Essential Filmmaking Software Exploration

Do you want to convert video clips into intriguing movies? If yes, then you should download and install an advanced movie maker on your computer and creatively compile your video clips and photos. Movie Makers have multiple features such as transition overlays, timeline narration, audio options, and animations. This guide is about YouTube movie makers and how you can get started with this application.

What Is YouTube Movie Maker?

YouTube Movie Maker is a video editing program. It enables video editors to create videos for their YouTube channel. Furthermore, you can upload and manage your videos on YouTube using this software. You can perform all these tasks with a single interface. Creating videos using YouTube movie makers is entertaining as it includes interesting tools to express creative instinct. Furthermore, the moviemaker YouTube uploading process is also simpler than ever. Here are some features of YouTube movie maker:

1. Video Creation

YouTube movie maker is a simple-to-use video editing tool with wide-ranging features. You can add multiple images, video clips, audio, and icons and align them on the timeline. Beginners can use Movie Wizard to understand the platform interface and develop video editing skills.

3. Publishing

This tool has standard and special features. Using YouTube movie maker, you can upload videos on your YouTube channel and attract more audience with your content. This video editing tool makes it easy for YouTube content creators to publish their content on the platform. Furthermore, you can save the content on your computer and publish it later on.

3. Boost Productivity

Video editors such as YouTube movie maker improve productivity for video editors. With convenient features and tools, content creators can create more videos with efficiency and increase their content reach.

YouTube Movie Maker Tutorial

YouTube Movie Maker download process is simple. To download and install the application follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit MakeYouTubeVideo.com and choose the download option.

Step 2: This tool is compatible with every Windows version, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Step 3: While downloading the application you need to evaluate the plans.

Step 4: The Platinum version of YouTube Movie Maker will cost $399. With this plan, you will get high-quality transition effects and audio materials.

Step 5: After choosing the plan, you have to enter the payment options and download the tool.

Step 6: A setup file will download to your computer.

Step 7: You need to open that file and run the installation process.

Here are some tips to use YouTube Movie Maker:

Step 1: When you open the application a clear interface will appear with easy-to-use options.

Step 2: From the left panel, you can browse through your computer storage and import content

Step 3: Also, you can drag and drop the media on your workspace.

Step 4: Align the content on different channels and add music.

Step 5: Once you align the content as required, you can publish the video on YouTube from the button on the bottom right.

4 Best Alternatives for YouTube Movie Maker

A plethora of video editing tools are available on the internet. Whether you are a marketing manager or a film producer, you would need a movie marker to boost your productivity and become a professional video content creator. If you want an alternate option for YouTube movie maker, you can check this list:

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is one of the best video editing tools out there. Other than Filmora, Wondershare also offers Filmora (a video editing tool for mobile), and FilmStock with wide-ranging video effects and unique soundtracks. Filmora offers a simple and intuitive interface with lots of exciting overlays, filters, transitions, and motion elements. Since Filmora has a dedicated films tock, users can easily download royalty-free music and video clips. Some basic features of Filmora are:

• Noise removal
• Speed control
• GIF support
• 4K editing support
• Frame by frame preview
• Color tuning

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Only a few video editing tools offer 4K and GIF support, and Filmora is one of them. Filmora enables video editors to include engaging titles on their videos. This video editor offers a super easy and flexible interface to video editors so they can drag and drop relevant clips, select interesting music, and choose a striking theme.

The interface is clean, uncluttered, and organized with easy-to-access features. It includes basic as well as advanced features to enhance video quality and add outstanding effects. There are vast numbers of effects and transitions to make your video smooth and engaging. Color matching and motion tracker tools will completely change your video quality.

2. Nero Video

Nero Video is a cheap yet effective tool for YouTubers. This tool comes with a wide array of effects and tricks to create outstanding content. This tool is perfect for beginners because of its simple editing tools. Nero Video offers the finest functionalities and speed to video editors so they can create more engaging content and publish it on their YouTube channel. Some features of Nero Video are:

• Keyframe animation tools
• Movie templates
• Wide range of templates
• 4K support

4. InVideo

InVideo is different than other platforms as content creators can create interesting videos on the cloud using this tool. This means that you don’t have to download InVideo software. Instead, you can just log into your account and start editing. Furthermore, the tool is stocked with many frames, stickers, features, tricks, and transitions. This software is suitable for beginner as well as professional users. With more than 4000 templates, anyone can create a video on this platform. InVideo doesn’t irritate its users with a watermark, even if you are using the free version of this application. Here are some features of using the InVideo editing tool:

• No watermark
• More than 4000 templates
• More than 8Mn and iStock videos and images
• Intelligent frames
• Automate voice-overs
• Multiple layers
• Power transitions

