7 Best AdBlock Apps for Android

Developers make money by including ADS in their applications. They have two alternatives for customers who want to use their apps: either pay for such a lifetime purchase of the app or enjoy the free version that includes ADS. Best ad blocker for android helps eliminate ADS from apps installed on our Android devices.

Many people choose to use the free version since they can’t afford to pay for a standard app, while some opt for Mods, but the best method to avoid ADS is to use programs that block them entirely. Although most of the best ad blockers for android applications listed below work on browsers, you may need to root your Android smartphone to utilize some of them.

Let’s get started with this article’s list of the best ad blocker for android applications, which will help you get rid of the annoying ads you encounter in apps regularly.

Free ad blocker for android apps

To find the best free ad blocker for android apps, you’re probably searching for an app that can block ads in the browser rather than system-wide ad blocking (as explained above). If you’re looking for ad-blocking software for your Android phone, there are a plethora of free, high-quality options.

1.AdAway

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AdWay is the best free ad blocker for android apps. Even though AdAway is a free program, it can block all adverts on your smartphone. There are no security checks on the Google Play store, but as it is open-source software, anybody may verify its code for safety and problems should be rapidly fixed.

Features:

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• Whitelisting and blacklisting are both options for a high degree of personalization.
• Access to the root filesystem is not necessary (optional)

2.AdBlock

AdBlock is a good and free ad blocker for android apps that does a good job at preventing ads. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, it does the job of blocking banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and other types of adverts.

Features:

• Multiple Android browsers are supported: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, & more.
• It prevents advertising and trackers from loading, allowing you to browse more quickly.

3.TrustGo Ad Detector

Click here


TrustGo Ad Detector works a little differently than the best and free ad blocker for android apps in that it analyses your device to find the source of advertising and trackers. Then you can choose whether or not to snooze or remove the programs that are constantly bombarding you with intrusive adverts and pop-ups.

Features:

• It detects unwanted programs and allows you to take back control of your smartphone.
• identifies potentially dangerous applications that might steal your personal information
• It’s simple to use.

4.AdClear

AdClear is the best free ad blocker for android apps created by seven networks. Using this software, you can stop your phone from being bombarded with irritating adverts. As an example, YouTube adverts and malware may be blocked and other ads that appear on websites or applications. This app shields you from in-app, pop-up, and clickbait adverts. The software is free to download and use on Android-powered smartphones and tablets.

Features:

• AdClear is the best non-root adblocker out there.
• Ads on YouTube are effectively blocked by AdClear, the most effective product on the market.

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The paid best ad blocker for android apps

There are many free and best ad blockers for android apps (ad remover for android) available, so why spend money on a premium app? It’s very uncommon for premium adblockers to have sophisticated features like more dependable blocking functionality or high degrees of customization. The following are a handful of our personal favorites.

1.AdGuard

Rather than merely blocking advertising in your browser, AdGuard is a comprehensive ad remover for android. Anti-tracking protection, blocking of activity analyzers, and a wide range of customization are also included in the package. However, the most useful functions are only accessible to those who pay.

Features:

• Advertising, pop-ups, banners, & video ads are blocked.
• Once the ad is blocked, it hides the frames and empty areas that remain.
• Doesn’t need to have root access on your phone or tablet.

2.AdShield AdBlocker

AdShield is one of the best ad remover for android. Through the use of cutting-edge interception technology, the AdShield service blocks advertising and provides a non-interrupted online browsing experience. With its basic design, AdShield effortlessly fits with the Android platform.

Features:

• Customizable Dark Mode as well as an intuitive interface
• Anti-malicious websites and trackers are also included in this package
• Battery and data use are saved since advertising is blocked.

3.AdLock

AdLock is an all-in-one ad blocker or ad remover for android that shields you from adverts in any software, whether it is a web browser or an instant messaging app. Because of this, it isn’t accessible on Google Play, but its benefits may persuade you to get it anyhow.

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• There is no need for root access.
• Checks for harmful material in HTTPS connections and links

Power Tools add-on for Google Sheets, 12-month subscription

Conclusion

You may use these programs to block advertisements from your Android browser or your Android apps. They are safe to use & will not do any damage to your Android device. Some of them also function as a VPN app, which is a huge advantage and the other benefits we can receive from them.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

AdWay is the best free ad blocker for android apps. Even though AdAway is a free program, it can block all adverts on your smartphone. There are no security checks on the Google Play store, but as it is open-source software, anybody may verify its code for safety and problems should be rapidly fixed.

