How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms getting popular with new features day by day. We all are aware that recently YouTube has come up with a concept of YouTube shorts which is a short form of a video to create short, catchy content to deliver an amazing experience. One of the factors to increase your views is to improve your video thumbnails. YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a huge role in creating an appeal to the audience.

Thumbnails for YouTube shorts catch the attention of potential viewers and make them click on the play button and watch your video content.

Let’s find how to create YouTube short thumbnails in an easy manner:

In this article

01 Are Thumbnails Necessary for YouTube Shorts?

02 How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

03 Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

Part 1: Are Thumbnails Necessary for YouTube Shorts?

YouTube shorts thumbnails are small and clickable snapshots that users see whole they are surfing through videos. Thumbnails for YouTube shorts are nothing but an image that might make them click on a play button. YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role as a title of a video that gives a preview of your video content.

Your YouTube shorts thumbnail does not need to be pleasing and appealing but also showcase your content in a realistic manner. Also, consider YouTube shorts thumbnail size in mind while designing the best outcome.

Are you wondering how YouTube does shorts thumbnails can be important in driving traffic? YouTube shorts thumbnail can make others watch a video with an exciting look. If you don’t create eye-catchy thumbnails for YouTube shorts then people would not find any urge in clicking on a play button.

However good your content is but if you are not presenting it in the right manner to your viewers then it would not create any sense. So creating attractive thumbnails for YouTube shorts with high-quality graphics would impact in a greater manner to gain maximum views.

Part 2: How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

Once you are done creating with customized YouTube shorts thumbnail, uploading YouTube shorts thumbnail is similar to adding a regular video on YouTube shorts.

Here below is a step by step guide for you:

Step 1: At first, you need to open the YouTube app and create a Short.

Step 2: Then after Upload the Short to YouTube.

Step 3: Now go to a desktop computer and open your channel’s YouTube Studio.

Step 4: Then click Content on the left navigation menu.

Step 5: Find the YouTube Short you just uploaded. Then tap on the pencil icon and edit a video as per your preference.

Step 6: At last, scroll down to the thumbnail section. Then you would find an option to custom thumbnail.

Part 3: Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

YouTube shorts videos are nothing different from a normal video which we upload on a platform. There are many things that are very important to keep in mind while creating YouTube shorts. Also, it plays a vital role in making a video stand out in front of viewers.

1. Compelling Title

Along with the YouTube shorts, one such thing which plays a major role in attracting viewers is a title. We all are aware that Title says it all and a YouTube short would get noticed surely with a compelling and impulsive title. Also, it would give the viewers a summary of what they can expect from the clip.

2. Detailed Description

Your YouTube Shorts description needs to be simple, specific to the point and should reflect your theme of the content. Herewith detailed description viewers could decide whether a YouTube short is helpful to them or not.

3. Tags

Also, make sure that you are adding relevant tags along with your YouTube shorts video. You can add ‘#Shorts’ in a description just to tell that video clip is created for YouTube shorts. Also, you can add tags based on the genre and/or theme of the short videos to help viewers to the context.

4. Attractive Thumbnail

YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role in attracting viewers and getting more hits on the videos. It helps in catching the eye of viewers at a first glance only. So that make sure to create a thumbnail of your short videos as attractive as you possibly can.

5. Pick the Right Video Editor

Creating YouTube shorts would not only cover great content but also focus on picking the right video editor . Thus here picking a video editor such as Wondershare Filmora would be an ideal choice for you. As it offers rich video editing tools and high filters to create an outstanding appeal for your video.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free

Conclusion

Thus YouTube shorts thumbnails are a very important part of your page optimization. Choosing the right YouTube shorts video thumbnail size would make you help grow your YouTube shorts in an easy manner. We have also talked about the importance of creating a YouTube shorts thumbnail to drive more attention to your videos.

02 How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

03 Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

Part 1: Are Thumbnails Necessary for YouTube Shorts?

YouTube shorts thumbnails are small and clickable snapshots that users see whole they are surfing through videos. Thumbnails for YouTube shorts are nothing but an image that might make them click on a play button. YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role as a title of a video that gives a preview of your video content.

Your YouTube shorts thumbnail does not need to be pleasing and appealing but also showcase your content in a realistic manner. Also, consider YouTube shorts thumbnail size in mind while designing the best outcome.

Are you wondering how YouTube does shorts thumbnails can be important in driving traffic? YouTube shorts thumbnail can make others watch a video with an exciting look. If you don’t create eye-catchy thumbnails for YouTube shorts then people would not find any urge in clicking on a play button.

However good your content is but if you are not presenting it in the right manner to your viewers then it would not create any sense. So creating attractive thumbnails for YouTube shorts with high-quality graphics would impact in a greater manner to gain maximum views.