5. Clipchamp Create

Clipchamp Create is a free video editing tool with wide-ranging transitional effects, and an export option without a watermark. Watermarks only appear when you use stock videos and images in your video. Premium and Business plans are available in this software that offer access to a vast stock library. Using stock library, you can download and add high-resolution images and videos to your project. The tool is incredibly handy as it offers you unique options webcam recorder, video converter, and video compressor. Clipchamp also offers the following features:

• Camera recorder
• Stock library
• Text to speech
• Brand kit
• Trimming videos

Closing Word

Now that you have notable information about the YouTube movie maker tool, you can easily download and install it on your computer. Many YouTube content creators find this application basic. If you want a more advanced tool, you can check the list of alternative movie makers and download the one that offers the best features.

3. Publishing

This tool has standard and special features. Using YouTube movie maker, you can upload videos on your YouTube channel and attract more audience with your content. This video editing tool makes it easy for YouTube content creators to publish their content on the platform. Furthermore, you can save the content on your computer and publish it later on.

3. Boost Productivity

Video editors such as YouTube movie maker improve productivity for video editors. With convenient features and tools, content creators can create more videos with efficiency and increase their content reach.

YouTube Movie Maker Tutorial

YouTube Movie Maker download process is simple. To download and install the application follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit MakeYouTubeVideo.com and choose the download option.

Step 2: This tool is compatible with every Windows version, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Step 3: While downloading the application you need to evaluate the plans.

Step 4: The Platinum version of YouTube Movie Maker will cost $399. With this plan, you will get high-quality transition effects and audio materials.

Step 5: After choosing the plan, you have to enter the payment options and download the tool.

Step 6: A setup file will download to your computer.

Step 7: You need to open that file and run the installation process.

Here are some tips to use YouTube Movie Maker:

Step 1: When you open the application a clear interface will appear with easy-to-use options.

Step 2: From the left panel, you can browse through your computer storage and import content

Step 3: Also, you can drag and drop the media on your workspace.

Step 4: Align the content on different channels and add music.

Step 5: Once you align the content as required, you can publish the video on YouTube from the button on the bottom right.

4 Best Alternatives for YouTube Movie Maker

A plethora of video editing tools are available on the internet. Whether you are a marketing manager or a film producer, you would need a movie marker to boost your productivity and become a professional video content creator. If you want an alternate option for YouTube movie maker, you can check this list:

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is one of the best video editing tools out there. Other than Filmora, Wondershare also offers Filmora (a video editing tool for mobile), and FilmStock with wide-ranging video effects and unique soundtracks. Filmora offers a simple and intuitive interface with lots of exciting overlays, filters, transitions, and motion elements. Since Filmora has a dedicated films tock, users can easily download royalty-free music and video clips. Some basic features of Filmora are:

• Noise removal
• Speed control
• GIF support
• 4K editing support
• Frame by frame preview
• Color tuning

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Only a few video editing tools offer 4K and GIF support, and Filmora is one of them. Filmora enables video editors to include engaging titles on their videos. This video editor offers a super easy and flexible interface to video editors so they can drag and drop relevant clips, select interesting music, and choose a striking theme.

The interface is clean, uncluttered, and organized with easy-to-access features. It includes basic as well as advanced features to enhance video quality and add outstanding effects. There are vast numbers of effects and transitions to make your video smooth and engaging. Color matching and motion tracker tools will completely change your video quality.

2. Nero Video

Nero Video is a cheap yet effective tool for YouTubers. This tool comes with a wide array of effects and tricks to create outstanding content. This tool is perfect for beginners because of its simple editing tools. Nero Video offers the finest functionalities and speed to video editors so they can create more engaging content and publish it on their YouTube channel. Some features of Nero Video are:

• Keyframe animation tools
• Movie templates
• Wide range of templates
• 4K support

4. InVideo

InVideo is different than other platforms as content creators can create interesting videos on the cloud using this tool. This means that you don’t have to download InVideo software. Instead, you can just log into your account and start editing. Furthermore, the tool is stocked with many frames, stickers, features, tricks, and transitions. This software is suitable for beginner as well as professional users. With more than 4000 templates, anyone can create a video on this platform. InVideo doesn’t irritate its users with a watermark, even if you are using the free version of this application. Here are some features of using the InVideo editing tool:

• No watermark
• More than 4000 templates
• More than 8Mn and iStock videos and images
• Intelligent frames
• Automate voice-overs
• Multiple layers
• Power transitions

5. Clipchamp Create

Clipchamp Create is a free video editing tool with wide-ranging transitional effects, and an export option without a watermark. Watermarks only appear when you use stock videos and images in your video. Premium and Business plans are available in this software that offer access to a vast stock library. Using stock library, you can download and add high-resolution images and videos to your project. The tool is incredibly handy as it offers you unique options webcam recorder, video converter, and video compressor. Clipchamp also offers the following features:

• Camera recorder
• Stock library
• Text to speech
• Brand kit
• Trimming videos

Closing Word

Now that you have notable information about the YouTube movie maker tool, you can easily download and install it on your computer. Many YouTube content creators find this application basic. If you want a more advanced tool, you can check the list of alternative movie makers and download the one that offers the best features.

