10 YouTube End Screen Prompts to Boost Watch Time (2024)

Introduction

Did you know that videos with well-designed end screens can increase watch time by up to 20%? That’s a big number—especially when you consider how hard it is to keep viewers watching. YouTube’s algorithm loves long session durations, and end screens are one of the best tools to make that happen. But here’s the problem: most creators either ignore them completely or use them in a way that doesn’t actually encourage binge-watching.

Think about the last time you watched a YouTube video. Did the end screen feel helpful, or did it just disappear too quickly? Many creators treat end screens as an afterthought—something to slap on at the last minute without much thought. But the truth is, a good end screen can be the difference between a viewer clicking away or watching your next video. It’s not just about suggesting another video; it’s about guiding the viewer’s next move in a way that feels natural and engaging.

So how do you create end screens that actually work? That’s where these 10 prompts come in. They’re designed to help you craft end screens that:

Keep viewers watching by suggesting the right next video
Boost session duration with smart recommendations
Feel personal instead of pushy or generic

In this article, we’ll break down each prompt with real examples and best practices. You’ll learn how to use psychology to make your end screens more effective, what mistakes to avoid, and how to test what works best for your audience. Whether you’re a new creator or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you turn casual viewers into loyal subscribers—one end screen at a time.

Why YouTube End Screens Matter for Session Duration

YouTube end screens are like the last handshake after a good conversation. They don’t just say “goodbye” – they invite the viewer to stay a little longer. Many creators treat them as an afterthought, slapping on a quick “Subscribe” button and calling it a day. But smart creators know: the right end screen can turn a one-video viewer into a binge-watcher. And that’s what YouTube’s algorithm loves most.

Think about your own watching habits. When a video ends, do you usually click away? Or do you sometimes find yourself watching “just one more”? That’s no accident. The best end screens use psychology to make clicking the next video feel like the natural thing to do. They don’t just suggest content – they create a little itch in your brain that says, “Hmm, that looks interesting. Maybe I’ll watch that next.”

The Psychology Behind End Screens

Our brains are wired to finish what we start. Psychologists call this the “Zeigarnik Effect” – we remember unfinished tasks better than completed ones. A good end screen taps into this by making the viewer feel like their watching session isn’t quite done yet. That little “Next video” suggestion? It’s not just a button. It’s a gentle nudge that says, “Hey, your watching experience isn’t complete. Here’s how to finish it.”

Visual cues play a huge role too. Bright colors, clear arrows, and faces looking toward the next video all guide the viewer’s eyes where you want them to go. It’s like when you’re at a buffet and the dessert table has a spotlight on it – your eyes naturally go there. The same principle works for end screens. The most effective ones use:

Contrast (bright buttons on dark backgrounds or vice versa)
Movement (subtle animations that draw attention)
Faces (people looking toward the next video)
Urgency (limited-time offers or “Watch next before it’s gone” messaging)

How YouTube’s Algorithm Rewards Binge-Watching

YouTube’s algorithm doesn’t just care about views. It cares about watch time – especially how long someone stays on the platform after watching your video. This is called “session duration,” and it’s one of the biggest factors in whether YouTube recommends your content. The longer someone watches, the more YouTube thinks, “Hey, this creator must have good stuff. Let’s show their videos to more people.”

Here’s where end screens become powerful. A well-designed end screen can increase session duration by 20-30% or more. Let’s look at a real example:

Case Study: The Gaming Channel That Doubled Watch Time A mid-sized gaming channel was struggling to keep viewers past their first video. They had good content, but their end screens were basic – just a subscribe button and a random video suggestion. After optimizing their end screens with:

A clear “Watch Next” video that matched the current video’s topic
A teaser clip from the next video to build curiosity
A subscribe button that only appeared after 5 seconds (so it didn’t distract from the main call-to-action)

Their average session duration jumped from 2.1 videos to 4.3 videos. That’s more than double! And within three months, their videos started appearing in YouTube’s “Recommended” section more often.