Part 2: How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

Once you are done creating with customized YouTube shorts thumbnail, uploading YouTube shorts thumbnail is similar to adding a regular video on YouTube shorts.

Here below is a step by step guide for you:

Step 1: At first, you need to open the YouTube app and create a Short.

Step 2: Then after Upload the Short to YouTube.

Step 3: Now go to a desktop computer and open your channel’s YouTube Studio.

Step 4: Then click Content on the left navigation menu.

Step 5: Find the YouTube Short you just uploaded. Then tap on the pencil icon and edit a video as per your preference.

Step 6: At last, scroll down to the thumbnail section. Then you would find an option to custom thumbnail.

Part 3: Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

YouTube shorts videos are nothing different from a normal video which we upload on a platform. There are many things that are very important to keep in mind while creating YouTube shorts. Also, it plays a vital role in making a video stand out in front of viewers.

1. Compelling Title

Along with the YouTube shorts, one such thing which plays a major role in attracting viewers is a title. We all are aware that Title says it all and a YouTube short would get noticed surely with a compelling and impulsive title. Also, it would give the viewers a summary of what they can expect from the clip.

2. Detailed Description

Your YouTube Shorts description needs to be simple, specific to the point and should reflect your theme of the content. Herewith detailed description viewers could decide whether a YouTube short is helpful to them or not.

3. Tags

Also, make sure that you are adding relevant tags along with your YouTube shorts video. You can add ‘#Shorts’ in a description just to tell that video clip is created for YouTube shorts. Also, you can add tags based on the genre and/or theme of the short videos to help viewers to the context.

4. Attractive Thumbnail

YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role in attracting viewers and getting more hits on the videos. It helps in catching the eye of viewers at a first glance only. So that make sure to create a thumbnail of your short videos as attractive as you possibly can.

5. Pick the Right Video Editor

Creating YouTube shorts would not only cover great content but also focus on picking the right video editor . Thus here picking a video editor such as Wondershare Filmora would be an ideal choice for you. As it offers rich video editing tools and high filters to create an outstanding appeal for your video.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free

Conclusion

Thus YouTube shorts thumbnails are a very important part of your page optimization. Choosing the right YouTube shorts video thumbnail size would make you help grow your YouTube shorts in an easy manner. We have also talked about the importance of creating a YouTube shorts thumbnail to drive more attention to your videos.

02 How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

03 Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

Part 1: Are Thumbnails Necessary for YouTube Shorts?

YouTube shorts thumbnails are small and clickable snapshots that users see whole they are surfing through videos. Thumbnails for YouTube shorts are nothing but an image that might make them click on a play button. YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role as a title of a video that gives a preview of your video content.

Your YouTube shorts thumbnail does not need to be pleasing and appealing but also showcase your content in a realistic manner. Also, consider YouTube shorts thumbnail size in mind while designing the best outcome.

Are you wondering how YouTube does shorts thumbnails can be important in driving traffic? YouTube shorts thumbnail can make others watch a video with an exciting look. If you don’t create eye-catchy thumbnails for YouTube shorts then people would not find any urge in clicking on a play button.

However good your content is but if you are not presenting it in the right manner to your viewers then it would not create any sense. So creating attractive thumbnails for YouTube shorts with high-quality graphics would impact in a greater manner to gain maximum views.

Part 2: How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

Once you are done creating with customized YouTube shorts thumbnail, uploading YouTube shorts thumbnail is similar to adding a regular video on YouTube shorts.

Here below is a step by step guide for you:

Step 1: At first, you need to open the YouTube app and create a Short.

Step 2: Then after Upload the Short to YouTube.

Step 3: Now go to a desktop computer and open your channel’s YouTube Studio.

Step 4: Then click Content on the left navigation menu.

Step 5: Find the YouTube Short you just uploaded. Then tap on the pencil icon and edit a video as per your preference.

Step 6: At last, scroll down to the thumbnail section. Then you would find an option to custom thumbnail.

Part 3: Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

YouTube shorts videos are nothing different from a normal video which we upload on a platform. There are many things that are very important to keep in mind while creating YouTube shorts. Also, it plays a vital role in making a video stand out in front of viewers.

1. Compelling Title

Along with the YouTube shorts, one such thing which plays a major role in attracting viewers is a title. We all are aware that Title says it all and a YouTube short would get noticed surely with a compelling and impulsive title. Also, it would give the viewers a summary of what they can expect from the clip.

2. Detailed Description

Your YouTube Shorts description needs to be simple, specific to the point and should reflect your theme of the content. Herewith detailed description viewers could decide whether a YouTube short is helpful to them or not.

3. Tags

Also, make sure that you are adding relevant tags along with your YouTube shorts video. You can add ‘#Shorts’ in a description just to tell that video clip is created for YouTube shorts. Also, you can add tags based on the genre and/or theme of the short videos to help viewers to the context.

