Check eligibility before planning the ending.
An end screen gives viewers a relevant next step at the end of an eligible video. It does not guarantee subscriptions, watch time or rankings. Plan the closing shot so the clickable elements have enough space and do not cover the demonstration.
End screen requirements
Offer a relevant next video
YouTube allows end screens in the final 5–20 seconds of videos at least 25 seconds long. Standard 16:9 videos can have up to four elements; other aspect ratios can have fewer. End screens are unavailable for made-for-kids videos and some viewing contexts. External website links require YouTube Partner Program eligibility and policy compliance.
Use eligible links
Your logo can make the closing shot recognizable, but it is not a substitute for a clickable element. Do not imply every channel can add an external website link.
Plan the closing shot
Leave clear space in the closing shot and enough time for the next step. Avoid covering captions, important instructions or the final result. More elements do not necessarily produce a better outcome.
Track meaningful actions
For eligible website links, use a destination that follows YouTube policies. Measure relevant actions at your own destination rather than treating every click as a sale.
Build a readable end screen
Use a clear spoken prompt
Tell viewers why the suggested next video helps them. Keep the prompt brief and consistent with the content; do not promise prizes or benefits you cannot provide.
Keep the layout simple
Start with one useful next video and, when appropriate, a subscribe element. Preview the ending at a small screen size so text and the clickable area remain understandable.
Match the next topic
Choose a closely related topic, not merely the upload with the largest lifetime count. A viewer finishing a beginner lesson may need the next beginner step rather than an unrelated popular video.
Review click rate
Open the video’s Analytics and Engagement report, then review End screen element click rate. Compare similar videos and endings over equal periods. A hypothetical cooking tutorial could suggest its related ingredient-preparation video; this is an example, not a measured campaign result.
Available element types
Subscribe element
A subscribe element is a request to follow the channel. It does not establish that the resulting subscribers will watch future uploads or cause a Google ranking increase.
External website links
External website links require YouTube Partner Program eligibility and compliant destinations. If the link element is unavailable, do not describe it as a universal setting for all channels.
Channel element
A channel element can point to a relevant collaborator or another channel. Give viewers a specific reason to visit and keep the destination consistent with the video topic.
Final publishing check
In Studio, open Content, select the video, then Editor and End screen. Choose a relevant video, playlist, subscription or channel element, adjust its placement and timing, preview it and save. Link availability depends on eligibility. Test the published video on a supported viewer device instead of relying only on the editor preview.
Sources
Sources checked on October 4, 2026.
Related guide: How to Use YouTube Analytics