Common Mistakes That Kill Your End Screen’s Effectiveness

Not all end screens are created equal. Some actually hurt your watch time instead of helping it. Here are the biggest mistakes creators make:

1. Too Many Options = No Action Ever stood in front of a menu with 50 items and felt overwhelmed? That’s what happens when your end screen has:

A subscribe button
A “Watch Next” video
A playlist suggestion
A link to your website
A poll or community post

Your viewer’s brain freezes. Instead of clicking, they close the tab. The fix? Stick to one primary call-to-action (usually “Watch Next”) and one secondary (like subscribe).

2. Ignoring Mobile vs. Desktop Differences On desktop, viewers see your end screen for about 20 seconds. On mobile? Just 5-7 seconds. That means:

Mobile end screens need bigger, bolder elements
Text should be short and easy to read at a glance
The most important button should be in the center of the screen (where thumbs naturally rest)

3. Suggesting the Wrong Next Video YouTube’s default “Recommended” option isn’t always the best choice. If your video is about “How to Bake a Cake,” but the suggested video is “My Morning Routine,” viewers will click away. Instead, manually select a video that:

Continues the story from your current video
Answers a question raised in your video
Is part of a series (e.g., “Part 2” or “Advanced Tips”)

How to Use YouTube Analytics to Improve Your End Screens

YouTube gives you all the data you need to make your end screens better – you just have to know where to look. Here’s how to use it:

Find Your Drop-Off Points
- Go to YouTube Studio > Analytics > Engagement
- Look at the “Audience Retention” graph
- Note where most viewers stop watching (usually the last 10-20 seconds)
- This is where your end screen should start – not too early, not too late
See Which End Screens Work Best
- In the same “Engagement” tab, scroll to “End Screen Elements”
- You’ll see which buttons get clicked most (subscribe, suggested video, etc.)
- If your “Watch Next” button has a low click rate, try:
  - A different video suggestion
  - A more compelling thumbnail
  - A teaser clip from the next video
Test Different Versions
- Try two different end screens for similar videos
- Compare the “Session Starts” metric (how many viewers watched another video after yours)
- Keep the version that performs better

The best end screens don’t just happen by accident. They’re the result of testing, tweaking, and paying attention to what your audience actually does – not just what you think they’ll do. Start with one change this week. Maybe it’s simplifying your end screen or picking a better “Watch Next” video. Small improvements add up to big results over time.

The 10 Prompts for High-Converting YouTube End Screens

YouTube end screens are like a friendly guide at the end of your video. They don’t just say “goodbye” – they point viewers to what they should watch next. But here’s the problem: most creators just pick any random video and hope for the best. That’s like leaving a customer at the checkout counter without suggesting anything else to buy. Not smart, right?

The best end screens feel natural, not pushy. They make viewers think, “Oh, that’s exactly what I want to watch next!” To do this, you need a strategy. Below are 10 prompts to help you choose the right videos for your end screens. These aren’t just random ideas – they’re based on psychology, data, and what actually works for top creators.

1. What’s the Next Logical Video in This Series?

If your content is part of a series, this is the easiest way to keep viewers watching. Think of it like a TV show – after one episode ends, you want to watch the next one. Gaming channels do this really well. For example, if a viewer just finished “How to Beat Level 5 in [Game Name] – Part 1,” the end screen should link to “Part 2.” Simple, but effective.

But what if your content isn’t a series? No problem. You can still create a “logical next step.” For example:

If you made a video about “How to Start a Blog,” the next video could be “How to Get Your First 100 Blog Visitors.”
If you did a “Beginner’s Guide to Yoga,” the follow-up could be “10-Minute Morning Yoga Routine.”

The key is to think like your viewer. What would they naturally want to watch after this video?

2. Which Video Solves the Viewer’s Next Problem?

People watch YouTube to solve problems. Maybe they want to learn a skill, fix something, or just feel better. Your end screen should answer this question: “What’s the next problem my viewer has?”

For example, if you made a video about “How to Make Perfect Pancakes,” the next problem might be “What’s the best syrup to use?” or “How to Make Pancakes Without a Griddle.” Tutorial channels do this really well. They don’t just teach one thing – they guide viewers through a whole learning journey.

Here’s how to find your viewer’s next problem:

Look at the comments on your video. What are people asking for?
Check YouTube search suggestions. Type your topic and see what pops up.
Think about your own experience. What did you want to know after making that video?