Features:

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• Whitelisting and blacklisting are both options for a high degree of personalization.
• Access to the root filesystem is not necessary (optional)

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2.AdBlock

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AdBlock is a good and free ad blocker for android apps that does a good job at preventing ads. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, it does the job of blocking banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and other types of adverts.

Features:

• Multiple Android browsers are supported: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, & more.
• It prevents advertising and trackers from loading, allowing you to browse more quickly.

3.TrustGo Ad Detector

TrustGo Ad Detector works a little differently than the best and free ad blocker for android apps in that it analyses your device to find the source of advertising and trackers. Then you can choose whether or not to snooze or remove the programs that are constantly bombarding you with intrusive adverts and pop-ups.

Features:

• It detects unwanted programs and allows you to take back control of your smartphone.
• identifies potentially dangerous applications that might steal your personal information
• It’s simple to use.

4.AdClear

Lyric Video Creator Professional Version

AdClear is the best free ad blocker for android apps created by seven networks. Using this software, you can stop your phone from being bombarded with irritating adverts. As an example, YouTube adverts and malware may be blocked and other ads that appear on websites or applications. This app shields you from in-app, pop-up, and clickbait adverts. The software is free to download and use on Android-powered smartphones and tablets.

Features:

• AdClear is the best non-root adblocker out there.
• Ads on YouTube are effectively blocked by AdClear, the most effective product on the market.

Forex Robotron Gold Package

The paid best ad blocker for android apps

There are many free and best ad blockers for android apps (ad remover for android) available, so why spend money on a premium app? It’s very uncommon for premium adblockers to have sophisticated features like more dependable blocking functionality or high degrees of customization. The following are a handful of our personal favorites.

1.AdGuard

Rather than merely blocking advertising in your browser, AdGuard is a comprehensive ad remover for android. Anti-tracking protection, blocking of activity analyzers, and a wide range of customization are also included in the package. However, the most useful functions are only accessible to those who pay.

Features:

• Advertising, pop-ups, banners, & video ads are blocked.
• Once the ad is blocked, it hides the frames and empty areas that remain.
• Doesn’t need to have root access on your phone or tablet.

### 2.AdShield AdBlocker

AdShield is one of the best ad remover for android. Through the use of cutting-edge interception technology, the AdShield service blocks advertising and provides a non-interrupted online browsing experience. With its basic design, AdShield effortlessly fits with the Android platform.

Features:

• Customizable Dark Mode as well as an intuitive interface
• Anti-malicious websites and trackers are also included in this package
• Battery and data use are saved since advertising is blocked.

3.AdLock

AdLock is an all-in-one ad blocker or ad remover for android that shields you from adverts in any software, whether it is a web browser or an instant messaging app. Because of this, it isn’t accessible on Google Play, but its benefits may persuade you to get it anyhow.

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• There is no need for root access.
• Checks for harmful material in HTTPS connections and links

Conclusion

You may use these programs to block advertisements from your Android browser or your Android apps. They are safe to use & will not do any damage to your Android device. Some of them also function as a VPN app, which is a huge advantage and the other benefits we can receive from them.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

AdWay is the best free ad blocker for android apps. Even though AdAway is a free program, it can block all adverts on your smartphone. There are no security checks on the Google Play store, but as it is open-source software, anybody may verify its code for safety and problems should be rapidly fixed.

Features:

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• Whitelisting and blacklisting are both options for a high degree of personalization.
• Access to the root filesystem is not necessary (optional)

2.AdBlock

AdBlock is a good and free ad blocker for android apps that does a good job at preventing ads. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, it does the job of blocking banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and other types of adverts.

Features:

• Multiple Android browsers are supported: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, & more.
• It prevents advertising and trackers from loading, allowing you to browse more quickly.

3.TrustGo Ad Detector

TrustGo Ad Detector works a little differently than the best and free ad blocker for android apps in that it analyses your device to find the source of advertising and trackers. Then you can choose whether or not to snooze or remove the programs that are constantly bombarding you with intrusive adverts and pop-ups.

