If you’re a content creator or planning to grow your YouTube channel, How to add cards to YouTube videos is something you must know. Cards help you share clickable links inside your video, leading viewers to other videos, playlists, or even websites. When used the right way, cards can keep your audience engaged and help increase your channel watch time. They are also a smart tool to Buy YouTube Subscribers organically by promoting older content. What Are YouTube Cards?
YouTube cards are interactive elements that appear in the top right corner of a video. These small pop-ups can suggest other videos, playlists, channels, or even polls to your viewers. When viewers click on a card, they are redirected to what you’re promoting. Learning How to add cards to YouTube videos is very important to keep people watching and help your content get more visibility.
Why Are Cards Important for Your Channel?
Adding cards is not just about linking another video. It’s a powerful trick to:
- Promote older or related videos
- Guide users through a video series
- Increase views on low-performing content
- Encourage viewers to subscribe
- Boost your Buy YouTube Subscribers efforts
- Improve viewer retention and total watch time
If you’re not using them, you’re missing out on one of YouTube’s easiest growth tools.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Add Cards to YouTube Videos
Let’s now go step by step and learn How to add cards to YouTube videos without any confusion:
Step 1: Open YouTube Studio
Start by logging into your YouTube account. On the top-right corner, click your profile picture and select YouTube Studio. This is your channel dashboard where you can manage all your videos.
Step 2: Choose a Video to Edit
From the dashboard, click on Content in the left menu. This will display all your uploaded videos. Click on the title or thumbnail of the video you want to edit.
Step 3: Open the Cards Section
After selecting a video, scroll down or use the left menu and click on the Editor tab. In the video editor, you’ll see an option named Cards at the bottom timeline area. Click on the + Card option.
Step 4: Add the Type of Card You Want
Now it’s time to decide what you want the card to do. You can add the following types of cards:
Video or Playlist – Recommend a related video
Channel – Promote another YouTube channel
Poll – Ask a question to your viewers
Link – Add an external link (you need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program)
Choose your desired card and follow the prompts. For example, if you’re adding a video, select the video from your channel or paste the link.
Step 5: Set the Time When the Card Appears
Once added, set the time when the card should pop up. Cards usually work best when placed during moments of value or high interest. Avoid placing them too early or during your CTA (Call to Action) at the end.
Step 6: Save Your Changes
Click Save on the top right after you’ve placed your card. Congratulations! You’ve just learned How to add cards to YouTube videos.
Best Practices for Adding Cards
Now that you’ve added your card, here are a few simple tips to help you do it effectively:
1. Keep It Relevant
Always add cards that relate to what the viewer is currently watching. For example, if your video is about photography tips, link to another photography tutorial.
2. Don’t Overuse Cards
Too many cards can be distracting. Stick to 2–3 per video unless the video is very long.
3. Test Different Timings
Use YouTube Analytics to check when people are dropping off. Place cards just before that moment to guide them to another video.
4. Promote Playlists
Instead of just a single video, use cards to push playlists. It increases your watch time as viewers move from one video to the next.
5. Use to Push Subscriptions
Want to Buy YouTube Subscribers organically? Use cards to push videos with high engagement and ask viewers to subscribe at the end of those videos.
How Cards Can Help You Grow?
When used the right way, YouTube cards can:
- Drive traffic to your most important content
- Increase session time (how long people stay on your channel)
- Get more video views and Buy YouTube Subscribers
- Improve your search rankings by boosting engagement metrics
They are one of the best free tools to promote your channel from within the platform.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even if you know How to add cards to YouTube videos, you may fall into some common traps:
- Adding cards too early when viewers aren’t ready
- Promoting unrelated content
- Ignoring video analytics for improvement
- Forgetting to add cards to older videos
Avoid these, and your cards will do their job of helping you Buy YouTube Subscribers and grow your watch time.
Advanced Tips to Boost Watch Time Using Cards
Here are some bonus tips that expert YouTubers use to grow:
- Add cards just before a drop-off point in your video.
- Create a video series and link part 2 in the first video.
- Promote viral or trending video using cards.
- Run A/B testing by changing card placements in similar videos.
Use a strong voice or text CTA like “Click on the top right to watch more.”
All of these will help increase your channel’s time-on-platform and make your audience stick around longer.
Learning How to add cards to YouTube videos is not just a skill it’s a strategy. Cards help guide your viewers and grow your channel without spending extra money. They can even help you Buy YouTube Subscribers naturally by pushing your best-performing videos at the right moment. Use them wisely, keep them relevant, and analyze their impact regularly.
If you’re serious about growing on YouTube, mastering cards is a must. It’s easy, free, and effective. Start using them today and see your watch time and subscriber count go up.
About How to Add Cards to YouTube Videos
1: How many cards can I add to one YouTube video?
You can add up to 5 cards per video. Make sure they are spaced out and relevant to your content.
2: Can I add cards from my phone?
As of now, you can’t add cards using the YouTube mobile app. You need to use a desktop and access YouTube Studio.
3: Are YouTube cards clickable on all devices?
Yes, cards are clickable on desktops, tablets, and most mobile devices. However, they may not appear on TVs or certain embedded players.
4: Can I link to external websites using cards?
Yes, but only if you’re part of the YouTube Partner Program. Otherwise, you’re limited to YouTube videos, playlists, and channels.
5: Do cards help increase subscribers?
Yes, if you link to popular or engaging content and ask viewers to subscribe, it helps you Buy YouTube Subscribers naturally.