Annotations are used to boost engagement, give more information, and aid in navigation. Be inventive! Creators consistently find new, innovative uses for annotations. Below are some guidelines, but use your best judgment to determine the timing, placement, style and number of annotations included in your videos.
Function: Clickable vs. Non-clickable
Clickable annotations
- Link to other videos, playlists, channels or full versions of shorter video clips. Consider creating a table of contents for long-form videos, or directing viewers of older videos to newly uploaded content.
- Highlight your dot com, merchandise store, or your social media presence.
- Place hidden “Easter eggs” or interactive games in your videos.
Non-clickable annotations
- Add text clarification to a specific part of the video
Placement: Where is it shown?
- Avoid annotations in the lower third of the video (unless you’re creating an end-card); the advertisement overlay can obscure them. Also avoid annotations along the very top of the frame because the video player can obstruct them when shared outside of YouTube.
- Don’t obstruct the actual content. Make sure annotations add value and do not get in the way of the viewing experience.
- Don’t bombard the viewer.
Timing and duration: When is it shown and for how long?
- Be careful! Don’t take viewers away from a video too soon.
- Repeat “subscribe” solicitations and other calls to actions at the end of the episode.
Some types of annotations
- Spotlight annotations. Spotlight annotations stand out because they allow creators to subtly create clickable areas within a video. The text only appears when viewers hover over it with their mouse: a light outline shows when viewers are not hovering. This is a great way to include unobtrusive but clickable annotations.
- In-video graphics. Eye-catching graphics can encourage subscribing, commenting, or sharing. Use the spotlight annotation to make these graphics clickable once the video is published.
- End-cards. Create an end-card that directs viewers to act. Create a template that builds consistency into the end of your videos.
Remember, when linking to a video that you want to play within its playlist add “&list=playlist ID HERE” to the end of the url.
- InVideo Programming. InVideo Programming is unique in that it allows you to promote your channel, a playlist, or any YouTube video across all your uploads. You can use it to promote your most recent upload, a tent-pole event or collaboration video, the first episode in a series, or your channel with a custom image. InVideo Programming is also the only annotation type supported on mobile.
See even more types here.