Features:

• It detects unwanted programs and allows you to take back control of your smartphone.
• identifies potentially dangerous applications that might steal your personal information
• It’s simple to use.

4.AdClear

AdClear is the best free ad blocker for android apps created by seven networks. Using this software, you can stop your phone from being bombarded with irritating adverts. As an example, YouTube adverts and malware may be blocked and other ads that appear on websites or applications. This app shields you from in-app, pop-up, and clickbait adverts. The software is free to download and use on Android-powered smartphones and tablets.

Features:

• AdClear is the best non-root adblocker out there.
• Ads on YouTube are effectively blocked by AdClear, the most effective product on the market.

The paid best ad blocker for android apps

There are many free and best ad blockers for android apps (ad remover for android) available, so why spend money on a premium app? It’s very uncommon for premium adblockers to have sophisticated features like more dependable blocking functionality or high degrees of customization. The following are a handful of our personal favorites.

1.AdGuard

Rather than merely blocking advertising in your browser, AdGuard is a comprehensive ad remover for android. Anti-tracking protection, blocking of activity analyzers, and a wide range of customization are also included in the package. However, the most useful functions are only accessible to those who pay.

Features:

• Advertising, pop-ups, banners, & video ads are blocked.
• Once the ad is blocked, it hides the frames and empty areas that remain.
• Doesn’t need to have root access on your phone or tablet.

2.AdShield AdBlocker

AdShield is one of the best ad remover for android. Through the use of cutting-edge interception technology, the AdShield service blocks advertising and provides a non-interrupted online browsing experience. With its basic design, AdShield effortlessly fits with the Android platform.

Features:

• Customizable Dark Mode as well as an intuitive interface
• Anti-malicious websites and trackers are also included in this package
• Battery and data use are saved since advertising is blocked.

3.AdLock

AdLock is an all-in-one ad blocker or ad remover for android that shields you from adverts in any software, whether it is a web browser or an instant messaging app. Because of this, it isn’t accessible on Google Play, but its benefits may persuade you to get it anyhow.

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• There is no need for root access.
• Checks for harmful material in HTTPS connections and links

Conclusion

You may use these programs to block advertisements from your Android browser or your Android apps. They are safe to use & will not do any damage to your Android device. Some of them also function as a VPN app, which is a huge advantage and the other benefits we can receive from them.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

AdWay is the best free ad blocker for android apps. Even though AdAway is a free program, it can block all adverts on your smartphone. There are no security checks on the Google Play store, but as it is open-source software, anybody may verify its code for safety and problems should be rapidly fixed.

Features:

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• Whitelisting and blacklisting are both options for a high degree of personalization.
• Access to the root filesystem is not necessary (optional)

2.AdBlock

AdBlock is a good and free ad blocker for android apps that does a good job at preventing ads. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, it does the job of blocking banners, pop-ups, pop-unders, and other types of adverts.

Features:

• Multiple Android browsers are supported: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, & more.
• It prevents advertising and trackers from loading, allowing you to browse more quickly.

3.TrustGo Ad Detector

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TrustGo Ad Detector works a little differently than the best and free ad blocker for android apps in that it analyses your device to find the source of advertising and trackers. Then you can choose whether or not to snooze or remove the programs that are constantly bombarding you with intrusive adverts and pop-ups.

Features:

• It detects unwanted programs and allows you to take back control of your smartphone.
• identifies potentially dangerous applications that might steal your personal information
• It’s simple to use.

4.AdClear

AdClear is the best free ad blocker for android apps created by seven networks. Using this software, you can stop your phone from being bombarded with irritating adverts. As an example, YouTube adverts and malware may be blocked and other ads that appear on websites or applications. This app shields you from in-app, pop-up, and clickbait adverts. The software is free to download and use on Android-powered smartphones and tablets.

Features:

• AdClear is the best non-root adblocker out there.
• Ads on YouTube are effectively blocked by AdClear, the most effective product on the market.

The paid best ad blocker for android apps

There are many free and best ad blockers for android apps (ad remover for android) available, so why spend money on a premium app? It’s very uncommon for premium adblockers to have sophisticated features like more dependable blocking functionality or high degrees of customization. The following are a handful of our personal favorites.