3. What’s the Most Popular Video in Your Niche?

People love what’s already popular. If a video has thousands of views, it must be good, right? That’s why linking to your most-watched video can work really well. It’s like saying, “Hey, everyone else loves this – you might too!”

But don’t just pick any popular video. It should still make sense with the current video. For example:

If you made a video about “Best Budget Laptops in 2024,” your most popular video might be “Top 5 Laptops Under $500.”
If you did a “Beginner’s Guide to Photography,” your most-watched video could be “5 Camera Settings Every Beginner Should Know.”

To find your most popular videos, go to YouTube Studio > Analytics > Content. Sort by views, and you’ll see which videos are getting the most attention.

4. What’s a High-Retention Video in Your Library?

Not all videos are created equal. Some keep viewers watching until the end, while others make them click away after 30 seconds. The videos that keep people watching are called “high-retention” videos. These are gold for end screens because they’re proven to hold attention.

For example, if you’re a vlogger and your “Day in the Life” video has an 80% retention rate, that’s a great candidate for an end screen. Viewers who just watched one of your videos are more likely to stick around for another.

Here’s how to find high-retention videos:

Go to YouTube Studio > Analytics > Engagement.
Look for videos with a high “average percentage viewed.”
Pick the ones that are most relevant to your current video.

5. What’s a Video That Complements This One?

Some videos go together like peanut butter and jelly. They’re not part of a series, but they make sense together. For example:

If you made a video about “How to Lose Weight,” a complementary video could be “Best Meal Plans for Weight Loss.”
If you did a “Guitar Tutorial for Beginners,” the next video could be “5 Easy Songs to Play on Guitar.”

Fitness channels do this really well. They’ll link a workout video to a meal plan video because they know viewers want both. The key is to think about what your viewer needs to complete their goal, not just what you want them to watch.

6. What’s a Video That Expands on This Topic?

Sometimes, viewers want to go deeper. They’ve learned the basics, and now they want more. That’s where “next-level” content comes in. For example:

If you made a video about “How to Start a YouTube Channel,” the next video could be “How to Get Your First 1,000 Subscribers.”
If you did a “Beginner’s Guide to Investing,” the follow-up could be “Advanced Stock Market Strategies.”

Tech reviewers do this really well. They’ll start with a basic review, then link to a comparison video or a deep dive into a specific feature. The goal is to keep viewers engaged by offering them more value.

7. What’s a Video That Challenges the Viewer?

People love a good debate. If your video presents one side of an argument, why not link to a video that presents the opposite? This works really well for opinion-based content. For example:

If you made a video about “Why Social Media is Bad for Mental Health,” the end screen could link to “Why Social Media is Good for Mental Health.”
If you did a “Why This Phone is the Best,” the next video could be “Why This Other Phone is Actually Better.”

This strategy works because it creates curiosity. Viewers think, “Hmm, I wonder what the other side has to say?” and click to find out.

8. What’s a Video That Encourages Community Interaction?

YouTube isn’t just about watching videos – it’s about being part of a community. If you want to build a loyal audience, you need to get viewers involved. That’s where interactive content comes in. For example:

If you made a video about “My Thoughts on [Topic],” the end screen could link to a “Q&A Video” where viewers can ask questions.
If you did a “Day in the Life” video, the next video could be a “Live Stream” where viewers can chat with you in real time.

Podcasts do this really well. They’ll link to “Ask Me Anything” videos or polls where viewers can vote on what they want to see next. The goal is to make viewers feel like they’re part of something bigger.

9. What’s a Video That Aligns with the Viewer’s Goals?

People watch YouTube to achieve something. Maybe they want to get fit, learn a skill, or just have fun. Your end screen should help them get closer to that goal. For example:

If you made a video about “How to Start a Business,” the next video could be “How to Set Business Goals for 2024.”
If you did a “Beginner’s Guide to Running,” the follow-up could be “How to Train for Your First 5K.”

Business coaches do this really well. They know their audience wants to succeed, so they link to videos that help them get there. The key is to think about what your viewer wants to achieve and guide them toward it.

