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"2024 Approved Quick-Create Excellence Professional Thumbnails in Gaming Art"
Quick-Create Excellence: Professional Thumbnails in Gaming Art
As a content creator on YouTube, you know how important it is to have a strong thumbnail that stands out from the competition. Not only does a thumbnail help attract viewers to your video, but it’s also the first thing people see when they come across your content on the platform. That’s why it’s crucial to put effort into designing an eye-catching thumbnail that accurately represents your video.
When creating a thumbnail for your Valorant video, it’s important to remember that the recommended size is 1280 x 720 pixels. This will ensure that your thumbnail looks clear and professional on all devices. In addition to size, it’s also essential to consider the composition of your thumbnail. In this article, we’ll provide tips and tricks for creating professional Valorant thumbnails that will help boost your views and engagement.
What Is Valorant?
Valorant is a free-to-play tactical first-person shooter video game developed and published by Riot Games. The game was released in June 2020 and has quickly gained popularity due to its high-stakes, team-based gameplay and unique characters.
In Valorant, players choose from a roster of agents, each with their abilities and playstyle, and compete in 5v5 objective-based matches. The game has a variety of game modes, including the popular “Spike Rush” mode, which features a shorter round time and special abilities for all players. Valorant is available on Microsoft Windows and will soon be available on other platforms.
Why Create Thumbnails for Your Valorant YouTube Videos?
Creating a thumbnail for your Valorant YouTube video is an important step in the video creation process. A thumbnail is a visual representation of your video and can help attract viewers to your content.
When someone comes across your video in their feed, the thumbnail is often the first thing they see, so it’s crucial to make it as eye-catching and compelling as possible. A strong thumbnail can help increase your views and engagement and establish your brand as a content creator. By putting effort into designing a professional and relevant thumbnail, you can set your video apart from the competition and entice viewers to click and watch.
How To Make a Valorant Thumbnail for Free?
If you want to create a Valorant thumbnail for your YouTube videos but don’t want to spend any money, you still have plenty of options. One way to create a thumbnail for free is by using a free online design tool or thumbnail maker. Or, you can try Wondershare Filmora .
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Not only is Filmora a powerful video editing software, and it has a range of features and tools that make it easy to design and create custom thumbnails. Even better, you can use the trial version of Filmora to create a thumbnail for free. You need to download the trial version and start experimenting with the various design tools and templates to create a thumbnail that reflects your style and brand.
Creating a Valorant thumbnail for YouTube using Filmora can be very easy. Just follow these steps:
Step1 Take a screenshot of your gameplay by pressing the “F12“ key on your keyboard while in the game. This will save the screenshot to your computer.
Step2 Launch Filmora and create a new project.
Step3 Import the screenshot into the media library by clicking the “Import“ button.
Step4 Drag the screenshot from the media library into the timeline.
Step5 Use the “Smart Cutout“ feature to select and cut out specific elements from the screenshot.
Step6 Choose the elements of the screenshot that you want to keep.
Step7 Remove any parts of the screenshot that you do not want to include in the thumbnail.
Step8 Extract the selected elements from the screenshot. You can resize the elements as desired.
Step9 Add a background to the track below the screenshot by dragging a background image from the media library into the timeline. Alternatively, you can import your image as a background by clicking the “Import“ button and selecting the image file from your computer.
Step10 Add an effect, such as a gun effect, by searching for the desired effect in the “Effects“ tab and dragging it into the timeline.
Step11 Adjust the opacity of the effect as desired.
Step12 Add some titles and texts for your thumbnail.
Step13 Customize the appearance and rotation of the fire effect as desired.
Step14 Edit the texts and adjust the appearance of the texts in the Titles window.
Step15 Choose a still frame that you like and take a snapshot of it.
Step16 Select the snapshot format and storage path. The snapshot will appear in the media library.
Step17 Right-click on the snapshot and select “Reveal in Explorer“ to find the file on your computer. You can now use it as your Valorant thumbnail.
Please note that while using the trial version of Filmora, a watermark will be added to the exported video. However, the watermark will not be added to the snapshot, so you can use the snapshot as your Valorant thumbnail without any issues.
Tips for Making Awesome Thumbnails for Your YouTube Valorant Videos
By following these tips, you can create an eye-catching and effective thumbnail for your Valorant YouTube videos that will help boost your views and engagement.