1.AdGuard

Rather than merely blocking advertising in your browser, AdGuard is a comprehensive ad remover for android. Anti-tracking protection, blocking of activity analyzers, and a wide range of customization are also included in the package. However, the most useful functions are only accessible to those who pay.

Features:

• Advertising, pop-ups, banners, & video ads are blocked.
• Once the ad is blocked, it hides the frames and empty areas that remain.
• Doesn’t need to have root access on your phone or tablet.

2.AdShield AdBlocker

AdShield is one of the best ad remover for android. Through the use of cutting-edge interception technology, the AdShield service blocks advertising and provides a non-interrupted online browsing experience. With its basic design, AdShield effortlessly fits with the Android platform.

Features:

• Customizable Dark Mode as well as an intuitive interface
• Anti-malicious websites and trackers are also included in this package
• Battery and data use are saved since advertising is blocked.

3.AdLock

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AdLock is an all-in-one ad blocker or ad remover for android that shields you from adverts in any software, whether it is a web browser or an instant messaging app. Because of this, it isn’t accessible on Google Play, but its benefits may persuade you to get it anyhow.

• Ads are blocked on all devices.
• There is no need for root access.
• Checks for harmful material in HTTPS connections and links

Conclusion

You may use these programs to block advertisements from your Android browser or your Android apps. They are safe to use & will not do any damage to your Android device. Some of them also function as a VPN app, which is a huge advantage and the other benefits we can receive from them.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Mastering YouTube Cards & Markup Tips

How to Use YouTube Cards and Annotations?

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Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

YouTube Annotations and Cards are both tools for linking viewers to your other videos or to off-YouTube webpages. Two of the major differences between them are:

Annotations are not clickable on mobile devices.

You cannot choose the size or positioning of Cards.

This article will teach you about both Cards and Annotations and discuss the best uses for each of them.

Part 1: Annotations

Annotations are messages that float overtop of your videos in the YouTube player. Usually, annotations are clickable and take users to other content created by you.

Section 1: Types of Annotations

There are five types of YouTube annotations:

Notes are colored boxes placed over the top of your videos.

Speech Bubbles look like dialogue boxes in a comic strip. They have tails that you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation.

Spotlights have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a viewer’s cursor hovers over top of these annotations.

Labels are like spotlights except that viewers do not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.

Any of these annotations can be used to link viewers to other videos, or as subscribe links. You can also add a simple Title to your video through the Annotations menu.

Section 2: How to Use Annotations

*Note: the above video mentions Pause annotations, which are no longer available.

Here are two of the best uses for annotations:

Clickable End Cards / Outros

One of the best ways you can use spotlight annotations is to create clickable end cards for your videos.

When your video finishes playing the YouTube player will display a selection of suggested videos that might direct viewers away from your channel. You can keep more of these viewers watching your content by creating your own ‘suggested videos’ card and putting it at the end of your videos.

Put thumbnails of two or three of your other videos on your end card, or use ‘picture-in-picture’ to actually imbed footage from them. Then, after you upload your video, go in and place clickable spotlight annotations over top of your video thumbnails.

This is one use for annotations that cannot be duplicated with cards.

Promoting Your Videos

You should not wait until the end of your video to start linking viewers to other content. Many viewers will click away before they see your end card because your video is not exactly what they were looking for. By placing note or speech bubble annotations occasionally throughout your videos you can catch some of these people before they click off of your channel.

This works especially well if you link to videos on similar subjects to the one you are annotating.

Instead of just linking to another video of yours, try to link to that video on a playlist. Once a viewer is on a playlist your videos will auto-play after each other, which is good for both your view count and watch time.

You can also use the newer YouTube Cards for this, but Annotations might still be a better choice because viewers only need to click once vs. twice for Cards.

Try both and see which performs best for your channel. It might be in your best interest to keep on using both as they target different audiences – Cards are clickable on mobile devices, for example, but Annotations are not.

Part 2: YouTube Cards

YouTube Cards are newer than annotations and a lot of people believe they will one day replace Annotations. While there are benefits to Cards – like embedding images to represent your links – you cannot choose the shape, size, or placement of them. This means they have limited uses.

When viewers click on a Card they are shown additional information and a thumbnail representing the page they will be taken to if they choose to click again. This extra step could be either help viewers decide to click your links or give them a second chance to decide they would rather not.