10. What’s a Video That Creates Urgency or FOMO?

People hate missing out. If they think they’ll miss something important, they’re more likely to click. That’s why linking to time-sensitive content can work really well. For example:

If you made a video about “Best Deals of the Week,” the end screen could link to “Today’s Flash Sale – Ends Soon!”
If you did a “News Update,” the next video could be “Breaking News – What You Need to Know Now.”

News channels do this really well. They know viewers want to stay informed, so they link to the latest updates. The key is to make the viewer feel like they need to watch now, not later.

Final Thought: Test, Learn, and Improve

The best end screens don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of testing, learning, and improving. Start with one of these prompts and see what works for your audience. Pay attention to your analytics – which videos are getting the most clicks? Which ones are keeping viewers on your channel the longest?

Remember, the goal isn’t just to get more views. It’s to create a better experience for your viewers. When you do that, YouTube rewards you with more watch time, more subscribers, and more success. So which prompt will you try first?

Design & Placement Best Practices for End Screens

YouTube end screens are like the last handshake with your viewer. If done right, they can turn a one-time watcher into a loyal fan. But if done wrong? They might just click away and never return. So how do you make sure your end screens work for you, not against you?

The secret isn’t just in what you show—it’s in how and when you show it. A great end screen feels natural, not pushy. It guides viewers to the next step without making them feel like they’re being sold something. Let’s break down the best ways to design and place your end screens for maximum impact.

When to Show Your End Screen (Timing Matters!)

YouTube recommends showing end screens in the last 5-20 seconds of your video. But here’s the catch: you don’t want to interrupt the most important part of your content. Imagine you’re watching a movie, and just as the climax hits, the screen fades to black with a “Watch Next” prompt. Frustrating, right?

Here’s what to do instead:

For short videos (under 2 minutes): Show the end screen in the last 5 seconds. There’s not much time, so keep it simple.
For longer videos (5+ minutes): Start the end screen at the 20-second mark. This gives viewers enough time to see your suggestions without feeling rushed.
For tutorials or how-to videos: Wait until the very end. If someone is following along, they won’t want to be interrupted mid-step.

Pro tip: Use YouTube’s “End Screen” tool in the editor to preview how it looks. If it feels too early or too late, adjust the timing until it feels just right.

Design Tips: Make It Clear, Make It Clickable

A good end screen should be easy to see and even easier to click. But many creators make the mistake of cramming too much into one screen. Remember: less is more.

Here’s how to design an end screen that works:

Use contrast: If your video has dark colors, use light-colored end screen elements (and vice versa). This makes them stand out.
Keep it simple: Stick to 1-2 elements (like a “Subscribe” button and one “Watch Next” video). Too many options confuse viewers.
Make CTAs (Call-to-Actions) clear: Use phrases like “Watch Next,” “Subscribe,” or “Learn More.” Avoid vague language like “Click Here.”
Mobile vs. desktop: On mobile, end screens take up more space, so make sure your text is big enough to read. Test on both devices!

“A cluttered end screen is like a messy storefront—people won’t know where to look, so they’ll just walk away.”

A/B Testing: Find What Works for Your Audience

Not all end screens perform the same. What works for a gaming channel might not work for a cooking channel. The only way to know for sure? Test different versions.

Here’s how to do it:

Pick one variable to test: For example, try swapping the “Watch Next” video thumbnail or changing the CTA text.
Run the test for at least a week: Give it enough time to gather data.
Check YouTube Analytics: Look at click-through rates (CTR) to see which version performed better.
Repeat: Keep testing small changes to improve over time.

Example: A tech reviewer tested two end screens—one with a bright “Subscribe” button and one with a subtle one. The bright button got 30% more clicks. Small change, big difference!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best creators make mistakes with end screens. Here are a few to watch out for:

Overlapping with important content: Don’t cover up the last few seconds of your video with an end screen. Let viewers finish watching first.
Ignoring YouTube’s guidelines: YouTube has rules about end screens (like no misleading thumbnails). Break them, and your video might get penalized.
Using low-quality thumbnails: If your “Watch Next” video has a blurry thumbnail, viewers won’t click. Always use high-quality images.
Forgetting mobile users: About 70% of YouTube views come from mobile. If your end screen looks messy on a small screen, you’re losing out.