3. Publishing

This tool has standard and special features. Using YouTube movie maker, you can upload videos on your YouTube channel and attract more audience with your content. This video editing tool makes it easy for YouTube content creators to publish their content on the platform. Furthermore, you can save the content on your computer and publish it later on.

3. Boost Productivity

Video editors such as YouTube movie maker improve productivity for video editors. With convenient features and tools, content creators can create more videos with efficiency and increase their content reach.

YouTube Movie Maker Tutorial

YouTube Movie Maker download process is simple. To download and install the application follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit MakeYouTubeVideo.com and choose the download option.

Step 2: This tool is compatible with every Windows version, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Step 3: While downloading the application you need to evaluate the plans.

Step 4: The Platinum version of YouTube Movie Maker will cost $399. With this plan, you will get high-quality transition effects and audio materials.

Step 5: After choosing the plan, you have to enter the payment options and download the tool.

Step 6: A setup file will download to your computer.

Step 7: You need to open that file and run the installation process.

Here are some tips to use YouTube Movie Maker:

Step 1: When you open the application a clear interface will appear with easy-to-use options.

Step 2: From the left panel, you can browse through your computer storage and import content

Step 3: Also, you can drag and drop the media on your workspace.

Step 4: Align the content on different channels and add music.

Step 5: Once you align the content as required, you can publish the video on YouTube from the button on the bottom right.

4 Best Alternatives for YouTube Movie Maker

A plethora of video editing tools are available on the internet. Whether you are a marketing manager or a film producer, you would need a movie marker to boost your productivity and become a professional video content creator. If you want an alternate option for YouTube movie maker, you can check this list:

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is one of the best video editing tools out there. Other than Filmora, Wondershare also offers Filmora (a video editing tool for mobile), and FilmStock with wide-ranging video effects and unique soundtracks. Filmora offers a simple and intuitive interface with lots of exciting overlays, filters, transitions, and motion elements. Since Filmora has a dedicated films tock, users can easily download royalty-free music and video clips. Some basic features of Filmora are:

• Noise removal
• Speed control
• GIF support
• 4K editing support
• Frame by frame preview
• Color tuning

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Only a few video editing tools offer 4K and GIF support, and Filmora is one of them. Filmora enables video editors to include engaging titles on their videos. This video editor offers a super easy and flexible interface to video editors so they can drag and drop relevant clips, select interesting music, and choose a striking theme.

The interface is clean, uncluttered, and organized with easy-to-access features. It includes basic as well as advanced features to enhance video quality and add outstanding effects. There are vast numbers of effects and transitions to make your video smooth and engaging. Color matching and motion tracker tools will completely change your video quality.

2. Nero Video

Nero Video is a cheap yet effective tool for YouTubers. This tool comes with a wide array of effects and tricks to create outstanding content. This tool is perfect for beginners because of its simple editing tools. Nero Video offers the finest functionalities and speed to video editors so they can create more engaging content and publish it on their YouTube channel. Some features of Nero Video are:

• Keyframe animation tools
• Movie templates
• Wide range of templates
• 4K support

4. InVideo

InVideo is different than other platforms as content creators can create interesting videos on the cloud using this tool. This means that you don’t have to download InVideo software. Instead, you can just log into your account and start editing. Furthermore, the tool is stocked with many frames, stickers, features, tricks, and transitions. This software is suitable for beginner as well as professional users. With more than 4000 templates, anyone can create a video on this platform. InVideo doesn’t irritate its users with a watermark, even if you are using the free version of this application. Here are some features of using the InVideo editing tool:

• No watermark
• More than 4000 templates
• More than 8Mn and iStock videos and images
• Intelligent frames
• Automate voice-overs
• Multiple layers
• Power transitions

5. Clipchamp Create

Clipchamp Create is a free video editing tool with wide-ranging transitional effects, and an export option without a watermark. Watermarks only appear when you use stock videos and images in your video. Premium and Business plans are available in this software that offer access to a vast stock library. Using stock library, you can download and add high-resolution images and videos to your project. The tool is incredibly handy as it offers you unique options webcam recorder, video converter, and video compressor. Clipchamp also offers the following features:

• Camera recorder
• Stock library
• Text to speech
• Brand kit
• Trimming videos

Closing Word

Now that you have notable information about the YouTube movie maker tool, you can easily download and install it on your computer. Many YouTube content creators find this application basic. If you want a more advanced tool, you can check the list of alternative movie makers and download the one that offers the best features.

