What are the best ways to use YouTube cards to link to related videos?

Using YouTube cards effectively to link to related videos is a powerful way to engage your audience, increase watch time, and guide viewers to more of your content. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use YouTube cards optimally, along with practical tips and considerations.

1. Understanding YouTube Cards
YouTube cards are interactive elements that appear during a video, allowing creators to link to other videos, playlists, channels, or external websites. They are small, non-intrusive notifications that viewers can click on to explore related content. Unlike annotations, which are no longer available, cards are mobile-friendly and work across all devices.

2. Types of YouTube Cards
There are several types of YouTube cards, but for linking to related videos, the most relevant ones are:
a. Video or Playlist Card: Links to another video or a playlist on your channel.
b. Channel Card: Promotes another YouTube channel.
c. Poll Card: Engages viewers with a poll, which can indirectly encourage them to watch related content.

3. Best Practices for Using YouTube Cards
a. Timing: Place cards at strategic moments in your video. Avoid placing them too early, as viewers may not yet be engaged. A good rule of thumb is to add cards after the first 30 seconds and before the last 20 seconds of the video.
b. Relevance: Ensure the linked content is highly relevant to the video being watched. For example, if your video is about dog training tips, link to another video on advanced training techniques or a playlist of all your training videos.
c. Frequency: Use cards sparingly. Overloading your video with too many cards can annoy viewers. Typically, 2-3 cards per video are sufficient.
d. Clear Call-to-Action: Use the card’s text to clearly indicate what the viewer will find if they click. For example, “Watch the next video in this series” or “Learn more about dog nutrition here.”

4. Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding YouTube Cards
a. Go to YouTube Studio and select the video you want to edit.
b. Click on the “Editor” tab in the left-hand menu.
c. Scroll to the timeline and click on the “Add Card” button at the top.
d. Choose the type of card you want to add (e.g., Video or Playlist Card).
e. Select the specific video or playlist you want to link to.
f. Customize the card’s teaser text and choose when it will appear in the video.
g. Save your changes and preview the video to ensure the card appears as intended.

5. Practical Tips for Maximizing Engagement
a. Use cards to create a content journey. For example, if you have a series of videos, link them in sequence to encourage binge-watching.
b. Promote evergreen content. Link to videos that remain relevant over time, such as tutorials or guides.
c. Test different placements and card types to see what works best for your audience. YouTube Analytics can help you track card performance.

6. Potential Risks and Concerns
a. Overuse of cards can lead to viewer fatigue and lower engagement. Always prioritize the viewer experience.
b. Irrelevant links can frustrate viewers and reduce trust in your content. Ensure every card adds value.
c. Technical issues, such as cards not appearing correctly, can occur. Always preview your video after adding cards.

7. Additional Related Information
a. End Screens: Combine cards with end screens for maximum impact. End screens appear in the last 5-20 seconds of a video and can also link to related content.
b. Analytics: Use YouTube Analytics to monitor card performance. Look at metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and watch time to assess effectiveness.
c. A/B Testing: Experiment with different card placements, types, and text to determine what resonates most with your audience.

8. When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling to optimize your YouTube cards or notice low engagement despite following best practices, consider consulting a YouTube strategist or digital marketing expert. They can provide tailored advice and help you refine your approach.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use YouTube cards to link to related videos, enhance viewer engagement, and grow your channel. Always keep your audience’s preferences and behaviors in mind, and continuously refine your strategy based on performance data.