- Use high-quality images and graphics: A thumbnail with low-quality or pixelated images will not be as effective as a thumbnail with clear, high-resolution graphics.
- Use bold, eye-catching colors: Bright colors can help your thumbnail stand out in a crowded feed.
- Include relevant text: Use text to give viewers an idea of what to expect from your video and to entice them to click.
- Use clear, legible fonts: Make sure the text on your thumbnail is easy to read and doesn’t distract from the overall design.
- Keep it simple: Avoid overcrowding your thumbnail with too many elements or text. A clean, simple design is often more effective.
- Make it relevant: Your thumbnail should accurately represent the content of your video.
- Test different designs: Be bold and experiment with design elements and layouts to find what works best for your brand.
Want To Be a Valorant YouTuber? Learn From These 5 Ones
If you’re interested in becoming a Valorant YouTuber, there are many successful content creators in the Valorant community whom you can learn from. Here are five Valorant YouTubers that are worth checking out:
1. Shroud – Well-Known Valorant YouTuber With 6.8M Subscribers
Shroud is a well-known and respected content creator and player in the Valorant community. He has a strong background in professional CS:GO and has continued to thrive in the competitive Valorant scene despite being older than many other eSports players.
He is known for his gameplay videos and relaxed, easygoing personality, contributing to his widespread popularity and admiration among fans. In addition to his professional gameplay, Shroud is highly skilled and continues to compete at a high level, further solidifying his reputation as a top Valorant player.
2. TenZ – Popular Valorant Player With 1.6M Subscribers
TenZ is a highly skilled and popular Valorant player and content creator known for his exceptional ability in the game. He has achieved a high level of success and has been recognized as one of the best Valorant players in the world.
In addition to his full matches and 1v1 videos, TenZ also produces educational content, providing tips and tricks to his viewers. Despite facing some challenges and setbacks, TenZ has remained a prominent figure in the Valorant community and continues to be highly respected for his skills and contributions.
3. n0ted – Prolific Valorant YouTuber With 614k Subscribers
n0ted is a dedicated and prolific Valorant content creator, consistently uploading new videos to his YouTube channel daily. He offers a wide range of content, including gameplay highlights, funny moments, helpful tips, and updates on the latest happenings in the Valorant community.
His channel is a reliable source for those looking for consistently fresh and diverse Valorant content on YouTube. Whether you’re interested in learning new strategies, having a few laughs, or staying up to date with the latest developments in the game, n0ted’s channel has something for everyone.
4. Hiko - Valorant Content Creator With 382k YouTube Subscrbers
Hiko is a well-known Valorant content creator and former player of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). He is known for his skill in first-person shooter games and his expertise in Valorant, which he shares through tips and gameplay videos on his channels on Twitch and YouTube.
Hiko is currently a content creator for 100 Thieves, a gaming organization he represents in various tournaments and competitions. He is a reliable source of high-quality Valorant content and regularly uploads new videos for his followers.
5. C9 meL – Professional Valorant Player With 33.6K YouTube Subscribers
C9 meL is a highly respected professional Valorant player and leader of the team Cloud 9 White. She is known for her sense of humor, helpful tips, and Agent tutorials and montages. As the in-game leader for her team, MeL has developed exceptional game sense and strategic skills, making her a valuable teacher and resource for other players.
In addition to her instructional content, MeL’s videos often feature a mix of comedy and skill, making them enjoyable for entertainment and improvement purposes. Overall, MeL is a talented and well-respected member of the Valorant community.
Conclusion
Creating a Valorant thumbnail for your YouTube videos can be important for promoting and attracting views to your content. Using Filmora, you can easily create a thumbnail for free by following the steps outlined in this article.
Additionally, there are many successful Valorant YouTubers who offer a range of content and can serve as inspiration for those interested in starting their channel. Creating visually appealing and engaging thumbnails ensures that your videos stand out and draw in viewers.
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Not only is Filmora a powerful video editing software, and it has a range of features and tools that make it easy to design and create custom thumbnails. Even better, you can use the trial version of Filmora to create a thumbnail for free. You need to download the trial version and start experimenting with the various design tools and templates to create a thumbnail that reflects your style and brand.
Creating a Valorant thumbnail for YouTube using Filmora can be very easy. Just follow these steps:
Step1 Take a screenshot of your gameplay by pressing the “F12“ key on your keyboard while in the game. This will save the screenshot to your computer.
