The 6 Types of CTAs on YouTube You Should Be Using Right Now

Explore 6 types of CTA on YouTube and how each can drive engagement. Learn which one works best for your content and implement them effectively. Moreover, use CapCut to write your CTAs with customizable text templates, fonts, and styles.

cta on youtube
CapCut
CapCut2025-01-21
0 min(s)

When creating videos on YouTube, one key element that content creators often focus on is driving viewer engagement. An ideal way to encourage this is through CTA on YouTube. It directs viewers to take action after watching a video. This could range from liking, commenting, subscribing, checking out other videos, or even visiting a website.

In this article, we will list 6 of the most used types of CTAs on YouTube and why you should use them effectively to boost your online growth.

Table of content

Why do you need to add a call to action in a YouTube video

Using a clear call to action in a YouTube video is key to maximizing the potential of your videos. Whether you want to increase engagement or grow your subscriber base, a well-placed CTA can make a big difference. Here are some benefits that come with using a free YouTube call to action overlay:

  • Increases engagement
  • A YouTube ad CTA prompts viewers to engage by liking, commenting, or sharing your content. This interaction helps your video get recommended to more people. The more engagement your video gets, the higher the chances a larger audience will see it.
  • Boosts subscribers
  • Including a clear YouTube ad, CTA encourages viewers to subscribe for more content. Telling them what value they'll get from subscribing makes them more likely to click. Consistently asking for subscriptions turns one-time viewers into dedicated subscribers.
  • Drives viewers to more content
  • Using a YouTube call-to-action overlay invites viewers to explore other videos on your channel. Providing links to related content or suggesting the next video can keep them engaged. This increases watch time and encourages viewers to stay longer on your channel.
  • Strengthens viewer retention
  • A YouTube ad call to action makes the viewers return by enabling notifications for future content. Reminding them to watch more videos ensures they don't forget about your channel. This helps keep your audience loyal and increases their chance of returning for more.

6 types of call-to-action on YouTube that drive the audience

An engaging YouTube short call to action can help drive the right audience engagement and increase your channel's growth. There are various CTAs you can use to guide viewers toward taking action. Here are 6 effective types of CTAs that can boost your interaction and retention on YouTube:

1. Subscribe & notification bell CTA

One of the most common YouTube call-to-action examples is asking viewers to subscribe and turn on the notification bell. It builds a loyal audience who will get notified when you post new content. A simple message like "Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon" can significantly boost your subscriber count and viewer retention.


YouTube call to action to subscribe with a bell prompt

2. Watch next/playlist CTA

Encouraging viewers to watch the next video or explore a playlist is another great way to increase watch time. A free YouTube CTA overlay on the screen or a verbal suggestion like "Check out our next video" can keep the audience engaged. By guiding them toward more content, you create a seamless viewing experience that keeps them on your channel longer.


CTA on YouTube directing viewers to watch the next video or playlist

3. Like and share CTA

Asking people to like and share the video is an easy way to increase engagement and reach. A simple call such as "If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to share and like it" encourages viewers to interact with your content. This not only boosts engagement but also helps your video get recommended through CTA YouTube ads or the platform's algorithm.


YouTube likes and shares CTA to encourage viewer interaction

4. Follow on YouTube CTA

Motivating the viewers to follow your YouTube channel is a great way to retain your audience. It can be particularly useful if you're running a YouTube short call to action to gain followers quickly. A short and clear message like "Follow us for more videos like this" can help increase your follower count and establish a more direct connection with your viewers.


A follow CTA on YouTube to encourage users to follow your channel

A YouTube CTA example with a link to external content (like a website, product, or social media) helps direct viewers to take action outside of YouTube. A simple prompt like "Check out the link in the description for more details" can guide users to learn more or purchase a product. It can drive traffic to external platforms or additional resources related to your video content.