3. Publishing

This tool has standard and special features. Using YouTube movie maker, you can upload videos on your YouTube channel and attract more audience with your content. This video editing tool makes it easy for YouTube content creators to publish their content on the platform. Furthermore, you can save the content on your computer and publish it later on.

3. Boost Productivity

Video editors such as YouTube movie maker improve productivity for video editors. With convenient features and tools, content creators can create more videos with efficiency and increase their content reach.

YouTube Movie Maker Tutorial

YouTube Movie Maker download process is simple. To download and install the application follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit MakeYouTubeVideo.com and choose the download option.

Step 2: This tool is compatible with every Windows version, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

Step 3: While downloading the application you need to evaluate the plans.

Step 4: The Platinum version of YouTube Movie Maker will cost $399. With this plan, you will get high-quality transition effects and audio materials.

Step 5: After choosing the plan, you have to enter the payment options and download the tool.

Step 6: A setup file will download to your computer.

Step 7: You need to open that file and run the installation process.

Here are some tips to use YouTube Movie Maker:

Step 1: When you open the application a clear interface will appear with easy-to-use options.

Step 2: From the left panel, you can browse through your computer storage and import content

Step 3: Also, you can drag and drop the media on your workspace.

Step 4: Align the content on different channels and add music.

Step 5: Once you align the content as required, you can publish the video on YouTube from the button on the bottom right.

4 Best Alternatives for YouTube Movie Maker

A plethora of video editing tools are available on the internet. Whether you are a marketing manager or a film producer, you would need a movie marker to boost your productivity and become a professional video content creator. If you want an alternate option for YouTube movie maker, you can check this list:

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora is one of the best video editing tools out there. Other than Filmora, Wondershare also offers Filmora (a video editing tool for mobile), and FilmStock with wide-ranging video effects and unique soundtracks. Filmora offers a simple and intuitive interface with lots of exciting overlays, filters, transitions, and motion elements. Since Filmora has a dedicated films tock, users can easily download royalty-free music and video clips. Some basic features of Filmora are:

• Noise removal
• Speed control
• GIF support
• 4K editing support
• Frame by frame preview
• Color tuning

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Only a few video editing tools offer 4K and GIF support, and Filmora is one of them. Filmora enables video editors to include engaging titles on their videos. This video editor offers a super easy and flexible interface to video editors so they can drag and drop relevant clips, select interesting music, and choose a striking theme.

The interface is clean, uncluttered, and organized with easy-to-access features. It includes basic as well as advanced features to enhance video quality and add outstanding effects. There are vast numbers of effects and transitions to make your video smooth and engaging. Color matching and motion tracker tools will completely change your video quality.

2. Nero Video

Nero Video is a cheap yet effective tool for YouTubers. This tool comes with a wide array of effects and tricks to create outstanding content. This tool is perfect for beginners because of its simple editing tools. Nero Video offers the finest functionalities and speed to video editors so they can create more engaging content and publish it on their YouTube channel. Some features of Nero Video are:

• Keyframe animation tools
• Movie templates
• Wide range of templates
• 4K support

4. InVideo

InVideo is different than other platforms as content creators can create interesting videos on the cloud using this tool. This means that you don’t have to download InVideo software. Instead, you can just log into your account and start editing. Furthermore, the tool is stocked with many frames, stickers, features, tricks, and transitions. This software is suitable for beginner as well as professional users. With more than 4000 templates, anyone can create a video on this platform. InVideo doesn’t irritate its users with a watermark, even if you are using the free version of this application. Here are some features of using the InVideo editing tool:

• No watermark
• More than 4000 templates
• More than 8Mn and iStock videos and images
• Intelligent frames
• Automate voice-overs
• Multiple layers
• Power transitions

5. Clipchamp Create

Clipchamp Create is a free video editing tool with wide-ranging transitional effects, and an export option without a watermark. Watermarks only appear when you use stock videos and images in your video. Premium and Business plans are available in this software that offer access to a vast stock library. Using stock library, you can download and add high-resolution images and videos to your project. The tool is incredibly handy as it offers you unique options webcam recorder, video converter, and video compressor. Clipchamp also offers the following features:

• Camera recorder
• Stock library
• Text to speech
• Brand kit
• Trimming videos

Closing Word

Now that you have notable information about the YouTube movie maker tool, you can easily download and install it on your computer. Many YouTube content creators find this application basic. If you want a more advanced tool, you can check the list of alternative movie makers and download the one that offers the best features.

Strategic Use of YouTube Cards & Markup

How to Use YouTube Cards and Annotations?

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

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