YouTube introduces ‘End Screen’ tool to promote videos, channels

Screengrab from YouTube/End Screens tab

Asking viewers to subscribe toward the end of videos could be quite tricky for some YouTube users.

To address this type of concern, the famed video-streaming site is launching a new “End Screen” tool to encourage viewers to keep coming back for more.

According to Venturebeat, YouTubers will now have the option to add small overlays on their videos that last five to 20 seconds. The additional plug-in can be used to prompt viewers to subscribe to their channel or watch another video.

YouTube introduced a similar tool called “Annotations” in 2008, which offers the same features as End Screen, but it was not compatible with mobile devices.

The updated version promises a more user-friendly interface and interactive cards feature, which could eventually phase out Annonations in the future.

To access YouTube’s latest feature, users must have a PC or Mac-based browser, Android, iOS or mobile web exclusive for iPads. The overlays are not available on YouTube’s separate apps, including YouTube Music and YouTube Kids.

The End Screen tool is located at the top-right of the YouTube account and can be accessed through the “Creator Studio” tab.  Khristian Ibarrola