Step2 Launch Filmora and create a new project.
Step3 Import the screenshot into the media library by clicking the “Import“ button.
Step4 Drag the screenshot from the media library into the timeline.
Step5 Use the “Smart Cutout“ feature to select and cut out specific elements from the screenshot.
Step6 Choose the elements of the screenshot that you want to keep.
Step7 Remove any parts of the screenshot that you do not want to include in the thumbnail.
Step8 Extract the selected elements from the screenshot. You can resize the elements as desired.
Step9 Add a background to the track below the screenshot by dragging a background image from the media library into the timeline. Alternatively, you can import your image as a background by clicking the “Import“ button and selecting the image file from your computer.
Step10 Add an effect, such as a gun effect, by searching for the desired effect in the “Effects“ tab and dragging it into the timeline.
Step11 Adjust the opacity of the effect as desired.
Step12 Add some titles and texts for your thumbnail.
Step13 Customize the appearance and rotation of the fire effect as desired.
Step14 Edit the texts and adjust the appearance of the texts in the Titles window.
Step15 Choose a still frame that you like and take a snapshot of it.
Step16 Select the snapshot format and storage path. The snapshot will appear in the media library.
Step17 Right-click on the snapshot and select “Reveal in Explorer“ to find the file on your computer. You can now use it as your Valorant thumbnail.
Please note that while using the trial version of Filmora, a watermark will be added to the exported video. However, the watermark will not be added to the snapshot, so you can use the snapshot as your Valorant thumbnail without any issues.
Tips for Making Awesome Thumbnails for Your YouTube Valorant Videos
By following these tips, you can create an eye-catching and effective thumbnail for your Valorant YouTube videos that will help boost your views and engagement.
- Use high-quality images and graphics: A thumbnail with low-quality or pixelated images will not be as effective as a thumbnail with clear, high-resolution graphics.
- Use bold, eye-catching colors: Bright colors can help your thumbnail stand out in a crowded feed.
- Include relevant text: Use text to give viewers an idea of what to expect from your video and to entice them to click.
- Use clear, legible fonts: Make sure the text on your thumbnail is easy to read and doesn’t distract from the overall design.
- Keep it simple: Avoid overcrowding your thumbnail with too many elements or text. A clean, simple design is often more effective.
- Make it relevant: Your thumbnail should accurately represent the content of your video.
- Test different designs: Be bold and experiment with design elements and layouts to find what works best for your brand.
Want To Be a Valorant YouTuber? Learn From These 5 Ones
If you’re interested in becoming a Valorant YouTuber, there are many successful content creators in the Valorant community whom you can learn from. Here are five Valorant YouTubers that are worth checking out:
1. Shroud – Well-Known Valorant YouTuber With 6.8M Subscribers
Shroud is a well-known and respected content creator and player in the Valorant community. He has a strong background in professional CS:GO and has continued to thrive in the competitive Valorant scene despite being older than many other eSports players.
He is known for his gameplay videos and relaxed, easygoing personality, contributing to his widespread popularity and admiration among fans. In addition to his professional gameplay, Shroud is highly skilled and continues to compete at a high level, further solidifying his reputation as a top Valorant player.
2. TenZ – Popular Valorant Player With 1.6M Subscribers
TenZ is a highly skilled and popular Valorant player and content creator known for his exceptional ability in the game. He has achieved a high level of success and has been recognized as one of the best Valorant players in the world.
In addition to his full matches and 1v1 videos, TenZ also produces educational content, providing tips and tricks to his viewers. Despite facing some challenges and setbacks, TenZ has remained a prominent figure in the Valorant community and continues to be highly respected for his skills and contributions.
3. n0ted – Prolific Valorant YouTuber With 614k Subscribers
n0ted is a dedicated and prolific Valorant content creator, consistently uploading new videos to his YouTube channel daily. He offers a wide range of content, including gameplay highlights, funny moments, helpful tips, and updates on the latest happenings in the Valorant community.
His channel is a reliable source for those looking for consistently fresh and diverse Valorant content on YouTube. Whether you’re interested in learning new strategies, having a few laughs, or staying up to date with the latest developments in the game, n0ted’s channel has something for everyone.
4. Hiko - Valorant Content Creator With 382k YouTube Subscrbers
Hiko is a well-known Valorant content creator and former player of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). He is known for his skill in first-person shooter games and his expertise in Valorant, which he shares through tips and gameplay videos on his channels on Twitch and YouTube.
