End Screen:

  1. Video/Playlist Links:
    • You can add clickable links to promote other videos or playlists on your channel. This encourages viewers to continue watching your content instead of leaving the platform.
    • Example: A tutorial video might link to the next part of the series or a related video.
  2. Subscribe Button:
    • You can add a button that encourages viewers to subscribe to your channel. This is a great way to grow your audience and ensure repeat views.
    • The button is usually displayed as a thumbnail with the channel logo or as a “subscribe” prompt.
  3. Channel Promotion:
    • You can promote another YouTube channel or recommend content from a collaborator or partner.
    • This feature is useful for cross-promotion and growing networks within YouTube.
  4. External Links (For YouTube Partners):
    • If you’re a YouTube Partner, you can add external links (like your website, merchandise, or other external platforms) on your end screen.
    • These are clickable only on desktop, not on mobile.

Benefits of Using End Screens:

  1. Increase Engagement and Watch Time:
    • By promoting related videos or playlists, you encourage continuous viewing, which boosts watch time, a key ranking factor for YouTube’s algorithm.
    • Keep viewers engaged and reduce bounce rates by suggesting content they are likely to enjoy.
  2. Boost Subscriptions:
    • End screens are an excellent way to remind viewers to subscribe to your channel before they leave, helping you grow your audience.
  3. Guide Viewers to More Content:
    • You can direct viewers to other videos or playlists based on their interests, keeping them on your channel longer and enhancing the overall viewer experience.
  4. Increased Channel Visibility:
    • Adding a link to your channel on the end screen can encourage users to explore more of your content, increasing your chances of appearing in YouTube’s recommended videos.
  5. Professional Finish:
    • An end screen provides a polished, professional conclusion to your video, leaving a positive, lasting impression on your viewers.

Best Practices for End Screens:

  1. Keep It Simple and Clean:
    • Don’t overcrowd your end screen. Focus on 2-3 elements (e.g., a video link and a subscribe button) for better user engagement.
  2. Timing:
    • End screens should appear during the last 5-20 seconds of the video. Make sure your call to action doesn’t feel rushed or out of place.
  3. Match Content:
    • Link to content that is relevant to the video the viewer just watched to improve the chances they’ll click through. For instance, a cooking tutorial can link to similar recipes or a playlist.
  4. Branding:
    • Use colors, fonts, and themes that match your overall brand and channel style to maintain a cohesive look across your videos.
  5. Placement:
    • Make sure the clickable elements don’t obstruct key parts of the video (e.g., faces or important visual elements). Keep them in corners or places where they won’t interfere with the video content.

Example of a Video End Screen Setup:

  • Video 1: “How to Make Chocolate Cake”
  • End Screen Elements:
    • Link to the next tutorial in the series (e.g., “How to Decorate a Cake”)
    • Subscribe Button for new viewers
    • Video Playlist Link (e.g., “Baking for Beginners”)

End screens are a simple yet powerful tool to keep your audience engaged, drive more views, and grow your channel.

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