Key Takeaways
- YouTube Info Cards are interactive clickable elements that appear during videos, allowing creators to promote videos, playlists, channels, websites, and polls without disrupting the viewing experience.
- Understanding what are YouTube info cards and using them strategically can help increase watch time, improve audience retention, boost engagement, and drive traffic to relevant content.
- Creators can add a YouTube infocard through YouTube Studio by selecting a video, opening the Editor, choosing a card type, setting its timing, and saving the changes.
- The most effective use of YouTube info cards involves placing them at relevant moments in a video, using clear calls to action, promoting related content, and avoiding excessive card usage.
- Tracking card performance through YouTube Analytics helps creators optimize their strategy by measuring click-through rates, watch time generated from cards, viewer retention, and overall engagement.
YouTube offers creators several tools to keep viewers engaged, and one of the most effective yet underutilized features is YouTube Info Cards. These interactive elements help creators promote videos, playlists, channels, websites, products, and more without interrupting the viewing experience.
If you’ve ever wondered what are YouTube info cards, how they work, or how to use them effectively, this guide covers everything you need to know.
With Google ads, promoting your videos and directing your target audience to your channel has become super easy. But this is one way to advertise your videos. Can you guess what the other is? YouTube Info Cards. This feature is primarily unseen and is used less by creators to promote their videos, as many don’t know much about it. If you’re on that list of people, here’s the guide to explain YouTube info cards in detail so creators like you can leverage them to grow their channels.
What Are Info Cards on YouTube?
YouTube info cards are clickable notifications that appear during a video and direct viewers to additional content. They are designed to enhance user engagement by providing relevant resources while the video is playing.
Many creators ask, what is info card in YouTube? Simply put, it is an interactive feature that allows you to recommend other videos, playlists, channels, websites, or polls to your audience.
When viewers see an information icon in the upper-right corner of a video, they can click it to access the card and explore the content you’ve linked.
Why Use YouTube Info Cards
Adding a YouTube infocard to your videos can significantly improve audience retention and channel growth. Instead of relying solely on video descriptions or end screens, info cards allow you to guide viewers exactly when they’re most interested.
1) Showcase Related Content: YouTube cards can be used for polls or to create calls to action, without leaving viewers hanging at the end of the video.
2) Promote Your Channel: You can also add your associated channels to increase their engagement. YouTube cards create a sense of continuity and don’t interrupt them to explore more content.
3) Link to Approved Sites: If you are enrolled in the YouTube Partner Program, you can use the cards to direct users to external websites and landing pages, such as a crowdfunding or merchandise page.
4) Increase Viewer Engagement: Info cards help viewers interact, giving them something to click at the perfect moment. The boost helps in retention and drives more content. Add this by purchasing views, and you are increasing your discoverability. Make sure to buy YouTube view at the right time.
5) Highlight Creator Collaboration: Info Cards are perfect for spotlighting guest creators or partnering with creators that help you build niche authority. It enables you to reach a new audience by introducing you to one.
Benefits of Using YouTube Info Cards
- Increase watch time by directing viewers to related videos.
- Promote playlists and boost session duration.
- Drive traffic to approved websites.
- Encourage subscriptions through channel promotion.
- Gather audience feedback using polls.
- Improve viewer engagement without disrupting content.
For creators aiming to grow faster, strategically placed **YouTube info cards** can become a powerful traffic-driving tool.
Types of YouTube Info Cards
YouTube offers several card formats depending on your goals.
1. Video Cards
Video cards link to another video on your channel or a related YouTube video.
Best for:
- Continuing a video series
- Promoting related content
- Increasing watch time
2. Playlist Cards
These cards direct viewers to a playlist instead of a single video.
Best for:
- Educational content
- Tutorial series
- Topic-based playlists
3. Channel Cards
Channel cards help you promote another YouTube channel.
Best for:
- Collaborations
- Secondary channels
- Recommended creators
4. Poll Cards
Poll cards allow viewers to vote on questions directly within the video.
Best for:
- Audience interaction
- Content planning
- Gathering feedback
5. Link Cards
Eligible creators can use link cards to direct viewers to approved external websites.
Best for:
- Online stores
- Blogs
- Landing pages
- Product promotions
How to Add YouTube Info Cards
Now that you know what are info cards on YouTube, let’s learn how to add them.
Step 1: Open YouTube Studio
Sign in to your YouTube account and navigate to YouTube Studio.
Step 2: Select Content
Click on the “Content” tab and choose the video you want to edit.
Step 3: Open the Editor
Inside the video settings, click “Editor” from the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Add a Card
Select “Info Cards” and click the “+” button.
Step 5: Choose Card Type
Pick the card type you want to add:
- Video
- Playlist
- Channel
- Poll
- Link
Step 6: Set Timing
Choose exactly when the card should appear during the video.
Step 7: Save Changes
Review your settings and click Save.
Your YouTube infocard is now active and ready to engage viewers.
How to Edit YouTube Info Cards
You can edit the YouTube cards by logging into YouTube Studio. Let’s see the steps in detail.
