How Long to Make an End Card for YouTube? Best Duration & Tips
Creating an effective YouTube end card (also called an end screen) is crucial for increasing viewer retention, promoting other videos, and growing your channel. But how long should a YouTube end card be? In this guide, we’ll break down the best duration, design tips, and strategies to ensure your end card maximizes engagement and conversions.
What is a YouTube End Card?
A YouTube end card, or end screen, is a feature that appears in the last few seconds of a video. It allows creators to promote their other content, encourage subscriptions, and link to external websites (for eligible channels).
End screens are an essential tool for keeping viewers engaged with your content and directing them to take action before they leave your channel.
What Can You Include in a YouTube End Screen?
YouTube allows up to four interactive elements in an end screen:
- Video or Playlist: Suggest a related video or playlist to keep viewers watching.
- Subscribe Button: Encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel.
- Channel Link: Recommend another channel (great for collaborations).
- External Link: Direct users to an approved website (available for eligible channels).
How Long Should a YouTube End Card Be?
The ideal length for a YouTube end card is 5 to 20 seconds. However, the best practice is to keep it between 10 to 15 seconds for optimal engagement.
Why Not Use the Full 20 Seconds?
While YouTube allows up to 20 seconds for an end screen, most viewers won’t stick around for that long if the content is not engaging. A 10- to 15-second duration ensures that you:
✅ Hold the viewer’s attention without losing interest.
✅ Give enough time for users to interact with the elements.
✅ Maintain a professional and polished outro.
Why Shouldn’t It Be Too Short?
If your end screen is less than 5 seconds, viewers may not have enough time to:
🚀 Click on suggested videos.
📌 Subscribe to your channel.
🔗 Visit external links.
Best Practices for Designing a YouTube End Card
1. Place End Screen Elements Wisely
Position your elements (videos, subscribe button, links) so they don’t cover important parts of your outro visuals.
- Keep them away from text and logos.
- Make sure they’re easily clickable on mobile and desktop.
2. Keep the Design Simple & Clean
Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that might make end screen elements hard to notice.
- 🎨 Use contrasting colors to make elements pop.
- 📱 Ensure mobile-friendliness, as many viewers watch on phones.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Gemoo to create polished, branded outro templates with drag-and-drop ease. Its pre-sized YouTube templates ensure your end cards look professional on all devices.
3. Use a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Encourage users to take action with clear CTAs like:
- “Watch this next video!”
- “Subscribe for more content!”
- “Click here for exclusive content!”
4. Match the End Card with Your Branding
A consistent look and feel across your videos improves recognition and trust. Use:
- The same colors and fonts as your brand.
- A signature outro style that viewers can recognize.
Tool Recommendation: Platforms like Gemoo let you save custom templates with your logo, brand colors, and animations, streamlining your workflow for future videos.
5. Avoid Sudden Endings
Don’t make your end screen feel abrupt. Use smooth transitions or fade-outs to keep it professional.
How to Add an End Screen to Your YouTube Video
Follow these simple steps to add an end card to your video:
1️⃣ Go to YouTube Studio and open your uploaded video.
2️⃣ Click on “Editor” in the left-hand menu.
3️⃣ Select “Add an End Screen.”
4️⃣ Choose from the preset templates or customize your own.
5️⃣ Adjust the duration and position of elements.
6️⃣ Click “Save” when done.
Design Hack: For creators who want full creative control, use Gemoo to design custom end cards offline. Export your design as a PNG/MP4 and overlay YouTube’s clickable elements during upload.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect YouTube End Card Length
The best end card duration for YouTube is 10 to 15 seconds—long enough for engagement but short enough to avoid losing viewers. By designing an eye-catching, branded end screen with clear CTAs, you can drive more traffic to your content and increase channel growth.
Need Design Help? Tools like Gemoo simplify the process with pre-made templates, stock assets, and intuitive editing tools. Perfect for creators who want professional results without hiring a designer!
FAQs
1.Can I use an end screen for shorts?
- No, YouTube Shorts do not support end screens. They only work on regular videos longer than 25 seconds.
2.What is the minimum video length required for an end screen?
- Your video must be at least 25 seconds long to include an end screen.
3.Can I change my end screen after uploading?
- Yes! You can edit or replace your end screen anytime in YouTube Studio > Editor.
4.Does the end screen affect watch time?
- Yes, a well-optimized end screen can increase watch time by directing viewers to other videos on your channel.
5.Can I add custom graphics to my end screen?
- Yes! Tools like Gemoo let you upload custom outro templates. Place YouTube’s clickable elements on top for a branded, interactive experience.