How to Add a YouTube Link on YouTube

Last verified 2026-07-06.

YouTube exposes five genuinely distinct surfaces for outbound links: channel banner links, video description links, pinned-comment links, End Screens, and Cards. Each has different rules and behaves differently for viewers. This is not "put a YouTube link on YouTube" — this is the full map of clickable surfaces on your own channel and how to use each one.

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1. Banner links (channel-wide): YouTube Studio → Customization → Basic info → Links. Add up to five URLs with short titles. These appear as icons over your channel banner.
  2. Step 2. Video description links: paste the URL directly into the video description. YouTube auto-links URLs starting with https:// — the first 100 characters of the description show above the fold, so put the most important link near the top.
  3. Step 3. Pinned comment: post a top-level comment on your own video, then tap ⋯ → Pin. Pinned comments show above every other comment and links inside them are clickable.
  4. Step 4. End Screens: in the video editor, add an End Screen element in the last 5–20 seconds. Choose "Link" as the element type. Only channels in the YouTube Partner Program can add external links to End Screens.
  5. Step 5. Cards: add a Card at any point in the video. Same YPP requirement for external links.

Which surface converts

Description links (top of description, above the fold) reliably convert best because they're visible on every device without extra taps. Pinned comment is a strong second — visible on mobile without scrolling to the description. Banner links are more branding than click-driver. End Screens and Cards work but require YPP membership and only fire during video playback.

The YPP requirement for External Links

External links in End Screens and Cards require enrollment in the YouTube Partner Program (1,000 subscribers + 4,000 watch hours in the last 12 months, or 10M Shorts views in 90 days). Below that threshold, End Screens and Cards can only link to your other YouTube videos, playlists, or subscribe prompts. Description and pinned-comment links work for every channel at any size.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many links can I put in my YouTube banner?

Up to five, added under YouTube Studio → Customization → Basic info → Links.

Do YouTube description links work in the mobile app?

Yes for URLs starting with https://. Only the first line of the description shows above the fold — put the important link there.

Can I add an external link to my End Screen without YPP?

No. External links on End Screens and Cards require YouTube Partner Program membership.

Skip the platform tweaks

One Linklay page holds every link, works in every in-app browser, and updates without editing your profile. Create your free Linklay page.