Section 1: When to Use Cards

A linked Annotation is simply a call to action viewers can click on. A Card is a call to action as well, but instead of taking the viewer directly to where its link leads when it is clicked a Card opens up into a larger version of itself with a thumbnail image.

Crowdfunding pages (Patreon is a great choice for video creators), charity fundraising pages, and merchandise stores are all examples of links that benefit from the format of YouTube Cards.

When you link a viewer to a non-YouTube page you break up their session time, which negatively impacts your watch time and SEO ranking. You want to make sure that the viewers you are directing away from YouTube are the ones most likely to convert after they leave. By ‘convert’ we mean to contribute to your Patreon campaign, donate to the charity you are promoting, or buy some of your merchandise.

Giving viewers more information and a thumbnail through a Card can help ensure the most interested viewers are the ones clicking your links.

If you want to find a video editing solution that empowers your imagination and creativity yet takes less effort, please try this robust and user-friendly video editing software Filmora, which is equipped with its own footage stock Wondershare Filmstock and will definitely enhance your productivity and helps you to make money by making videos much easier.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

YouTube Annotations and Cards are both tools for linking viewers to your other videos or to off-YouTube webpages. Two of the major differences between them are:

Annotations are not clickable on mobile devices.

You cannot choose the size or positioning of Cards.

This article will teach you about both Cards and Annotations and discuss the best uses for each of them.

Part 1: Annotations

Annotations are messages that float overtop of your videos in the YouTube player. Usually, annotations are clickable and take users to other content created by you.

Section 1: Types of Annotations

There are five types of YouTube annotations:

Notes are colored boxes placed over the top of your videos.

Speech Bubbles look like dialogue boxes in a comic strip. They have tails that you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation.

Spotlights have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a viewer’s cursor hovers over top of these annotations.

Labels are like spotlights except that viewers do not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.

Any of these annotations can be used to link viewers to other videos, or as subscribe links. You can also add a simple Title to your video through the Annotations menu.

Section 2: How to Use Annotations

*Note: the above video mentions Pause annotations, which are no longer available.

Here are two of the best uses for annotations:

Clickable End Cards / Outros

One of the best ways you can use spotlight annotations is to create clickable end cards for your videos.

When your video finishes playing the YouTube player will display a selection of suggested videos that might direct viewers away from your channel. You can keep more of these viewers watching your content by creating your own ‘suggested videos’ card and putting it at the end of your videos.

Put thumbnails of two or three of your other videos on your end card, or use ‘picture-in-picture’ to actually imbed footage from them. Then, after you upload your video, go in and place clickable spotlight annotations over top of your video thumbnails.

This is one use for annotations that cannot be duplicated with cards.

Promoting Your Videos

You should not wait until the end of your video to start linking viewers to other content. Many viewers will click away before they see your end card because your video is not exactly what they were looking for. By placing note or speech bubble annotations occasionally throughout your videos you can catch some of these people before they click off of your channel.

This works especially well if you link to videos on similar subjects to the one you are annotating.

Instead of just linking to another video of yours, try to link to that video on a playlist. Once a viewer is on a playlist your videos will auto-play after each other, which is good for both your view count and watch time.

You can also use the newer YouTube Cards for this, but Annotations might still be a better choice because viewers only need to click once vs. twice for Cards.

Try both and see which performs best for your channel. It might be in your best interest to keep on using both as they target different audiences – Cards are clickable on mobile devices, for example, but Annotations are not.

Part 2: YouTube Cards

YouTube Cards are newer than annotations and a lot of people believe they will one day replace Annotations. While there are benefits to Cards – like embedding images to represent your links – you cannot choose the shape, size, or placement of them. This means they have limited uses.

When viewers click on a Card they are shown additional information and a thumbnail representing the page they will be taken to if they choose to click again. This extra step could be either help viewers decide to click your links or give them a second chance to decide they would rather not.

Section 1: When to Use Cards

A linked Annotation is simply a call to action viewers can click on. A Card is a call to action as well, but instead of taking the viewer directly to where its link leads when it is clicked a Card opens up into a larger version of itself with a thumbnail image.

Crowdfunding pages (Patreon is a great choice for video creators), charity fundraising pages, and merchandise stores are all examples of links that benefit from the format of YouTube Cards.