Hiko is currently a content creator for 100 Thieves, a gaming organization he represents in various tournaments and competitions. He is a reliable source of high-quality Valorant content and regularly uploads new videos for his followers.
5. C9 meL – Professional Valorant Player With 33.6K YouTube Subscribers
C9 meL is a highly respected professional Valorant player and leader of the team Cloud 9 White. She is known for her sense of humor, helpful tips, and Agent tutorials and montages. As the in-game leader for her team, MeL has developed exceptional game sense and strategic skills, making her a valuable teacher and resource for other players.
In addition to her instructional content, MeL’s videos often feature a mix of comedy and skill, making them enjoyable for entertainment and improvement purposes. Overall, MeL is a talented and well-respected member of the Valorant community.
Conclusion
Creating a Valorant thumbnail for your YouTube videos can be important for promoting and attracting views to your content. Using Filmora, you can easily create a thumbnail for free by following the steps outlined in this article.
Additionally, there are many successful Valorant YouTubers who offer a range of content and can serve as inspiration for those interested in starting their channel. Creating visually appealing and engaging thumbnails ensures that your videos stand out and draw in viewers.
Interactive Elements: Crafting Effective YouTube Annotations
How to Add YouTube Annotations and Cards?
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Update: YouTube has replaced annotation with end screen. You can find the latest informaiton about YouTube screen and YouTube cards here.
YouTube Cards and Annotations are very useful if you want to encourage your viewrs to take an action, like Subscribe, go to another video or associated website, etc. Today, we’re going to show you the differences between cards and annotations, and how to add them in YouTube videos.
Do you want to make your YouTube video more attractive? Wondershare Filmora is a such video editing software designed for YouTube creator. It not only allows you cut, trim, crop, zoom, reverse, rotate the video clips, but also makes the advanced features like green screen, PIP, tilt-shift and mosaic easy like a piece of cake. With Wondershare Filmora, you can ignite your YouTube videos with over 300 effects like Fashion, Beauty, Block Buster, Travel, etc.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
The main difference between annotation and cards is their outlook. Cards are more graphical whereas annotations are text based. The cards slide in once you click the small “i” button on the video where as the annotation is there based on the timings set by the user. Moreover the main differences between the two are:
1. YouTube Cards are small and unobtrusive, unless a viewer chooses to click on them, which is why they are the better option when you are trying to get views on other videos. Irritating a few people with a big annotation might be worth it if you also draw other people’s attention to your cause or website, but it is not a good way to endear yourself to people you are trying to get views and subscriptions from. When a card is clicked a thumbnail will appear with a link to your additional content. YouTube Cards are often better than annotations for adding links to your videos because they look much tidier. Also, unlike annotations, cards will be visible to people watching your videos on their mobile devices.
2. You cannot use Cards just to insert notes into your videos, though, and you cannot adjust their size like you can with annotations. So, if you do need a link to be large and extremely noticeable, annotations might still be your best option. Cards and annotations can even be used in combination sometimes.
How to add YouTube Cards
YouTube Cards are similar to annotations but more interactive. They allow the owner of the video to add images and other links. A small box appears, clicking on which will activate the cards.
- Click on the “Video Manager” tab
- Click “Edit” tab under the video screen shot you want to add the card on
- Click on the “Cards” tab
- On the right panel click on “Add Card” drop down menu and select the type of card you want to add
- Click on the create button which will open the corresponding video
- Once you finish the subsequent information required click create card
- Select the timeline for the playhead to appear which leads to the card slide
- Apply changes and exit
How to add YouTube annotations
YouTube Annotation is addition of a text layer, link or hotspots over your video. They add interactive boxes which link to other websites or videos (any link you want).
- Click on the video manager tab
- Click edit tab under the video screen shot you want to add the annotation on
- Click on the “End screen & Annotation” tab
- On the right panel click on “+ Add Element” and select the kind of annotation you want to add
- Adjust the position of Annotation, you can drag the rectangle to locate it at any position of the video, move the slide to set the start and end time of the annotation
- Apply changes
The types of YouTube annotations:
1. Speech Bubbles
Speech Bubbles: look like the dialogue box in a comic strip. There is a tail which you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation. Speech bubbles are great for adding in funny comments.