1. Go to the YouTube studio
2. Navigate to Content form left menu for info cards YouTube.
3. Choose videos
4. Select the video and click the editor
5. Edit the info cards.
You will see the list of added videos marked on the timeline. Select the card you want to edit and update the teaser text, message, or linked content. Additionally, you can delete or drag according to your preference.
To add new, click on “+ card” and choose the video, playlist or eligible link.
If you are editing teaser text, you only have 30 characters to show your creativity. Add cards precisely to the timeline for an enhanced experience.
YouTube Info Cards, Tips and Best Exercises
Boosting your YouTube views and engagement rate has never been more straightforward with the magic of YouTube cards. Learn how to use YouTube cards. Just remember these crucial tips to make the most out of them and connect with your audience on a whole new level!
1. Stay Relevant: Relevance is the key to keeping the audience engaged. Before you add cards to your videos, make sure the videos are relevant to the one you are uploading. It will ensure the audience is directed to the cards attached.
2. Optimize YouTube Info Cards: Use teaser text and custom messages. Teaser text is the text you see when you hover over a card in a video. A custom message is what you see after the viewers click on the teaser. It is supposed to entice your viewers to click on the cards. So, use words that describe the benefits of watching the videos.
3. Use cards at high times: By saying to use cards at a high time, we meant to add them when it’s the highest time for your viewer to exit your videos. This way, you can move them from one video to another on your channel rather than losing them to your competitors.
4. Focus on CTAs: Add the text to tell them what the text is about and what they should do next. A simple nudge can improve your visibility. For instance, “10 tips to skyrocket your channel.” The best practice for custom messages is to add a CTA that compels viewers to watch the video. For instance, “watch the video here.”
5. Enhance Existing Content: You need to be updated with YouTube’s new policies constantly, and make sure to keep refining your content with what YouTube adds next.
Can You Measure the Performance of YouTube Info Cards?
Yes, tracking the performance of your YouTube Info Cards is essential for understanding what content viewers engage with the most. You can simply do it in 5 steps:
Step 1: Start by logging into YouTube Studio, where all your video analytics are stored. You can navigate to the content tab for the performance dashboard.
Step 2: Click the analytics tab in the top menu. You’ll see several tabs, including the overview and reach tabs. Once you know the Engagement tab, you’ll find the Cards section. The metrics will help in visibility and engagement.
Step 3: You can analyze the card placement. If you notice low engagement, the card may be appearing too late. Similarly, the card’s topic may not align with the viewer’s intent at all.
Step 4: Compare the performance across multiple videos to spot patterns. It will help you identify which topics or formats generate the most interest.
Step 5: Use the insights to optimize videos. Place them at correct intervals.
Important Factors to Remember About YouTube Cards
Let’s see some other important factors:
- You can add any public playlist to your card. Even if you didn’t create the playlist. You can add other creators videos
- Custom text and teaser can be added to YouTube channel cards
- Creators who are part of the YouTube Partner Program can add external links
- You can add up to 5 cards in each video
- The 5 types of cards are video, playlist, and channel. poll, and external link
- The cards are customizable
YouTube Info Cards vs End Screens
Many creators wonder whether they should use cards or end screens.
YouTube Info Cards
Advantages:
- Appear during the video
- Provide context-specific recommendations
- Keep viewers engaged throughout the content
Limitations:
- Can be ignored if poorly timed
- Limited screen visibility on some devices
End Screens
Advantages:
- Appear when viewers finish watching
- Excellent for promoting videos and subscriptions
Limitations:
- Only visible at the end
- Less effective if viewers leave early
The best strategy is to use both features together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding Cards Too Early
Viewers need time to connect with your content before being asked to click elsewhere.
Using Irrelevant Links
Every card should support the current topic of the video.
Ignoring Analytics
Review card click rates regularly to understand what works best.
Adding Too Many Cards
Excessive cards can reduce effectiveness and create distractions.
How to Measure the Performance of YouTube Info Cards
YouTube Analytics provides valuable insights into card performance.
Monitor:
- Card click-through rate (CTR)
- Watch time generated from cards
- Viewer retention
- Traffic sources
- Engagement metrics
These insights help optimize future card placements and improve overall channel performance.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what are info cards on YouTube is essential for creators looking to increase engagement, boost watch time, and improve viewer retention. When used correctly, YouTube info cards create seamless pathways for viewers to discover more of your content.
Whether you’re promoting playlists, directing traffic to related videos, or gathering audience feedback through polls, a well-placed YouTube infocard can significantly improve your channel’s performance. Start experimenting with different card types, analyze the results, and refine your strategy to maximize growth on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do you turn off YouTube Info cards?
Go to settings by navigating through the profile picture. Choose playback & performance from the left menu pane. Uncheck the box saying “show in-video info cards”.
Q2. How long do YouTube cards last?
The card lasts 5 to 7 seconds during the video. If clicked to expand, it stays open until closed.
Q3. Do YouTube cards show up on mobile?
Yes, the cards show up on mobile. Similar to the web, the “I” icon appears at the top right corner and reveals the full cards when tapped.
Q4. How many YouTube cards can we add to a video?
A creator can add up to five YouTube cards per video, from channel videos and playlists. If the creator is in the YouTube partner program, then external links can be added.