When you link a viewer to a non-YouTube page you break up their session time, which negatively impacts your watch time and SEO ranking. You want to make sure that the viewers you are directing away from YouTube are the ones most likely to convert after they leave. By ‘convert’ we mean to contribute to your Patreon campaign, donate to the charity you are promoting, or buy some of your merchandise.

Giving viewers more information and a thumbnail through a Card can help ensure the most interested viewers are the ones clicking your links.

If you want to find a video editing solution that empowers your imagination and creativity yet takes less effort, please try this robust and user-friendly video editing software Filmora, which is equipped with its own footage stock Wondershare Filmstock and will definitely enhance your productivity and helps you to make money by making videos much easier.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

YouTube Annotations and Cards are both tools for linking viewers to your other videos or to off-YouTube webpages. Two of the major differences between them are:

Annotations are not clickable on mobile devices.

You cannot choose the size or positioning of Cards.

This article will teach you about both Cards and Annotations and discuss the best uses for each of them.

Part 1: Annotations

Annotations are messages that float overtop of your videos in the YouTube player. Usually, annotations are clickable and take users to other content created by you.

Section 1: Types of Annotations

There are five types of YouTube annotations:

Notes are colored boxes placed over the top of your videos.

Speech Bubbles look like dialogue boxes in a comic strip. They have tails that you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation.

Spotlights have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a viewer’s cursor hovers over top of these annotations.

Labels are like spotlights except that viewers do not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.

Any of these annotations can be used to link viewers to other videos, or as subscribe links. You can also add a simple Title to your video through the Annotations menu.

Section 2: How to Use Annotations

*Note: the above video mentions Pause annotations, which are no longer available.

Here are two of the best uses for annotations:

Clickable End Cards / Outros

One of the best ways you can use spotlight annotations is to create clickable end cards for your videos.

When your video finishes playing the YouTube player will display a selection of suggested videos that might direct viewers away from your channel. You can keep more of these viewers watching your content by creating your own ‘suggested videos’ card and putting it at the end of your videos.

Put thumbnails of two or three of your other videos on your end card, or use ‘picture-in-picture’ to actually imbed footage from them. Then, after you upload your video, go in and place clickable spotlight annotations over top of your video thumbnails.

This is one use for annotations that cannot be duplicated with cards.

Promoting Your Videos

You should not wait until the end of your video to start linking viewers to other content. Many viewers will click away before they see your end card because your video is not exactly what they were looking for. By placing note or speech bubble annotations occasionally throughout your videos you can catch some of these people before they click off of your channel.

This works especially well if you link to videos on similar subjects to the one you are annotating.

Instead of just linking to another video of yours, try to link to that video on a playlist. Once a viewer is on a playlist your videos will auto-play after each other, which is good for both your view count and watch time.

You can also use the newer YouTube Cards for this, but Annotations might still be a better choice because viewers only need to click once vs. twice for Cards.

Try both and see which performs best for your channel. It might be in your best interest to keep on using both as they target different audiences – Cards are clickable on mobile devices, for example, but Annotations are not.

Part 2: YouTube Cards

YouTube Cards are newer than annotations and a lot of people believe they will one day replace Annotations. While there are benefits to Cards – like embedding images to represent your links – you cannot choose the shape, size, or placement of them. This means they have limited uses.

When viewers click on a Card they are shown additional information and a thumbnail representing the page they will be taken to if they choose to click again. This extra step could be either help viewers decide to click your links or give them a second chance to decide they would rather not.

Section 1: When to Use Cards

A linked Annotation is simply a call to action viewers can click on. A Card is a call to action as well, but instead of taking the viewer directly to where its link leads when it is clicked a Card opens up into a larger version of itself with a thumbnail image.

Crowdfunding pages (Patreon is a great choice for video creators), charity fundraising pages, and merchandise stores are all examples of links that benefit from the format of YouTube Cards.

When you link a viewer to a non-YouTube page you break up their session time, which negatively impacts your watch time and SEO ranking. You want to make sure that the viewers you are directing away from YouTube are the ones most likely to convert after they leave. By ‘convert’ we mean to contribute to your Patreon campaign, donate to the charity you are promoting, or buy some of your merchandise.

Giving viewers more information and a thumbnail through a Card can help ensure the most interested viewers are the ones clicking your links.