Final Thought: Keep It Natural

The best end screens don’t feel like ads—they feel like a helpful suggestion. Think of them as a way to say, “Hey, if you liked this, you might like that too.” When you focus on giving value, viewers will keep coming back.

So, which tip will you try first? Maybe it’s simplifying your design or testing a new CTA. Whatever it is, start small and see what works. Your viewers (and your watch time) will thank you.

Case Studies: Channels That Mastered End Screens

End screens are like the last handshake with your viewer. If done right, they can turn a one-time watcher into a loyal fan. But how do you know what works? Let’s look at real channels that nailed their end screens—and the results they got.

Gaming Channel: Turning Viewers into Binge-Watchers

A gaming channel with over 100K subscribers had a problem. Their videos were getting views, but viewers weren’t sticking around. The solution? Simple: “Watch Part 2” prompts.

Before, their end screens were generic—just a subscribe button and a random video suggestion. After testing, they changed their approach:

Added a clear “Part 2” prompt (e.g., “Next Level: How to Beat the Boss”)
Used a bright, eye-catching thumbnail for the next video
Kept the end screen clean—no clutter, just one strong call-to-action

The result? A 30% increase in session duration. Viewers weren’t just watching one video—they were binge-watching the whole series.

Key takeaway: If your content has a natural next step (like a series or tutorial), make it obvious. Don’t leave viewers guessing what to watch next.

Educational Channel: The Power of “Next Lesson” Prompts

An educational channel with 500K+ subscribers wanted to keep students engaged. Their strategy? “Next Lesson” end screens.

Instead of suggesting random videos, they linked to the logical next step in their course. For example:

After a video on “Basic Python Loops,” the end screen suggested “Python Functions Explained.”
After a history lesson on “World War II,” the next video was “The Cold War Begins.”

This simple change led to higher binge velocity—viewers watched more videos in one sitting. Why? Because the next step felt natural, not forced.

Key takeaway for niche creators: If your content has a learning path, guide viewers along it. Don’t assume they’ll find the next video on their own.

Vlog Channel: Bringing Old Content Back to Life

A vlog channel with 200K+ subscribers had a problem: their older videos were getting buried. Their solution? “Most Popular Video” prompts.

Instead of always suggesting their latest upload, they tested linking to their best-performing evergreen content. For example:

After a travel vlog, they suggested “Our Most-Viewed Destination Guide.”
After a Q&A video, they linked to “Our Top 5 Most-Liked Videos.”

The result? A 20% increase in views on older content. Viewers who might have left after one video stayed longer, exploring more of their library.

Key takeaway: If you have evergreen content, don’t let it collect dust. Use end screens to reintroduce it to new viewers.

What These Channels Did Right (And What You Can Copy)

These case studies prove one thing: small changes to end screens can lead to big results. Here’s what worked for them—and what you can try:

✅ Make the next step obvious – If your content has a natural flow (like a series or course), guide viewers to it. ✅ Use strong visuals – A bright thumbnail or bold text grabs attention. ✅ Test different prompts – Try “Part 2,” “Next Lesson,” or “Most Popular Video” to see what works best. ✅ Keep it simple – Too many options = decision fatigue. Stick to one strong suggestion.

Final thought: Your end screen isn’t just a suggestion—it’s an invitation. Make it count.

Advanced Strategies: Personalization & Automation

YouTube end screens are not just static images—they can be smart, dynamic, and even automated. If you want to keep viewers watching longer, you need to move beyond basic “Subscribe” buttons. The best channels use personalization and automation to guide viewers to the right next video. Here’s how to do it.

Dynamic End Screens Based on Viewer Behavior

YouTube’s algorithm already knows what your viewers like. Why not use that to your advantage? Instead of always linking to the same video, you can tailor end screens based on watch history, engagement, or even location.

For example:

If a viewer watches a lot of your “Beginner Guitar Lessons,” your end screen could suggest the next lesson in the series.
If someone watches a “Product Review,” you might link to a “Best Alternatives” video instead of a random upload.
For returning viewers, you could highlight a new release rather than an older popular video.

