How to Add a Clickable Link in YouTube Video

by conradical

Wondering how to Add a Clickable Link in YouTube Video. It’s pretty easy.

Turn blogs like this into videos & podcasts, & distribute them auto-freaking-magically. Get the Plugin

Add a Clickable Link in YouTube Video

How to Add a Clickable Link to Your YouTube Video: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Adding clickable links to your YouTube videos is an excellent way to direct your viewers to other content, promote your website, or showcase merchandise. Whether you’re using YouTube Cards, End Screens, or links in the description box, this guide will walk you through every method step-by-step.

Option 1: Add Clickable Links with YouTube Cards

YouTube Cards are a sleek and unobtrusive way to add clickable links to your videos. These appear as a small pop-up on the top-right corner of the video with a teaser text.

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Go to YouTube Studio.
  2. Select the Video:
    • From the dashboard, click on Content in the left-hand menu.
    • Choose the video you want to edit.
  3. Go to the Editor: Click Editor from the left-hand menu.
  4. Add a Card: Scroll down to the Cards section and click Add Card and choose the type of card you want:
    • Video or Playlist: Direct viewers to another video or playlist on your channel.
    • Channel: Promote another channel.
    • Poll: Engage viewers with a question.
    • Link: Send viewers to an approved external website (requires you to be part of the YouTube Partner Program).
  5. Configure the Card:
    • For external links, click Add Link and enter the URL of your approved website.
    • Add a Title and Call-to-Action (e.g., “Check this out!”).
  6. Position the Card: Drag the slider to set when the card appears during the video
  7. Save Changes: Click Save to apply the changes

Automate Blogs Into Videos & Podcasts

Create 140+ multilingual videos & podcasts a month Auto-Bloody-Magically. All you have to do is to write the damn blogs. Nothing else.

Learn More

Option 2: Add Clickable Links with End Screens

End Screens are a fantastic way to direct viewers to more content or links during the last 5–20 seconds of your video.

  1. Open YouTube Studio: Log in and go to YouTube Studio.
  2. Select Your Video: Under Content, choose the video you want to add an end screen to.
  3. Navigate to End Screens: In the left-hand menu, click Editor and then scroll to the End Screens section.
  4. Add an End Screen Element: Click + Element and choose what you want to add:
    • Video or Playlist: Suggest related content.
    • Subscribe: Add a clickable subscribe button.
    • Link: Direct to an external site (requires YouTube Partner Program).
  5. Position the Element: Drag and resize the element within the designated area on the screen.
  6. Adjust Timing: Set the exact time frame during the last seconds of the video when the end screen will appear.
  7. Save: Click Save to finalise your edits.

Option 3: Add Clickable Links in the Video Description

The description box is the easiest place to add links. While these aren’t embedded within the video, they’re clickable and highly effective.

  1. Go to YouTube Studio: Log in to YouTube Studio.
  2. Select Your Video: Under Content, find the video you want to edit.
  3. Edit the Description:
    • Click the pencil icon (edit) next to the video.
    • In the description box, paste the URL you want to share.
  4. Format the Link: Write a compelling call-to-action (e.g., “Visit our website for more details: https://blogtovideo.com”).
  5. Save Changes: Click Save to apply.

Option 4: Add Links with Pinned Comments

Another subtle way to promote clickable links is by pinning a comment on your video.

  1. Open Your Video on YouTube: Go to your video’s watch page.
  2. Add a Comment: Write your comment, including the link you want to share.
  3. Pin the Comment:
    • Click the three dots next to your comment and select Pin.
    • Confirm your choice.
  4. Engage with Viewers: Encourage your audience to check the pinned comment for important links.

Requirements for Adding Links

Before you start, ensure you meet the following:

  1. YouTube Partner Program: External links in Cards and End Screens are only available to creators in the YouTube Partner Program.
  2. Verified Website: Links must be to a website you’ve verified in your Google Search Console account.
  3. Community Guidelines Compliance: Avoid spammy or misleading links, as these can lead to penalties.

Best Practices for Clickable Links

  • Keep It Relevant: Only add links that are directly related to your video content.
  • Be Clear: Use strong calls-to-action, such as “Subscribe for more!” or “Shop now!”
  • Test Your Links: Double-check that your links work and lead to the correct page.
  • Avoid Overloading: Don’t bombard your viewers with too many links; it can be overwhelming.

Adding clickable links to your YouTube videos is a simple yet powerful way to guide viewers toward additional content, promotions, or resources. Whether through Cards, End Screens, descriptions, or pinned comments, these methods can boost engagement and drive traffic where it matters most.

Ready to put these steps into action? Go ahead and make your videos more interactive and engaging—your audience (and your stats) will thank you!