4. Attractive Thumbnail

YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role in attracting viewers and getting more hits on the videos. It helps in catching the eye of viewers at a first glance only. So that make sure to create a thumbnail of your short videos as attractive as you possibly can.

5. Pick the Right Video Editor

Creating YouTube shorts would not only cover great content but also focus on picking the right video editor . Thus here picking a video editor such as Wondershare Filmora would be an ideal choice for you. As it offers rich video editing tools and high filters to create an outstanding appeal for your video.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free

Conclusion

Thus YouTube shorts thumbnails are a very important part of your page optimization. Choosing the right YouTube shorts video thumbnail size would make you help grow your YouTube shorts in an easy manner. We have also talked about the importance of creating a YouTube shorts thumbnail to drive more attention to your videos.

02 How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

03 Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

Part 1: Are Thumbnails Necessary for YouTube Shorts?

YouTube shorts thumbnails are small and clickable snapshots that users see whole they are surfing through videos. Thumbnails for YouTube shorts are nothing but an image that might make them click on a play button. YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role as a title of a video that gives a preview of your video content.

Your YouTube shorts thumbnail does not need to be pleasing and appealing but also showcase your content in a realistic manner. Also, consider YouTube shorts thumbnail size in mind while designing the best outcome.

Are you wondering how YouTube does shorts thumbnails can be important in driving traffic? YouTube shorts thumbnail can make others watch a video with an exciting look. If you don’t create eye-catchy thumbnails for YouTube shorts then people would not find any urge in clicking on a play button.

However good your content is but if you are not presenting it in the right manner to your viewers then it would not create any sense. So creating attractive thumbnails for YouTube shorts with high-quality graphics would impact in a greater manner to gain maximum views.

Part 2: How to Add Custom YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Effortlessly

Once you are done creating with customized YouTube shorts thumbnail, uploading YouTube shorts thumbnail is similar to adding a regular video on YouTube shorts.

Here below is a step by step guide for you:

Step 1: At first, you need to open the YouTube app and create a Short.

Step 2: Then after Upload the Short to YouTube.

Step 3: Now go to a desktop computer and open your channel’s YouTube Studio.

Step 4: Then click Content on the left navigation menu.

Step 5: Find the YouTube Short you just uploaded. Then tap on the pencil icon and edit a video as per your preference.

Step 6: At last, scroll down to the thumbnail section. Then you would find an option to custom thumbnail.

Part 3: Tips to Make YouTube Shorts Videos Stand Out

YouTube shorts videos are nothing different from a normal video which we upload on a platform. There are many things that are very important to keep in mind while creating YouTube shorts. Also, it plays a vital role in making a video stand out in front of viewers.

1. Compelling Title

Along with the YouTube shorts, one such thing which plays a major role in attracting viewers is a title. We all are aware that Title says it all and a YouTube short would get noticed surely with a compelling and impulsive title. Also, it would give the viewers a summary of what they can expect from the clip.

2. Detailed Description

Your YouTube Shorts description needs to be simple, specific to the point and should reflect your theme of the content. Herewith detailed description viewers could decide whether a YouTube short is helpful to them or not.

3. Tags

Also, make sure that you are adding relevant tags along with your YouTube shorts video. You can add ‘#Shorts’ in a description just to tell that video clip is created for YouTube shorts. Also, you can add tags based on the genre and/or theme of the short videos to help viewers to the context.

4. Attractive Thumbnail

YouTube shorts thumbnail plays a vital role in attracting viewers and getting more hits on the videos. It helps in catching the eye of viewers at a first glance only. So that make sure to create a thumbnail of your short videos as attractive as you possibly can.

5. Pick the Right Video Editor

Creating YouTube shorts would not only cover great content but also focus on picking the right video editor . Thus here picking a video editor such as Wondershare Filmora would be an ideal choice for you. As it offers rich video editing tools and high filters to create an outstanding appeal for your video.

Wondershare Filmora

Get started easily with Filmora’s powerful performance, intuitive interface, and countless effects!

Try It Free Try It Free Try It Free

Conclusion

Thus YouTube shorts thumbnails are a very important part of your page optimization. Choosing the right YouTube shorts video thumbnail size would make you help grow your YouTube shorts in an easy manner. We have also talked about the importance of creating a YouTube shorts thumbnail to drive more attention to your videos.

A Comprehensible Breakdown for YouTube Annotation and Card Implementation

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.

• Part 1: How to Add YouTube Cards
• Part 2: How to Add YouTube Annotations

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.

• Part 1: How to Add YouTube Cards
• Part 2: How to Add YouTube Annotations

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.

• Part 1: How to Add YouTube Cards
• Part 2: How to Add YouTube Annotations

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.

• Part 1: How to Add YouTube Cards
• Part 2: How to Add YouTube Annotations

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

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