2. Notes
Notes: come in a limited selection of colors and can be adjusted to take up a maximum of 30% of your player screen. Sometimes you need a huge annotation to get an important point across, but using huge note annotations too often – especially near the beginnings of your videos – will annoy viewers. If you need a large note annotation make sure to place it later in your video, when a viewer will already be invested in what they are watching and less likely to click away.
3. Titles
Titles: are large pieces of text that go either at the beginning of your video or in-between different topics within your video. YouTube’s titles are not very nice to look at, but they are a decent option if you do not have access to video editing software.
4. Spotlights
Spotlights: have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a user hovers over the spotlight. Spotlights are great for turning elements within your video into links.
5. Labels
Labels: are completely transparent, like spotlights, but the user does not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.
6. Pauses
Pauses: are no longer available to add to your videos, although Pause Annotations added before they were removed still work. Pause Annotations used to stop your video for a set period of time when your annotation appeared.
If somebody watches your video and gets to the end then that means they enjoyed it and will probably be open to checking out more of your content. Rather than hoping that your other videos show up in the ‘Suggested Videos’ YouTube will show after yours has finished playing you should always include an outro, or ending card, after your video to recommend your own work. Annotations are used in a lot of successful YouTuber’s ending cards.
One form this takes is small Note annotations in the bottom corners of the screen, one linking to your previous video and one to the next. Sometimes your viewers might not necessarily get the most enjoyment out of your videos by watching them in order, though. Sometimes you want to link viewers to the videos that are most related to the one they just watched.
The best outros also include a subscribe button, which can be created using annotations. These annotations work best when combined with a verbal call to action. Make sure your outro lasts long enough for people to make the decision to subscribe or click another video.
No matter what kind of annotations you are using, you should never use more than two of them at a time anywhere except for your outro. You should also never place annotations at the very top of your screen, or in the middle at the bottom. If your video is embedding on a separate website then the player will cover annotations at the top of the screen, and ads might cover annotations placed in the bottom-middle of the screen. Keep in mind when using annotations that they will not be visible to users watching your videos on mobile devices. If mobile traffic is very important to you then consider using YouTube Cards.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Update: YouTube has replaced annotation with end screen. You can find the latest informaiton about YouTube screen and YouTube cards here.
YouTube Cards and Annotations are very useful if you want to encourage your viewrs to take an action, like Subscribe, go to another video or associated website, etc. Today, we’re going to show you the differences between cards and annotations, and how to add them in YouTube videos.
Do you want to make your YouTube video more attractive? Wondershare Filmora is a such video editing software designed for YouTube creator. It not only allows you cut, trim, crop, zoom, reverse, rotate the video clips, but also makes the advanced features like green screen, PIP, tilt-shift and mosaic easy like a piece of cake. With Wondershare Filmora, you can ignite your YouTube videos with over 300 effects like Fashion, Beauty, Block Buster, Travel, etc.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
The main difference between annotation and cards is their outlook. Cards are more graphical whereas annotations are text based. The cards slide in once you click the small “i” button on the video where as the annotation is there based on the timings set by the user. Moreover the main differences between the two are:
1. YouTube Cards are small and unobtrusive, unless a viewer chooses to click on them, which is why they are the better option when you are trying to get views on other videos. Irritating a few people with a big annotation might be worth it if you also draw other people’s attention to your cause or website, but it is not a good way to endear yourself to people you are trying to get views and subscriptions from. When a card is clicked a thumbnail will appear with a link to your additional content. YouTube Cards are often better than annotations for adding links to your videos because they look much tidier. Also, unlike annotations, cards will be visible to people watching your videos on their mobile devices.
2. You cannot use Cards just to insert notes into your videos, though, and you cannot adjust their size like you can with annotations. So, if you do need a link to be large and extremely noticeable, annotations might still be your best option. Cards and annotations can even be used in combination sometimes.
How to add YouTube Cards
YouTube Cards are similar to annotations but more interactive. They allow the owner of the video to add images and other links. A small box appears, clicking on which will activate the cards.
- Click on the “Video Manager” tab
- Click “Edit” tab under the video screen shot you want to add the card on
- Click on the “Cards” tab
- On the right panel click on “Add Card” drop down menu and select the type of card you want to add
- Click on the create button which will open the corresponding video
- Once you finish the subsequent information required click create card
- Select the timeline for the playhead to appear which leads to the card slide
- Apply changes and exit
How to add YouTube annotations
YouTube Annotation is addition of a text layer, link or hotspots over your video. They add interactive boxes which link to other websites or videos (any link you want).
