If you are a YouTube creator looking to improve your content and increase engagement with your viewers, adding cards to your videos is a great way to do so. Cards are interactive elements that you can add to your videos, allowing viewers to click on them and be taken to related content, playlists, channels, and more. By utilizing cards, you can increase your video’s watch time and keep your viewers engaged.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods you can use to add cards to your YouTube video, as well as some important things you need to focus on while doing so. We’ll also cover why you can’t add cards to all videos and provide solutions to common issues. Lastly, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about adding cards to your YouTube videos.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods to add cards to your YouTube video, there are a few things you need to have in place:
- A YouTube account: You must have a YouTube account to add cards to your videos. If you don’t have one, sign up for one now.
- A video to upload: You can only add cards to uploaded videos, so make sure you have one ready to go.
What Requires Your Focus?
When adding cards to your YouTube videos, there are a few things you should focus on:
- Adding the right cards: Think about what cards are relevant to your video and its content. Don’t add too many cards; viewers may become overwhelmed and not click on any.
- Timing: Make sure you add your cards at the right time to maximize engagement. You can add cards during the video or at the end.
Different Methods to Add Cards to Your YouTube Video
Here are three methods you can use to add cards to your YouTube video:
Method 1: Via YouTube Studio
If you want to add cards to your YouTube video via YouTube Studio, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio.
- Select the video you want to add cards to from your Video tab.
- Click on the Cards tab from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Select "Add card" and choose the type of card you want to add. You can choose from Video or Playlist, Channel, Poll, or Link cards.
- Follow the prompts to add the necessary information for your chosen card type.
- Position the card by dragging it to the location you want it to appear in your video timeline.
- Click "Publish" to save your changes.
Pros:
- You have full control over the card’s timing and location.
- You can add a variety of different card types, including video and playlist cards, channel cards, and poll cards.
Cons:
- It may take some time to navigate and get used to YouTube Studio’s interface.
Method 2: Via Video Manager
If you prefer to use Video Manager to add cards to your video, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your YouTube account and go to Video Manager.
- Select the video you want to add cards to from your list of uploaded videos.
- Click on the Edit button next to the video’s thumbnail.
- Click on the Cards tab from the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
- Select "Add card" and choose the type of card you want to add. You can choose from Video or Playlist, Channel, Poll, or Link cards.
- Follow the prompts to add the necessary information for your chosen card type.
- Position the card by dragging it to the location you want it to appear in your video timeline.
- Click "Save changes" to save your changes.
Pros:
- Video Manager is typically more straightforward than YouTube Studio.
Cons:
- It’s not possible to add some types of cards, such as poll cards, via Video Manager.
Method 3: Using YouTube Mobile App
If you’re on your phone and want to add cards to your video, you can use the YouTube mobile app. Here’s how:
- Open the YouTube app on your device and sign in to your account.
- Tap on your profile picture at the top right of the screen.
- Select "Your channel" from the dropdown menu.
- Select the video you want to add cards to from your list of uploaded videos.
- Tap on the three dots next to the video’s thumbnail and select "Cards" from the dropdown menu.
- Select "Add card" and choose the type of card you want to add. You can choose from Video or Playlist, Channel, Poll, or Link cards.
- Follow the prompts to add the necessary information for your chosen card type.
- Position the card by dragging it to the location you want it to appear in your video timeline.
- Tap "Done" to save your changes.
Pros:
- You can add cards on the go, straight from your phone.
Cons:
- It may be more difficult to accurately position and time your cards on a mobile device.
Why Can’t I Add Cards to My YouTube Video?
While cards are a fantastic way to engage your viewers, there are some limitations on what videos you can add them to. Here are some reasons why you may not be able to add cards to your YouTube video:
- Your video is not uploaded: You can only add cards to uploaded videos, so make sure your video is uploaded first.
- Your video is too short: Videos must be at least 25 seconds long to add cards. If your video is shorter than that, try extending it or considering other ways to engage viewers.
- Your video contains content ID claims: If your video contains copyrighted material that is claimed by someone else, you may not be able to add cards to it.
- Your channel is not in good standing: If your channel is not compliant with YouTube’s policies and guidelines, you may not be able to use certain features, including cards.
Implications and Recommendations
Adding cards to your YouTube videos can be a great way to keep viewers engaged and increase watch time. However, it’s important to not go overboard when adding them. Here are some tips and recommendations:
- Add relevant cards: Only add cards that are relevant to your video’s content and will add value for viewers.
- Don’t add too many: Adding too many cards can be overwhelming for viewers. Limit yourself to a few that are most important.
- Timing is important: Consider when the best time is to add cards to your video. You can add them during the video or at the end, depending on your preference.
5 FAQs About Adding Cards to Your YouTube Video
Q1: Can I add cards to any video on my channel?
A: No, there are some limitations to what videos you can add cards to. Check to make sure your video is uploaded, at least 25 seconds long, and not tied up with any content ID claims.
Q2: Is there a limit to how many cards I can add to a video?
A: While there is no set limit, it’s important to not go overboard and add too many cards. Limit yourself to a few that are most relevant to your video’s content.
Q3: Can I add cards to other people’s YouTube videos?
A: No, only the video’s uploader can add cards to a video.
Q4: Can I edit or remove cards once they’re added to my video?
A: Yes, you can edit or remove cards from your video at any time.
Q5: Can I see how my viewers interact with the cards on my video?
A: Yes, YouTube provides analytics that track how viewers interact with cards on your video.
In Conclusion
Adding cards to your YouTube videos can be a great way to increase engagement and keep your viewers interested. There are multiple methods to add cards to your videos, depending on your preference, and it’s important to make sure you add relevant cards and time them correctly. Remember to not go overboard with the number of cards you add and to follow YouTube’s guidelines and policies.