YouTube’s “Recommended Videos” feature makes this easy. When setting up an end screen, you can choose “Best for viewer” instead of manually picking a video. This lets YouTube’s algorithm decide what to show based on the viewer’s past behavior. The result? Higher click-through rates and longer watch sessions.

Automating End Screens with Tools

Editing end screens one by one is time-consuming, especially if you have hundreds of videos. That’s where tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ come in. These platforms let you:

Apply the same end screen template to multiple videos at once.
Bulk-edit links to keep them updated (e.g., swapping out an old “Watch Next” video).
Use scripting to ensure consistency (e.g., always linking to a playlist or latest upload).

For example, a gaming channel could set up a rule: “Always link to the newest gameplay video in the end screen.” This way, viewers are always directed to fresh content without manual updates. Automation saves time and keeps your strategy scalable.

Leveraging Playlists for Binge-Watching

Playlists are one of the most underused tools for increasing session duration. Instead of just linking to a single video, you can funnel viewers into a curated playlist. This works especially well for:

Music channels (e.g., “Top 10 Hits of 2024” playlist).
Educational content (e.g., “Learn Python in 30 Days” series).
Gaming walkthroughs (e.g., “Full Gameplay Walkthrough” playlist).

Here’s how to do it:

Create a playlist with a clear theme (e.g., “Best Workouts for Beginners”).
In your end screen, link to the playlist instead of a single video.
Use a strong CTA like “Binge the full series!” to encourage clicks.

The beauty of playlists? Once a viewer starts watching, YouTube keeps them engaged with autoplay. This means more watch time for you and a better experience for them.

Localization & Language-Specific End Screens

If your channel has a global audience, one-size-fits-all end screens won’t cut it. Viewers in different regions have different preferences, and language barriers can hurt engagement. Here’s how to adapt:

Multilingual channels: Create separate end screens for each language (e.g., Spanish viewers see Spanish video links).
Region-specific content: If you have videos tailored to certain countries (e.g., “Best Restaurants in Tokyo”), link to those in the end screen for viewers from that region.
Cultural relevance: A “Holiday Gift Guide” might link to different products for viewers in the U.S. vs. Europe.

YouTube’s audience insights can help you see where your viewers are from. Use this data to test localized end screens and see which versions perform best.

Putting It All Together

Personalization and automation aren’t just for big channels. Even small creators can use these strategies to boost watch time. Start with one tactic—maybe dynamic end screens or playlist linking—and track the results. Over time, you’ll find what works best for your audience.

The key? Always think about the viewer’s journey. Your end screen should feel like a natural next step, not a random suggestion. When you get it right, YouTube rewards you with more visibility, more subscribers, and more growth. So which strategy will you try first?

Measuring Success: Analytics & Optimization

You made great end screens. You picked the right prompts. Now what? The real work starts when you check if they actually work. Without data, you’re just guessing. And guessing doesn’t grow channels.

YouTube gives you numbers. Lots of them. But which ones matter? And how do you use them to make your end screens better? Let’s break it down.

The Metrics That Actually Matter

Not all numbers are equal. Some look good but don’t help your channel. Others seem small but make a big difference. Here’s what to watch:

Click-through rate (CTR): How many people click your end screen suggestion? If 100 people see it and 10 click, that’s 10% CTR. Good channels often see 5-15% here.
Session duration: Does your end screen keep people watching longer? If viewers watch 3 more minutes after clicking, that’s a win.
Watch time lift: YouTube cares about this. If your end screen adds 10% more watch time to your videos, the algorithm notices.
Subscriber growth: Some end screens ask people to subscribe. Track if this number goes up after changes.

Don’t just look at views. A video with 10,000 views but 2% CTR on end screens is worse than one with 5,000 views and 12% CTR. The second one keeps people on your channel longer.

How to Read YouTube Studio Like a Pro

YouTube Studio has all your data. But it can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to find what you need:

Go to Analytics → Engagement → End screens.
Look at the CTR column. Are some end screens getting more clicks than others?
Check Traffic sources. Are people clicking from certain videos more?
Compare performance over time. Did your CTR drop after changing an end screen?

If an end screen has low CTR (under 3%), it’s not working. Maybe the prompt isn’t clear. Maybe the video you’re linking isn’t a good match. Try something new.