If you want to find a video editing solution that empowers your imagination and creativity yet takes less effort, please try this robust and user-friendly video editing software Filmora, which is equipped with its own footage stock Wondershare Filmstock and will definitely enhance your productivity and helps you to make money by making videos much easier.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

0

YouTube Annotations and Cards are both tools for linking viewers to your other videos or to off-YouTube webpages. Two of the major differences between them are:

Annotations are not clickable on mobile devices.

You cannot choose the size or positioning of Cards.

This article will teach you about both Cards and Annotations and discuss the best uses for each of them.

Part 1: Annotations

Annotations are messages that float overtop of your videos in the YouTube player. Usually, annotations are clickable and take users to other content created by you.

Section 1: Types of Annotations

There are five types of YouTube annotations:

Notes are colored boxes placed over the top of your videos.

Speech Bubbles look like dialogue boxes in a comic strip. They have tails that you can adjust so it looks like one of the people in your video is saying what is written in the annotation.

Spotlights have a subtle border and are completely clear inside. Your text only appears when a viewer’s cursor hovers over top of these annotations.

Labels are like spotlights except that viewers do not have to hover over them for your text to be visible.

Any of these annotations can be used to link viewers to other videos, or as subscribe links. You can also add a simple Title to your video through the Annotations menu.

Section 2: How to Use Annotations

*Note: the above video mentions Pause annotations, which are no longer available.

Here are two of the best uses for annotations:

Clickable End Cards / Outros

One of the best ways you can use spotlight annotations is to create clickable end cards for your videos.

When your video finishes playing the YouTube player will display a selection of suggested videos that might direct viewers away from your channel. You can keep more of these viewers watching your content by creating your own ‘suggested videos’ card and putting it at the end of your videos.

Put thumbnails of two or three of your other videos on your end card, or use ‘picture-in-picture’ to actually imbed footage from them. Then, after you upload your video, go in and place clickable spotlight annotations over top of your video thumbnails.

This is one use for annotations that cannot be duplicated with cards.

Promoting Your Videos

You should not wait until the end of your video to start linking viewers to other content. Many viewers will click away before they see your end card because your video is not exactly what they were looking for. By placing note or speech bubble annotations occasionally throughout your videos you can catch some of these people before they click off of your channel.

This works especially well if you link to videos on similar subjects to the one you are annotating.

Instead of just linking to another video of yours, try to link to that video on a playlist. Once a viewer is on a playlist your videos will auto-play after each other, which is good for both your view count and watch time.

You can also use the newer YouTube Cards for this, but Annotations might still be a better choice because viewers only need to click once vs. twice for Cards.

Try both and see which performs best for your channel. It might be in your best interest to keep on using both as they target different audiences – Cards are clickable on mobile devices, for example, but Annotations are not.

Part 2: YouTube Cards

YouTube Cards are newer than annotations and a lot of people believe they will one day replace Annotations. While there are benefits to Cards – like embedding images to represent your links – you cannot choose the shape, size, or placement of them. This means they have limited uses.

When viewers click on a Card they are shown additional information and a thumbnail representing the page they will be taken to if they choose to click again. This extra step could be either help viewers decide to click your links or give them a second chance to decide they would rather not.

Section 1: When to Use Cards

A linked Annotation is simply a call to action viewers can click on. A Card is a call to action as well, but instead of taking the viewer directly to where its link leads when it is clicked a Card opens up into a larger version of itself with a thumbnail image.

Crowdfunding pages (Patreon is a great choice for video creators), charity fundraising pages, and merchandise stores are all examples of links that benefit from the format of YouTube Cards.

When you link a viewer to a non-YouTube page you break up their session time, which negatively impacts your watch time and SEO ranking. You want to make sure that the viewers you are directing away from YouTube are the ones most likely to convert after they leave. By ‘convert’ we mean to contribute to your Patreon campaign, donate to the charity you are promoting, or buy some of your merchandise.

Giving viewers more information and a thumbnail through a Card can help ensure the most interested viewers are the ones clicking your links.

If you want to find a video editing solution that empowers your imagination and creativity yet takes less effort, please try this robust and user-friendly video editing software Filmora, which is equipped with its own footage stock Wondershare Filmstock and will definitely enhance your productivity and helps you to make money by making videos much easier.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett