YouTube is no longer just a platform for fun. It is now a powerful tool for promotion and marketing. By using clickable links, creators can guide viewers directly to their websites, social media pages, or newsletters.
Adding clickable links to your YouTube videos improves engagement, increases traffic, and saves viewers time. This guide will teach you simple ways to add these links effectively.
Add Clickable Links to Your YouTube Videos Using Cards
Cards are small interactive elements in YouTube videos. You may have seen a small “i” symbol in the corner. This symbol is called a YouTube Card. Cards appear during or at the end of videos.
They can contain links to websites, other videos, playlists, or channels. Cards also allow polls and surveys to increase viewer interaction.
To use clickable links with cards, you must join the YouTube Partner Program. Your channel needs at least 4,000 watch hours and 1,000 subscribers in the past year. Once eligible, follow these steps:
Steps to Add Clickable Links Using Cards
- Step 1: Open YouTube Studio and click on Content on the left menu.
- Step 2: Select the video and click the pencil icon to edit. Choose the Cards option.
- Step 3: In the new window, click Add Card and select Link.
- Step 4: Type or paste your URL and click Apply.
- Step 5: Add an image, title, teaser text, and call-to-action.
- Step 6: Adjust the time marker for the card appearance. Click Save.
You can add up to five cards per video. Links must be approved and associated with your verified website.
Cards can also be added while uploading new videos using the Video Elements section. Cards help drive traffic and make videos more engaging.
Add Clickable Links to Your YouTube Videos Using End Screens
End screens appear during the last few seconds of a video. They are useful for guiding viewers to another video, playlist, or website.
You can also use them to encourage subscriptions or other actions. End screens can be added while uploading a video or after it is uploaded.
Add End Screen While Uploading
- Step 1: Open YouTube Studio and click Upload Videos.
- Step 2: Choose your video, upload a thumbnail, and enter basic details.
- Step 3: Click More Options to add tags, subtitles, and languages. Then click Next.
- Step 4: Select the End Screen option. Import from another video or create new.
- Step 5: Click + Element to add a clickable link. Adjust position and link type.
Add End Screen After Uploading
- Open YouTube Studio and click Content.
- Select the video you want to edit.
- Click End Screen from the menu.
- Use + Element to add your clickable link.
End screens improve channel promotion, increase views, and direct traffic to your website. You can monitor performance using Google Analytics to see how viewers interact with your links.
What Content Can You Add Clickable Links To on YouTube Videos
YouTube has strict rules for clickable links. It focuses on user safety and restricts harmful content. Follow these guidelines to avoid penalties.
Allowed Content for Clickable Links
- Own Verified and Associated Sites:
Your website must be verified and linked through Google Search Console. You must also join the YouTube Partner Program.
- Other YouTube Videos:
You can link to your own videos, playlists, or other creator’s videos. This increases watch time and engagement.
- Approved Crowdfunding and eCommerce Sites:
Only use YouTube-approved fundraising or shopping websites. Check the official list before adding links.
Prohibited Content for Clickable Links
- Illegal Goods or Services:
No links to counterfeit products or illegal items.
- Piracy and Unauthorized Access:
Do not link to free access for paid content.
- Malware or Data Phishing:
Unsafe links that steal user data are prohibited.
- Child Abuse and Adult Content:
Links promoting child abuse or pornography are banned.
- Terrorism or Hate Content:
No links supporting terrorism or hate activities.
Following these rules keeps your channel safe. Violating policies may lead to account strikes or suspension.
Other Ways to Add Clickable Links to Your YouTube Videos
Video Description
The easiest method is adding links in the video description. Paste URLs below your video. This works for product pages, affiliate links, or social profiles. Viewers can click directly to visit your page.
Verbal Mentions and Text Overlays
You can also mention links in your video. Text overlays on screen can guide viewers. However, these links are not clickable. Viewers need to visit manually.
Tracking Your Clickable Links
Adding links alone is not enough. You need to track performance. Use UTM codes to measure traffic from each link. Google’s Campaign URL Builder helps create these codes easily. Analyze link activity through Google Analytics. This helps optimize marketing and improve engagement from videos.
Bonus Tip: Make Videos More Attractive with FlexClip
Clickable links look better in creative videos. Use FlexClip, an online video editor, to add buttons, shapes, and text. No downloads are required.
FlexClip makes links visible and stylish. You can share videos directly to YouTube without delay. Creative visuals improve clicks, engagement, and channel growth.
- Add eye-catching shapes around your links.
- Use readable fonts for call-to-action buttons.
- Embed links inside stylish elements for better clicks.
FlexClip is especially useful for marketing videos. Your links will stand out naturally.
The Bottom Corner
Adding clickable links to YouTube videos improves engagement and traffic. Cards, end screens, and descriptions are effective tools. Always follow YouTube’s rules for allowed content. Use tracking methods like UTM codes to measure performance.
Make videos attractive using tools like FlexClip. With these strategies, your YouTube channel can become a strong marketing platform. Links turn viewers into engaged audiences consistently.