- Click on the video manager tab
- Click edit tab under the video screen shot you want to add the annotation on
- Click on the “End screen & Annotation” tab
- On the right panel click on “+ Add Element” and select the kind of annotation you want to add
- Adjust the position of Annotation, you can drag the rectangle to locate it at any position of the video, move the slide to set the start and end time of the annotation
- Apply changes
The types of YouTube annotations:
1. Speech Bubbles
Speech Bubbles: look like the dialogue box in a comic strip. There is a tail which you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation. Speech bubbles are great for adding in funny comments.
2. Notes
Notes: come in a limited selection of colors and can be adjusted to take up a maximum of 30% of your player screen. Sometimes you need a huge annotation to get an important point across, but using huge note annotations too often – especially near the beginnings of your videos – will annoy viewers. If you need a large note annotation make sure to place it later in your video, when a viewer will already be invested in what they are watching and less likely to click away.
3. Titles
Titles: are large pieces of text that go either at the beginning of your video or in-between different topics within your video. YouTube’s titles are not very nice to look at, but they are a decent option if you do not have access to video editing software.
4. Spotlights
Spotlights: have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a user hovers over the spotlight. Spotlights are great for turning elements within your video into links.
5. Labels
Labels: are completely transparent, like spotlights, but the user does not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.
6. Pauses
Pauses: are no longer available to add to your videos, although Pause Annotations added before they were removed still work. Pause Annotations used to stop your video for a set period of time when your annotation appeared.
If somebody watches your video and gets to the end then that means they enjoyed it and will probably be open to checking out more of your content. Rather than hoping that your other videos show up in the ‘Suggested Videos’ YouTube will show after yours has finished playing you should always include an outro, or ending card, after your video to recommend your own work. Annotations are used in a lot of successful YouTuber’s ending cards.
One form this takes is small Note annotations in the bottom corners of the screen, one linking to your previous video and one to the next. Sometimes your viewers might not necessarily get the most enjoyment out of your videos by watching them in order, though. Sometimes you want to link viewers to the videos that are most related to the one they just watched.
The best outros also include a subscribe button, which can be created using annotations. These annotations work best when combined with a verbal call to action. Make sure your outro lasts long enough for people to make the decision to subscribe or click another video.
No matter what kind of annotations you are using, you should never use more than two of them at a time anywhere except for your outro. You should also never place annotations at the very top of your screen, or in the middle at the bottom. If your video is embedding on a separate website then the player will cover annotations at the top of the screen, and ads might cover annotations placed in the bottom-middle of the screen. Keep in mind when using annotations that they will not be visible to users watching your videos on mobile devices. If mobile traffic is very important to you then consider using YouTube Cards.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Update: YouTube has replaced annotation with end screen. You can find the latest informaiton about YouTube screen and YouTube cards here.
YouTube Cards and Annotations are very useful if you want to encourage your viewrs to take an action, like Subscribe, go to another video or associated website, etc. Today, we’re going to show you the differences between cards and annotations, and how to add them in YouTube videos.
Do you want to make your YouTube video more attractive? Wondershare Filmora is a such video editing software designed for YouTube creator. It not only allows you cut, trim, crop, zoom, reverse, rotate the video clips, but also makes the advanced features like green screen, PIP, tilt-shift and mosaic easy like a piece of cake. With Wondershare Filmora, you can ignite your YouTube videos with over 300 effects like Fashion, Beauty, Block Buster, Travel, etc.
Download Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )
The main difference between annotation and cards is their outlook. Cards are more graphical whereas annotations are text based. The cards slide in once you click the small “i” button on the video where as the annotation is there based on the timings set by the user. Moreover the main differences between the two are:
1. YouTube Cards are small and unobtrusive, unless a viewer chooses to click on them, which is why they are the better option when you are trying to get views on other videos. Irritating a few people with a big annotation might be worth it if you also draw other people’s attention to your cause or website, but it is not a good way to endear yourself to people you are trying to get views and subscriptions from. When a card is clicked a thumbnail will appear with a link to your additional content. YouTube Cards are often better than annotations for adding links to your videos because they look much tidier. Also, unlike annotations, cards will be visible to people watching your videos on their mobile devices.