Pro tip: YouTube Studio lets you compare two videos. Pick one with high CTR and one with low CTR. What’s different? Use that to improve.

When and How to Update Your End Screens

You don’t need to change end screens every week. But you shouldn’t set them and forget them either. Here’s a simple plan:

Check every 2 weeks: Look at CTR and watch time. Are numbers dropping?
Update every month: Try a new prompt or link to a trending video.
Big changes? Test first: If you’re unsure, run two versions (A/B test) for a week. See which one performs better.

Example: A cooking channel noticed their “What to Cook Next” end screen had low CTR. They changed it to “This Recipe Goes Perfect With This One” and saw a 20% increase in clicks.

Tools to Go Beyond YouTube Studio

YouTube’s data is good, but sometimes you need more. These tools can help:

Google Analytics: Connect it to your YouTube channel. See how end screens affect website traffic or sales.
Heatmaps (Hotjar, Crazy Egg): Show where people click (or don’t click) on your end screen. Maybe they’re ignoring the subscribe button.
Tubebuddy or VidIQ: These tools give extra insights, like which end screen prompts work best for your niche.

Warning: Don’t get stuck in data. Pick 1-2 tools and focus on the numbers that matter.

What to Do When Nothing Works

Sometimes, even good end screens don’t perform. Here’s what to try:

Change the timing: Maybe your end screen shows too early or too late. Try 5 seconds before the video ends.
Simplify the design: Too many options confuse people. Try one video suggestion instead of three.
Match the mood: If your video is serious, don’t use a flashy end screen. Keep it consistent.
Ask your audience: Run a poll in the community tab. “What should I cover next?” Their answers might surprise you.

Real example: A gaming channel had low CTR on their “Next Level Walkthrough” end screen. They changed it to “Want to See the Boss Fight?” and clicks doubled. The lesson? Sometimes small tweaks make a big difference.

The Big Picture

End screens aren’t just about getting more views. They’re about keeping people on your channel. The longer they watch, the more YouTube recommends your videos. That’s how you grow.

Start with the basics: track CTR, watch time, and session duration. Make small changes. Test what works. And don’t be afraid to try something new. The best channels didn’t get there by accident—they used data to make smart decisions.

Now, open YouTube Studio and look at your numbers. What’s one thing you can improve today?

Conclusion & Actionable Next Steps

YouTube end screens are like a secret weapon—small but powerful. They can turn a single view into a binge-watching session, keep viewers on your channel longer, and even grow your subscriber count. But only if you use them right.

Let’s quickly recap the 10 prompts we covered:

The “Next Up” Teaser – Show a sneak peek of your next video to keep viewers hooked.
The “Best Of” Playlist – Guide viewers to your most popular content.
The “Subscribe Now” Push – Make it easy for them to hit that subscribe button.
The “Trending Topic” Link – Ride the wave of what’s hot right now.
The “Series Continuation” – Perfect for tutorials, vlogs, or any multi-part content.
The “Community Post” Redirect – Drive traffic to your latest polls or updates.
The “Merch or Affiliate Plug” – Turn views into sales (if that’s your goal).
The “Channel Trailer” – Great for new visitors who need a quick intro.
The “Live Stream Invite” – Boost attendance for your next live video.
The “Personalized Recommendation” – Use data to suggest what they’ll love.

What’s the Big Lesson Here?

End screens aren’t just about slapping a few links at the end of your video. They’re about guiding your viewer’s next move. Think of them like a roadmap—if you don’t give directions, they’ll get lost. And if you give too many, they’ll get confused.

The best end screens are simple, clear, and personal. Test different prompts, see what works, and don’t be afraid to change things up. YouTube rewards channels that keep viewers watching, so every second counts.

Your Action Plan

Ready to improve your end screens? Here’s what to do next:

Audit your current end screens – Are they cluttered? Boring? Outdated?
Pick 1-2 prompts from this list – Start small. Test one new idea at a time.
Check YouTube Studio analytics – See which end screens get the most clicks.
Update every few weeks – Trends change, so should your end screens.

Remember: Your end screen is the last thing viewers see before they decide to stay or leave. Make it count. Which prompt will you try first?