Boost Your YouTube Description with Clickable Links!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Importance of Keeping People Inside the YouTube App
- The Mistake of Altered Links in Descriptions
- How to Shorten Links in YouTube Studio
- The Pitfalls of Copying and Pasting Links
- Ensuring Clickable Links in Descriptions
- Common Mistakes with Website Links
- The Correct Format for Clickable Website Links
- Using Bitly to Shorten Links
- Conclusion
Article
Introduction
In the world of YouTube, adding links to your description or pinned comment can be a powerful way to direct your audience to additional content or websites. However, there are some common mistakes that many creators make when it comes to using links effectively. One of the biggest mistakes is putting a link that takes viewers out of the YouTube app, which can be frustrating for users who prefer to watch videos within the app. In this article, we'll explore how to add links that keep people inside the YouTube app, as well as other important considerations for using links in your YouTube descriptions.
The Importance of Keeping People Inside the YouTube App
When viewers click on a YouTube video link in the description, they expect to stay within the app and continue watching videos seamlessly. However, some creators unintentionally direct viewers outside of the app, which can disrupt the viewing experience. To ensure a positive user experience, it's crucial to keep people inside the YouTube app as much as possible. In the following sections, we'll discuss common mistakes and best practices for adding links in descriptions and pinned comments.
The Mistake of Altered Links in Descriptions
One common mistake that creators make is altering links in their descriptions. This can happen when creators use link shortening services like Bitly or Geniuslink, which can change the original web address. When a link is altered, clicking on it will take viewers outside of the YouTube app and into a different web browser. To avoid this, it's important to use unaltered video links in descriptions and pinned comments.
To prevent altered links, creators can simply copy the video link from the browser's address bar and paste it directly into the description or pinned comment. This ensures that the link remains intact and clickable within the app. Additionally, YouTube provides a built-in feature to shorten video links within the YouTube Studio. By clicking the Share button and copying the shortened link (e.g., youtu.be), creators can further optimize the length of their video links.
How to Shorten Links in YouTube Studio
To make video links as short as possible, creators can utilize the link shortening feature within YouTube Studio. By navigating to the Share button below the video, creators can access a shortened version of the video link (e.g., youtu.be). Copying this shortened link and pasting it into the description or pinned comment will result in a cleaner and more user-friendly appearance.
Using the shortened link from YouTube Studio not only improves the aesthetics of the description but also keeps viewers inside the YouTube app. It's essential to avoid altering the link or removing any components like "https" or "www," as this can render the link unclickable.
The Pitfalls of Copying and Pasting Links
While copying and pasting descriptions from one video to another might seem like a time-saving technique, it can lead to issues with link functionality. YouTube automatically shortens long links in descriptions by adding "...", making them clickable within the app. However, copying the entire description, including the shortened link, and pasting it into another video's description can result in a non-clickable link.
To ensure that links are clickable, creators should avoid copying descriptions with shortened links. Instead, they should enter the YouTube Studio, access the original video's description, and copy the full link for use in other videos. Ignoring this step can lead to dead links and a frustrating viewing experience for viewers.
Ensuring Clickable Links in Descriptions
To make sure that links in descriptions are clickable, it's crucial to use the correct format. Simply typing the website address (e.g., growwithvideolive.com) or adding the "www" prefix (e.g., www.growwithvideolive.com) will not create clickable links within the YouTube app. Instead, it's important to include the full address with the "https://" prefix, ensuring that the link appears as a clickable blue text.
By utilizing the correct format, with the complete web address and the necessary prefixes, creators can ensure that their links are clickable and lead viewers to the intended destination. Taking the time to verify and correct links in descriptions can significantly enhance the user experience.
Common Mistakes with Website Links
Adding website links in descriptions poses additional challenges for creators. Many people make the mistake of typing the website address without any prefixes or protocols (e.g., growwithvideolive.com), assuming it will still be clickable. However, within the YouTube app, these links will not function as intended.
Another common error is including the "www" prefix in website links (e.g., www.growwithvideolive.com). While this format may work on traditional websites, it does not create clickable links within YouTube descriptions. To ensure a clickable website link within your YouTube description, it's crucial to include the full web address with the "https://" prefix.
The Correct Format for Clickable Website Links
To make website links clickable within YouTube descriptions, it's vital to use the correct format. The full website address, including the "https://" prefix, should be included. This format ensures that users can directly click on the link and be directed to the website without leaving the YouTube app.
By adhering to the correct format, creators can provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for their viewers. Remember to double-check links in descriptions to ensure they are clickable and functional.
Using Bitly to Shorten Links
While it's generally recommended to keep viewers inside the YouTube app, there may be instances where creators want to direct users to external websites. In these cases, it can be beneficial to use link shortening services like Bitly to create more concise and user-friendly links.
By submitting the full website address with the "https://" prefix to Bitly, creators can generate a shortened link that directs viewers to the desired website. However, it's important to note that using shortened links should be done sparingly, as they may take viewers outside of the YouTube app.
Conclusion
Adding links to YouTube descriptions and pinned comments can be a strategic way to direct viewers to additional content or external websites. By avoiding common mistakes like using altered links or incorrect formats, creators can enhance the user experience and keep viewers engaged within the YouTube app.
Remember to use unaltered video links, utilize YouTube Studio's link shortening feature, and ensure clickable website links by including the "https://" prefix. By following these guidelines, creators can effectively leverage links while keeping viewers inside the YouTube app.
As you continue to refine your YouTube content and optimize your descriptions, always prioritize the user experience and ensure that links are easily accessible and functional.
Highlights
- Avoid using altered links in YouTube descriptions and pinned comments to keep viewers within the YouTube app.
- Copy and paste the full video link from the browser's address bar to maintain clickable links.
- Utilize YouTube Studio's link shortening feature to create cleaner and more user-friendly video links.
- Be cautious when copying and pasting descriptions, as it can result in non-clickable links.
- Use the correct format for website links (including the "https://" prefix) to ensure clickability within the YouTube app.
- Consider using link shortening services like Bitly for external website links, but use them sparingly to keep viewers within the app.
FAQ
Q: Why is it important to keep viewers inside the YouTube app?
A: Keeping viewers inside the YouTube app enhances their experience and promotes engagement with your content.
Q: What is an altered link, and why should I avoid using it?
A: An altered link is a link that has been modified or shortened using services like Bitly. Using altered links can take viewers outside of the YouTube app and disrupt their viewing experience.
Q: Can I copy and paste video descriptions to multiple videos?
A: While copying and pasting video descriptions can be a time-saver, it can result in non-clickable links. It's best to copy the full link from the YouTube Studio to ensure clickability.
Q: What is the correct format for website links in YouTube descriptions?
A: Website links should include the full address with the "https://" prefix to ensure clickability within the YouTube app.
Q: Should I use link shortening services like Bitly for all my website links?
A: It's recommended to use link shortening services sparingly, especially if you want to keep viewers inside the YouTube app. Shortened links may redirect viewers outside of the app.
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