Creating engaging content on YouTube is only half the battle; the other half lies in ensuring viewers stick around for your next video. That’s where YouTube end screens come in. They are an essential tool for increasing watch time, boosting channel subscriptions, and guiding your audience toward meaningful actions. In this article, we’ll discuss about how to make a YouTube end screen and ensure it aligns with best practices.
YouTube continues to be one of the largest video-sharing platforms globally, with over 2.7 billion active users. For creators, this means immense opportunities for growth. But it’s important to stand out amid the millions of videos contending for viewers’ attention.
What is YouTube End Screen?
A YouTube end screen is a feature that appears during the last 5 to 20 seconds of a video. It’s a space where creators can include interactive elements like links to other videos, playlists, or external websites, as well as calls to action like subscribing to the channel.
For example, if you’ve created a tutorial on baking a cake, you can use the end screen to guide viewers to a related video on frosting techniques or your channel’s baking playlist.
End screens are not just a tool for suggesting content—they play a vital role in keeping viewers engaged on your channel. They serve as a gateway to other videos, help convert casual viewers into subscribers, and even drive traffic to external platforms like a blog or an online store.
Why are End Screens Important?
The YouTube algorithm is increasingly favoring channels that can retain viewers. Viewer retention directly impacts how YouTube recommends and ranks your videos. Studies show that videos incorporating end screens can see a 35% increase in click-through rates to other videos and playlists.
Additionally, mobile viewership continues to dominate, with over 70% of YouTube traffic coming from smartphones and tablets. This makes it even more critical to use end screens effectively, ensuring they are optimized for smaller screens.
Components of a Good YouTube End Screen
Creating a YouTube end screen isn’t just about slapping on a subscribe button and calling it a day. A well-designed end screen includes several key components that work together to maximize its effectiveness.
1. A Clear Objective
Every end screen should have a specific goal. Are you promoting comparable videos in an attempt to boost watch time? Are you aiming for more subscribers? Or perhaps you want to direct viewers to an external link, like your online store or blog.
Having a clear objective helps you design a focused and impactful end screen.
2. Relevant Video Suggestions
End screens allow you to promote one or more videos or playlists. Choosing videos that are closely related to the one the viewer has just watched increases the probability they will click through. For example, if your video is about beginner yoga poses, recommending an advanced yoga session may not be as effective as suggesting a video on breathing techniques.
3. A Well-Placed Subscribe Button
Your subscribe button is your primary tool for converting viewers into long-term followers. Put it in a noticeable but discreet location. Typically, the bottom right corner works best for most layouts.
4. Visually Appealing Design
Consistency in branding is key. Use colors, fonts, and elements that align with your channel’s theme. This not only makes your end screen visually appealing but also reinforces your brand identity.
5. Balanced Layout
An overcrowded end screen can confuse viewers, especially on mobile devices. Keep your layout simple and ensure clickable elements are spaced out adequately.
6. Timing and Placement
Timing is key. End screens appear during the last 20 seconds of a video, so ensure your content wraps up smoothly, leaving enough time for viewers to engage with the end screen.
How To Make A YouTube End Screen
Now that you understand the importance of end screens and their components, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating one.
Step 1: Plan Your End Screen
The first step in creating a YouTube end screen is planning. Think about what you want to achieve with your end screen. Are you aiming to increase watch time, gain subscribers, or direct traffic to an external website?
Once you have a clear goal, sketch out a basic layout. Decide where you want to place your elements, such as the subscribe button, video suggestions, or external links.
Step 2: Create Your End Screen Design
Although YouTube provides built-in templates, creating a custom design gives your end screen a unique and professional look. Tools like Canva, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro can help you design a template that reflects your brand.
For instance, if your channel has a playful and vibrant theme, use bold colors and fun graphics. On the other hand, if your content is more professional, opt for clean lines and muted tones.
Example Layout for an End Screen
| Element | Recommended Position |
| Video Suggestion 1 | Top Left |
| Video Suggestion 2 | Top Right |
| Subscribe Button | Bottom Right |
| External Link (if any) | Bottom Left |
Step 3: Add Your End Screen in YouTube Studio
Once your design is ready, it’s time to implement it in YouTube Studio. Here’s how:
- Log in to YouTube Studio and select the video you want to edit.
- Click on the Details tab, then scroll to the End Screen section.
- Use the drag-and-drop feature to add and position elements like the subscribe button, video links, and external URLs.
- Adjust the duration for which each element will appear, keeping in mind that end screens can only be displayed during the last 20 seconds of a video.
Step 4: Optimize for Engagement
Optimization is an ongoing process. Monitor the performance of your end screens using YouTube Analytics. Look at metrics like click-through rates (CTR) to determine which elements are working and which need improvement.
If you notice one video suggestion is consistently underperforming, try replacing it with another or repositioning it. A/B testing different end screen layouts can also help you identify what works best for your audience.
Conclusion
Learning how to make a YouTube end screen is a critical skill for creators. A well-crafted end screen not only enhances your viewer’s experience but also drives key metrics like watch time, subscriptions, and traffic to external links.
The process of creating an end screen involves careful planning, thoughtful design, and continuous optimization. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can craft end screens that engage viewers and help your channel grow.
Remember, every second counts on YouTube, especially the last 20. Make them work for you!