What are YouTube info cards and how to use them

Getting someone to click on your video is always a win. But views alone don’t drive brand growth. Keeping users engaged after the click is what really counts.

This is where YouTube info cards come in. They’re small, subtle, often overlooked and even unheard of by many. But they can play a big role in turning passive viewers into active ones. When used well, they can guide your audience through your content, encourage action, drive clicks to your website, and boost engagement without ever interrupting the viewer experience.

In this article we’ll unpack what YouTube Info Cards are, how to add them, and why they’re worth your attention if you’re serious about making YouTube work harder for your brand.

What are YouTube info cards?

YouTube Info Cards are interactive elements that pop up during a video, they offer clickable links to other videos, playlists, channels, or even external sites (if you're eligible). They’re like built-in signposts, helping viewers explore more of your content or take action without ever leaving the video.

Here’s what YouTube info cards can link to:

Other videos or playlists on your channel
Another YouTube channel
Polls
External links (like your website or product page)

They’re mobile-friendly, visually clean, and built to keep your viewer’s journey moving.

Why Use YouTube Info Cards?

You’ve already done the hard part of getting someone to click on your video. Now, info cards help you keep them interested and engaged with your brand.

Here’s why they work:

Extend watch time

They point viewers to your next best video right when you know they’re most engaged. That keeps them watching longer and signals to YouTube that your content’s worth recommending.

Boost content discovery

Got a series or related video? Use cards to guide viewers there. You're making it easier for them to find related or relevant value without digging through your channel.

Drive action

Want someone to check out a product page or sign up for something? Info Cards can direct them without being pushy or interruptive. In fact, they can provide a seamless next step.

Improve viewer experience

You’re making their journey smoother. They get more of what they’re interested in without the need to search for themselves.

Best Practices for Using YouTube Info Cards

An info card should do more than just exist, it should drive engagement or action. These are the best practices we use with our clients:

Don’t overcrowd: Stick to 1–3 cards per video unless you have a clear journey in mind. Too many, and they become noise.
Match the moment: Align each card with the content around it. Remember contextual relevance drives clicks.
Keep copy tight: Your card message should be clear, specific, and actionable. “Watch next” or “See how it works” gets more clicks than something vague.
Test and adjust: Use YouTube Analytics to track card performance. If viewers aren’t clicking, try different timing or messaging.

When to use Info Cards on YouTube

Timing matters. Drop an info card too early and it’s a distraction. Add one too late, and your viewer’s already gone.

Here’s when to use them for max impact:

Right after a key insight or moment

If your video solves a problem, follow it up with a card linking to a related topic.

During CTAs

Reinforce your spoken call-to-action with a card.

Before drop-off points

Look at your audience retention graph in YouTube Analytics. Spot where viewers tend to leave and add a card just before to suggest something else to watch.

In a series or journey

If your content is part of a series, cards are your breadcrumbs. Help viewers binge-watch your editorial content by easily pointing them to their next step.

How to Add Info Cards on YouTube

Go to YouTube Studio
Click Content, then select the video
Select Editor, then Info Cards
Choose what you want to link: a video, playlist, channel, poll, or external URL
Set the timestamp for when the card appears
Save, and you're good to go

Conclusion

Info cards are a strategic way to keep viewers engaged, move them through your content, and make their experience better. You’ve already got the content (and attention). Info cards just help you make more of it.

Related guides you might find helpful:

How to Write a Great YouTube Description for SEO

A Guide to Crafting the Perfect YouTube Title

How to Create a Good Thumbnail for YouTube

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are YouTube info cards?

YouTube Info Cards are interactive, clickable elements that appear during a video to guide viewers or encourage action. They can link to other videos, playlists, channels, polls, or (if eligible) external websites.

How many info cards can I add to a video?

You can add up to five info cards per video. Use them strategically so they don’t feel overwhelming or distracting.

Do info cards work on mobile?

Yes. Info cards are designed to work across devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Can I customise how info cards look?

YouTube controls the design to keep it consistent across the platform. However, you control the message text, link destination, and the exact timestamp when the card appears.