2. You cannot use Cards just to insert notes into your videos, though, and you cannot adjust their size like you can with annotations. So, if you do need a link to be large and extremely noticeable, annotations might still be your best option. Cards and annotations can even be used in combination sometimes.
How to add YouTube Cards
YouTube Cards are similar to annotations but more interactive. They allow the owner of the video to add images and other links. A small box appears, clicking on which will activate the cards.
- Click on the “Video Manager” tab
- Click “Edit” tab under the video screen shot you want to add the card on
- Click on the “Cards” tab
- On the right panel click on “Add Card” drop down menu and select the type of card you want to add
- Click on the create button which will open the corresponding video
- Once you finish the subsequent information required click create card
- Select the timeline for the playhead to appear which leads to the card slide
- Apply changes and exit
How to add YouTube annotations
YouTube Annotation is addition of a text layer, link or hotspots over your video. They add interactive boxes which link to other websites or videos (any link you want).
- Click on the video manager tab
- Click edit tab under the video screen shot you want to add the annotation on
- Click on the “End screen & Annotation” tab
- On the right panel click on “+ Add Element” and select the kind of annotation you want to add
- Adjust the position of Annotation, you can drag the rectangle to locate it at any position of the video, move the slide to set the start and end time of the annotation
- Apply changes
The types of YouTube annotations:
1. Speech Bubbles
Speech Bubbles: look like the dialogue box in a comic strip. There is a tail which you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation. Speech bubbles are great for adding in funny comments.
2. Notes
Notes: come in a limited selection of colors and can be adjusted to take up a maximum of 30% of your player screen. Sometimes you need a huge annotation to get an important point across, but using huge note annotations too often – especially near the beginnings of your videos – will annoy viewers. If you need a large note annotation make sure to place it later in your video, when a viewer will already be invested in what they are watching and less likely to click away.
3. Titles
Titles: are large pieces of text that go either at the beginning of your video or in-between different topics within your video. YouTube’s titles are not very nice to look at, but they are a decent option if you do not have access to video editing software.
4. Spotlights
Spotlights: have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a user hovers over the spotlight. Spotlights are great for turning elements within your video into links.
5. Labels
Labels: are completely transparent, like spotlights, but the user does not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.
6. Pauses
Pauses: are no longer available to add to your videos, although Pause Annotations added before they were removed still work. Pause Annotations used to stop your video for a set period of time when your annotation appeared.
If somebody watches your video and gets to the end then that means they enjoyed it and will probably be open to checking out more of your content. Rather than hoping that your other videos show up in the ‘Suggested Videos’ YouTube will show after yours has finished playing you should always include an outro, or ending card, after your video to recommend your own work. Annotations are used in a lot of successful YouTuber’s ending cards.
One form this takes is small Note annotations in the bottom corners of the screen, one linking to your previous video and one to the next. Sometimes your viewers might not necessarily get the most enjoyment out of your videos by watching them in order, though. Sometimes you want to link viewers to the videos that are most related to the one they just watched.
The best outros also include a subscribe button, which can be created using annotations. These annotations work best when combined with a verbal call to action. Make sure your outro lasts long enough for people to make the decision to subscribe or click another video.
No matter what kind of annotations you are using, you should never use more than two of them at a time anywhere except for your outro. You should also never place annotations at the very top of your screen, or in the middle at the bottom. If your video is embedding on a separate website then the player will cover annotations at the top of the screen, and ads might cover annotations placed in the bottom-middle of the screen. Keep in mind when using annotations that they will not be visible to users watching your videos on mobile devices. If mobile traffic is very important to you then consider using YouTube Cards.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Update: YouTube has replaced annotation with end screen. You can find the latest informaiton about YouTube screen and YouTube cards here.
YouTube Cards and Annotations are very useful if you want to encourage your viewrs to take an action, like Subscribe, go to another video or associated website, etc. Today, we’re going to show you the differences between cards and annotations, and how to add them in YouTube videos.
