Creating a link on YouTube helps you direct viewers to external resources, your website, or related content inside the platform. With a few straightforward steps, you can add links to descriptions, end screens, and cards to improve navigation and audience engagement.
This guide walks through the most reliable methods for adding links on YouTube while keeping your content professional and easy to follow. Follow the steps below to ensure your links appear correctly and work across different devices.
| Link Type | Where It Appears | Visibility | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Description | Under the video player | Always visible | External websites, social profiles, merchandise |
| Video Card | Interactive element during playback | Appears during the video | Link to another video, playlist, or channel |
| End Screen | Last 20 seconds of the video | Appears only on desktop and mobile apps | Promote next video, playlist, or channel |
| Pinned Comment | Top of the comment section | Visible below the video | Highlight a specific link for viewers |
Adding Links in the Video Description
The video description is one of the most reliable places to add links because it is visible at all times. When viewers open your video, they can click directly to your website or chosen destination without playing the video.
Steps to Add Links in Description
Start by opening YouTube Studio and selecting the video you want to edit. In the editor, locate the description box and paste your full URL or create a short, trackable link using a URL shortener. Save your changes and check the published version to confirm the link appears correctly and is clickable.
Consider placing the most important link at the top of the description so viewers see it immediately. You can also use multiple lines and clear labels to make the section easy to scan on both mobile and desktop devices.
Inserting Links with Video Cards
Video cards are interactive elements that appear during playback and can direct viewers to another video, playlist, or external site. They are useful for guiding attention without interrupting the viewing experience.
How to Add a Card Link
While editing your video, go to the Cards tab and choose either an existing video as the destination or type a URL for an external link. Position the card at a moment in the video where it feels natural, and test it on different devices to ensure it displays correctly.
Use cards sparingly to avoid overwhelming viewers, and align them with specific moments in your content for maximum relevance and click-through rates.
Using End Screens to Promote Links
End screens appear in the last portion of your video and can include buttons that link to other content on your channel or an external website. This method works best when viewers have finished watching and are still engaged.
Setting Up End Screen Elements
In YouTube Studio, navigate to the End screen tab and add elements such as video playlists, channel pages, or external links. Arrange the buttons in a clear layout, test how they look on mobile and desktop, and update the end screen regularly to match new goals.
Combine end screens with cards and description links for a consistent experience that keeps viewers moving through your content ecosystem.
Best Practices for Link Placement
Strategic placement of links increases the likelihood that viewers will click and use them. Consider where your audience focuses their attention and align links with natural pauses or strong moments in your videos.
- Place the most important link in the video description and mention it early in the video.
- Use cards to highlight related videos or external resources at relevant points.
- Leverage end screens in the last 20 seconds to promote next steps or external calls to action.
- Pin a top comment with a direct link for quick access.
Regularly review click data in YouTube Analytics to understand which links perform best and adjust your approach accordingly.
Optimizing Your YouTube Link Strategy
Consistently testing and refining how you add links on YouTube leads to stronger audience engagement and higher conversion rates over time.
- Use clear calls to action that explain where the link leads.
- Rotate links periodically to promote fresh content and offers.
- Monitor performance with analytics to identify top-performing placements.
- Keep your branding and messaging consistent across all linked destinations.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I add a link on mobile when publishing a video?
Yes, you can add links in the description and choose cards or end screens directly from the YouTube mobile app during upload. Just make sure to review the placement on a larger screen when possible for best results.
Will viewers see my link if I only add it as a pinned comment?
Pinned comments are visible below the video and remain at the top of the comment section. They are effective for highlighting one key link, but you may also want to include the same link in the description for consistency.
Can I track clicks on links added through cards and end screens?
YouTube does not provide detailed click data for cards and end screens, but you can monitor overall traffic and engagement using YouTube Analytics. For precise tracking, use shortened URLs with UTM parameters that point to a landing page.
What happens if my external link gets removed by YouTube?
YouTube may remove links that violate policies or appear spammy. To reduce risk, ensure your links are relevant, add value for viewers, and comply with community guidelines. Maintain at least one reliable link in the description as a backup.