YouTube is introducing an important update to the YouTube End Screen feature. It will significantly change the viewer experience, giving them more control. For creators, the new update presents an opportunity to rethink their engagement strategy. While the update is still rolling out, here’s what creators can expect.
Key Updates: What Changed in YouTube End Screen?
Since the start of 2025, YouTube has been testing several features to enhance the user experience on the platform. Recently, YouTube announced a new viewer-focused feature that allows viewers to hide the end screen option. These clickable overlays, which appear in the last 10-15 seconds of the video, can now be manually dismissed. Elements such as suggested videos, playlists, channel links, and subscribe prompts can now be directly negated by viewers. However, here are a few technical details to be kept in mind:
- The hide toggle is visible during the end screen segment.
- It resets with every new video.
- The feature is viewer-oriented; creators can’t control or hide it.
- The rollout will apply across all devices.
Why Does YouTube End Screen Update Matter for Creators?
For years, creators have relied on the YouTube End Screen as a core feature. While it’s a minor update, it signals a significant shift, especially for creators relying on end screens for CTAs and Engagement. YouTubers used it to guide the viewer’s journey.
However, YouTube has reported that initial testing showed a 1.5% decline in the end screen view rate. This minimal dip can be overcome by revising the approach. The update demonstrates YouTube’s more comprehensive shift toward a personalized viewing experience. Hence, a customized watch could also be reflected in your retentions, potentially increasing the watch time as well.
Industry Insight: What Does This Update Signal About YouTube’s Strategy?
Many industry experts believe the decision to let viewers hide the YouTube end screen isn’t just a minor tweak. Over the years, YouTube has evolved to make the platform more accessible for both creators and viewers. Helping them get more control over what they create and watch.
The new toggle aligns more with this direction. For creators, it’s less of a threat but more of a signal to introduce stronger CTAs in their videos. Therefore, a cleaner and less cluttered viewing experience will ultimately work in the creator’s favour.
What’s Next & What to Use Instead of the End Screen?
While the viewer might dismiss the clickable YouTube end screen, it remains available nonetheless. Creators can still use it to add CTAs. Additionally, the branded watermark stays unaffected by this new update. Creators can easily overlay the subscribe watermark to nudge viewers.
Further, Creators should now think beyond traditional end screens. While the feature is still useful, it’s not the only method to drive post-video engagement. Creators can shift their CTAs earlier. You don’t have to wait till the final 10-15 seconds to prompt viewers. Simply incorporate them in the video. You can use both verbal and visual cues for the same purpose.
You can head over to YouTube Studio and monitor YouTube analytics. If you notice a significant amount of traffic at the start of the video, consider introducing your CTAs at the beginning to enhance engagement. Additionally, optimize your storytelling to keep viewers from dropping off early.
Conclusion
While YouTube is rolling out YouTube end screen update globally, creators can expect further changes aimed at balancing user control and content performance. Further, creators should know that the end screen will remain functional and available, but now they have to include stronger CTAs in the videos. Improving your content and refining it according to the updates is the key factor in growing a YouTube channel.
Summary
- YouTube has introduced a feature allowing viewers to manually dismiss end screen overlays, providing them more control over their viewing experience.
- Despite a slight decrease in end screen view rate, creators are encouraged to rethink their engagement strategies and introduce stronger calls-to-action (CTAs) in their videos.
- The branded watermark feature remains unaffected by the update, allowing creators to still encourage subscriptions.