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The main difference between annotation and cards is their outlook. Cards are more graphical whereas annotations are text based. The cards slide in once you click the small “i” button on the video where as the annotation is there based on the timings set by the user. Moreover the main differences between the two are:
1. YouTube Cards are small and unobtrusive, unless a viewer chooses to click on them, which is why they are the better option when you are trying to get views on other videos. Irritating a few people with a big annotation might be worth it if you also draw other people’s attention to your cause or website, but it is not a good way to endear yourself to people you are trying to get views and subscriptions from. When a card is clicked a thumbnail will appear with a link to your additional content. YouTube Cards are often better than annotations for adding links to your videos because they look much tidier. Also, unlike annotations, cards will be visible to people watching your videos on their mobile devices.
2. You cannot use Cards just to insert notes into your videos, though, and you cannot adjust their size like you can with annotations. So, if you do need a link to be large and extremely noticeable, annotations might still be your best option. Cards and annotations can even be used in combination sometimes.
How to add YouTube Cards
YouTube Cards are similar to annotations but more interactive. They allow the owner of the video to add images and other links. A small box appears, clicking on which will activate the cards.
- Click on the “Video Manager” tab
- Click “Edit” tab under the video screen shot you want to add the card on
- Click on the “Cards” tab
- On the right panel click on “Add Card” drop down menu and select the type of card you want to add
- Click on the create button which will open the corresponding video
- Once you finish the subsequent information required click create card
- Select the timeline for the playhead to appear which leads to the card slide
- Apply changes and exit
How to add YouTube annotations
YouTube Annotation is addition of a text layer, link or hotspots over your video. They add interactive boxes which link to other websites or videos (any link you want).
- Click on the video manager tab
- Click edit tab under the video screen shot you want to add the annotation on
- Click on the “End screen & Annotation” tab
- On the right panel click on “+ Add Element” and select the kind of annotation you want to add
- Adjust the position of Annotation, you can drag the rectangle to locate it at any position of the video, move the slide to set the start and end time of the annotation
- Apply changes
The types of YouTube annotations:
1. Speech Bubbles
Speech Bubbles: look like the dialogue box in a comic strip. There is a tail which you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation. Speech bubbles are great for adding in funny comments.
2. Notes
Notes: come in a limited selection of colors and can be adjusted to take up a maximum of 30% of your player screen. Sometimes you need a huge annotation to get an important point across, but using huge note annotations too often – especially near the beginnings of your videos – will annoy viewers. If you need a large note annotation make sure to place it later in your video, when a viewer will already be invested in what they are watching and less likely to click away.
3. Titles
Titles: are large pieces of text that go either at the beginning of your video or in-between different topics within your video. YouTube’s titles are not very nice to look at, but they are a decent option if you do not have access to video editing software.
4. Spotlights
Spotlights: have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a user hovers over the spotlight. Spotlights are great for turning elements within your video into links.
5. Labels
Labels: are completely transparent, like spotlights, but the user does not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.
6. Pauses
Pauses: are no longer available to add to your videos, although Pause Annotations added before they were removed still work. Pause Annotations used to stop your video for a set period of time when your annotation appeared.
If somebody watches your video and gets to the end then that means they enjoyed it and will probably be open to checking out more of your content. Rather than hoping that your other videos show up in the ‘Suggested Videos’ YouTube will show after yours has finished playing you should always include an outro, or ending card, after your video to recommend your own work. Annotations are used in a lot of successful YouTuber’s ending cards.
One form this takes is small Note annotations in the bottom corners of the screen, one linking to your previous video and one to the next. Sometimes your viewers might not necessarily get the most enjoyment out of your videos by watching them in order, though. Sometimes you want to link viewers to the videos that are most related to the one they just watched.
The best outros also include a subscribe button, which can be created using annotations. These annotations work best when combined with a verbal call to action. Make sure your outro lasts long enough for people to make the decision to subscribe or click another video.
No matter what kind of annotations you are using, you should never use more than two of them at a time anywhere except for your outro. You should also never place annotations at the very top of your screen, or in the middle at the bottom. If your video is embedding on a separate website then the player will cover annotations at the top of the screen, and ads might cover annotations placed in the bottom-middle of the screen. Keep in mind when using annotations that they will not be visible to users watching your videos on mobile devices. If mobile traffic is very important to you then consider using YouTube Cards.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
- Title: "2024 Approved Quick-Create Excellence Professional Thumbnails in Gaming Art"
- Author: Joseph
- Created at : 2024-05-31 13:51:37
- Updated at : 2024-06-01 13:51:37
- Link: https://youtube-stream.techidaily.com/2024-approved-quick-create-excellence-professional-thumbnails-in-gaming-art/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
