The end of a video is when many viewers begin to tune out, meaning that your final message may never reach them. Knowing how to make a video end screen can turn that drop-off point into a moment that drives conversions and encourages continued engagement. Whether you’re editing existing videos or creating new ones, adding an end screen keeps viewers in your content pipeline by prompting subscriptions and directing them to more of your work.
This guide outlines the best practices for designing effective end screens and provides you with step-by-step instructions for adding them to your content. With the right approach, every end screen outro can strengthen your channel and deliver measurable results.
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What are video end screens?
A video end screen is the final frame that appears during a video's last five to 20 seconds. It’s a customizable space where content creators and filmmakers can guide their audience to take another action on their page, such as watching more videos, subscribing to a channel, following on social, or clicking through to a linked screen video or playlist.
Compelling end screens on YouTube or Vimeo are a major element of a good video content marketing strategy.When used consistently, end screens build brand visibility and amplify your voice beyond the final seconds of your video.
What’s the difference between a video end screen and a video bumper?
Both video end screens and video bumpers serve important functions, but they differ in intent. A video end screen’s primary purpose is to keep audiences engaged after the main content is over. End screens are interactive and can contain clickable elements, such as links to other videos or playlists, a subscribe button for your channel, links to other channels, or external websites. The goal of an end screen is to encourage viewers to take further action.
A video bumper is a short video clip used primarily for branding. These can appear at the beginning (as an intro), in the middle, or at the end (as an outro) of your video. Bumpers are usually brief animations, often under 10 seconds. They feature elements like your channel or brand logo, the video title (in intros), or a short call-to-action (in outros). Unlike end screens, bumpers are not usually interactive. They exist to reinforce brand recognition and create a consistent feel for your videos.
Must-have elements of a video end screen
To maximize your outro, your video end screen should include elements that direct your audience toward further action. Whether you're editing in YouTube Studio or creating content with Vimeo, these features can help increase overall watch time and drive traffic where it matters most:
- A subscribe button: Add a subscribe button to encourage viewers to subscribe to your YouTube channel or follow your brand for more content.
- A visual cue or animation: Include subtle movement or design elements to draw attention to your end screen and encourage interaction.
- A branded background or theme: To reinforce brand identity, maintain visual consistency with the rest of your content, such as your account icon, .
- Suggested videos or a playlist: Direct viewers to related YouTube videos or a curated playlist to keep them engaged and extend watch time.
- Clear and concise CTAs: Use simple text prompts like "Watch next," "Subscribe," or "Learn more" to guide users to the next steps.
- Clickable actions that align with your goals: Choose elements that support your objectives, such as more views on a new video, product clicks, or lead generation.
- Links to a website or landing page: Encourage off-platform engagement with links to your site, socials, product page, or signup form.
- Mobile-friendly layout: Ensure your screen video layout looks clean and functions well on desktop and mobile devices.
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Best practices for creating engaging video end screens
Follow these best practices to get the most out of your end screens:
- Use the recommended screen size and dimensions: Add your outro to the final five to 20 seconds of the video and design it using layout guidelines that fit the platform and screen type you're targeting.
- Design with your goal in mind: Whether you encourage viewers to subscribe, watch more, or visit your external site, your end screen should support an intentional objective.
- Avoid clutter: Use two or three design or click-through elements at most to maintain clarity and prevent overwhelming the viewer.
- Test and optimize over time: Use analytics and video management tools to track performance and adjust your layout or messaging based on what keeps people watching.
- Use intuitive tools to streamline production: Vimeo’s free video creator, available with the Standard plan and above, is ideal for non-video professionals. Its AI script generator and text-based video editor make writing, editing, and publishing high-quality end screens easy.
Successful outro script examples: Learn from the best
The most effective end screens combine the right tone, visuals, and CTAs. If you’re looking for YouTube outro ideas or wondering how to make a good outro, these real-world outro script examples show what works.
In a product demo, the video might close with a directive script like “Want to see it in action? Watch our next tutorial.” The end screen would then highlight a related next video and a subscribe button, keeping the focus on engagement.
In a brand storytelling video, a creator might say, “Join our journey — subscribe for weekly updates.” This outro could use soft visuals and subtle animation, reinforcing a calm, emotional tone while prompting further connection.
In educational content, a content creator might close with, “Get more insights on scaling your business — click here.” The screen could point to a curated playlist, or Vimeo Showcase, with a professional design that supports credibility and encourages continued learning.
For more inspiration on additional value-packed content, check out this guide to using teasers and extras in your video strategy.
How to add an end screen
If you’re wondering how to create an end card for YouTube or Vimeo, these steps cover everything from selecting the right tool to publishing a polished, action-driving outro:
- Select a video editing tool that supports end screens: Find a video editor built for speed and simplicity. Vimeo’s easy-to-use editor supports custom intros and outros, available with Standard plans and above. You can take advantage of Vimeo’s royalty-free stock footage options as well as brand kit integrations to quickly add your logo, use your brand’s colors, upload your brand’s fonts, and more.
- Select a video: Choose the video you want to work with.
- Insert interactive elements that drive action: Add clickable CTA icons such as “Watch more” or “Subscribe.” Vimeo’s shoppable video features give you the ability to add sticky hotspots to any product in your video, inviting viewers to click, learn more, and purchase. Use language that aligns with your business goals and encourages viewer engagement.
- Set precise timing for maximum retention: End screens should appear in your video's last five to 20 seconds.
- Preview and publish with confidence: Use Vimeo’s built-in preview tools to refine your outro and ensure it looks and functions great on any device. When you're ready, upload your video to Vimeo and get it in front of your audience.
There are many programs available to add end screens. But compared to general-purpose tools like Canva, Vimeo offers more robust video features tailored to your needs regardless of editing experience. And unlike social media-centric CapCut, Vimeo offers a distraction-free, pro-grade experience ideal for businesses.
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Frequently asked questions
Are end screens and cards the same?
Not quite. Cards can appear throughout the video and offer polls or links, while end screens only show during the final seconds. End screens are designed to encourage action on more content, such as clicking on another video or subscribe button, because end screens typically don't cover the entire screen, but they do appear as clickable elements in the final 5-20 seconds of a video.
How long is a YouTube outro screen?
You can add an end screen that lasts five to 20 seconds. That said, 10 to 15 seconds is typically the sweet spot for allowing enough time for a response to CTAs without dragging out the conclusion.
How do I get rid of the end card on YouTube?
You can’t get rid of end screens within the YouTube app. However, if you're editing content before uploading to a platform, you can manage the presence or absence of an end screen during the editing process. Vimeo allows you to control this directly before exporting your final video, giving you complete creative control. This Vimeo versus YouTube guide breaks down the key differences between the two platforms.
Can I add a voiceover to my end screen video?
Yes. A voiceover can enhance your outro by reinforcing your message or CTA. With Vimeo, you can easily add a voiceover, or any sound or music, during editing to keep the tone consistent and personalized.
Add an engaging video end screen with Vimeo to keep your audience hooked
An optimized end screen transforms the final moments of a video into a powerful opportunity for engagement. By placing calls to action, links, and curated content at the right time, you can direct traffic to valuable destinations and build lasting relationships with your audience.
Vimeo's free video creator is built to help you get there. It has no ads or suggested content — just your message. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out with your own vlog, you can easily build polished end screens that look professional and drive results.
Ready to turn your intros and outros into powerful conversion tools? Try Vimeo Streaming and launch their own branded streaming platforms and subscription services – no coding required. We provide all the tools for managing video content, monetizing through subscriptions, and reaching audiences across various devices.
