What's the most effective way to use YouTube's end screens and cards?

Using YouTube's end screens and cards effectively can significantly enhance viewer engagement, increase channel growth, and drive traffic to other content. Here's how to make the most out of these features:

### **End Screens**

1. **Promote Related Content**:
   - **Action**: Use end screens to suggest related videos or playlists that align with the current video's topic. This encourages viewers to continue watching more of your content.
   - **Placement**: Position these suggestions prominently, ensuring they are relevant and engaging to keep viewers on your channel.

2. **Encourage Subscriptions**:
   - **Action**: Include a subscribe button on your end screen. This makes it easy for viewers to subscribe to your channel if they enjoyed your content.
   - **Tip**: Use a call-to-action (CTA) encouraging viewers to subscribe for more content. Make it clear and inviting.

3. **Promote External Links**:
   - **Action**: Use end screens to link to your website, merchandise, or other external sites. Ensure these links are relevant and provide added value to your audience.
   - **Note**: External links are only available for channels with 1,000 subscribers or more, and they need to be compliant with YouTube's policies.

4. **Highlight Playlists**:
   - **Action**: Feature playlists that group similar videos together. This helps viewers find more content they're interested in and encourages binge-watching.
   - **Tip**: Use compelling thumbnails and titles to attract clicks.

### **Cards**

1. **Direct to Related Videos**:
   - **Action**: Add cards to promote related videos or playlists throughout your video. This helps maintain viewer interest by suggesting additional relevant content.
   - **Tip**: Place cards at strategic moments in your video when viewers are most likely to engage with them.

2. **Promote Interactive Content**:
   - **Action**: Use cards to link to polls, quizzes, or other interactive elements. This increases viewer engagement and allows you to gather feedback or opinions from your audience.
   - **Tip**: Use cards sparingly to avoid overwhelming viewers. Ensure they add value to the viewing experience.

3. **Drive Traffic to External Sites**:
   - **Action**: Include cards that link to your website, online store, or other external resources. Ensure these links are relevant to the video content and provide additional value.
   - **Note**: External links in cards are available for channels with 1,000 subscribers or more.

4. **Highlight Channel Features**:
   - **Action**: Use cards to promote your channel's features, such as upcoming live streams, new series, or special announcements.
   - **Tip**: Make sure these cards are timed appropriately and are relevant to the content being discussed.

### **General Tips for Both Features**

- **Timing and Placement**: Ensure end screens and cards appear at appropriate times and do not disrupt the viewer experience. For end screens, aim for the last 5-20 seconds of your video. For cards, place them at relevant points where they enhance the content.

- **Clear and Compelling CTAs**: Use clear calls-to-action in both end screens and cards to guide viewers on what to do next, whether it's watching another video, subscribing, or visiting an external link.

- **Test and Optimize**: Regularly review analytics to see how well your end screens and cards are performing. Adjust placements, CTAs, and content based on viewer interaction and engagement data.

By strategically using end screens and cards, you can effectively guide viewers to more of your content, increase engagement, and drive traffic to important links, ultimately enhancing the growth and success of your YouTube channel.