YouTube CTA prompting viewers to check the link in the video description

6. Join membership CTA

If you provide exclusive content or perks for channel members, a YouTube CTA ad about joining your membership program can drive more support. It can be used in videos to encourage viewers to become members for added benefits. A call like "Become a member today for exclusive content" helps create a sense of community and loyalty on your channel.


YouTube ad CTA inviting users to join channel membership for perks

Tips to make a better CTA for YouTube

To create a more effective call-to-action for YouTube videos, it's important to keep certain best practices in mind. A strong CTA can significantly improve engagement and drive your desired results. Let's go over a few tips to help you craft the perfect CTA:

  • Keep it clear and direct
  • A call to action should be simple and to the point. Avoid complicated or lengthy instructions that might confuse viewers. A clear and direct message like "Subscribe now" or "Like and share" makes it easier for viewers to know exactly what you want them to do.
  • Use action-oriented language
  • Using action-driven phrases like "Click here" or "Join today" motivates viewers to take immediate action. Clear and active verbs encourage engagement and make the CTA feel more urgent. The more action-oriented your CTA, the more likely viewers will follow through.
  • Make it visually appealing
  • A CTA for YouTube should be eye-catching and stand out on the screen. Use bright colors, bold fonts, and strategic placement so that it's noticeable. A well-designed, visually appealing CTA grabs attention and increases the chances that viewers will engage with it.
  • Add a sense of urgency
  • Phrases like "Limited time offer" create a sense of urgency and push viewers to act quickly. Adding urgency encourages immediate engagement by making viewers feel they might miss out. This can be especially effective in driving action, like subscribing or clicking a link.
  • Align with video goals
  • Ensure your CTA aligns with the main goal of the video, whether it's gaining subscribers, promoting a product, or encouraging another action. It should naturally flow from the video's content, making it relevant to the view to guide the audience towards the intended outcome.

Make a compelling call-to-action for YouTube videos: CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor is a valuable tool for creating high-quality videos, perfect for adding compelling CTAs to your YouTube content. It provides user-friendly features and advanced editing options that enable you to seamlessly integrate engaging call-to-action overlays. With CapCut, you can create videos that capture attention and encourage viewers to take action.


Interface of the CapCut desktop video editor - the best way to add CTA to YouTube videos

Key features

Many features of the CapCut desktop video editor can enhance your videos and help you add engaging CTAs, making it the best YouTube video maker. Here are some of its most liked features:

  • Apply dynamic text effects
  • Add animated and eye-catching text effects to your videos, enhancing engagement and visual appeal.
  • Customizable text templates
  • Edit the pre-designed templates for your content and create stylish titles and captions that fit your video's tone.
  • Various YouTube video templates
  • Choose from a range of YouTube-specific templates to quickly create professional-looking videos optimized for the platform.
  • Automatically generate captions
  • Employ the auto-caption generator to add captions to videos, making them more accessible and improving viewer retention.
  • Customizable video cover
  • Design a unique video cover with customizable elements to attract viewers and improve click-through rates.

How to make engaging CTA for the YouTube channel in CapCut

To create an engaging CTA for your YouTube channel in CapCut, start by downloading and installing the software. Simply click the download button below, follow the setup instructions, and you're ready to start editing your videos with dynamic CTAs.

    Step
  1. Import the video
  2. Begin by uploading the video to the CapCut desktop video editor. To do so, click the "Import" button or drag and drop the video onto the workspace. Then, add the video to the timeline for editing.
  3. 
    Importing a video into the CapCut desktop video editor
  4. Step
  5. Add text and stickers
  6. Navigate to the "Text" > "Text template" according to your needs. Click the "+" icon to add it to the timeline. Now adjust its size, position, and color to match your video's style. For a dynamic effect, enhance your text with the AI font generator. Simply select "AI-generated," choose a style, write a prompt, and generate custom fonts perfectly tailored to match your video's theme. To further enhance your content, click "Stickers," search for "subscribe," and explore various animated stickers to make your video more engaging.
  7. 
    Adding and modifying a text in a video using the CapCut desktop video editor
  8. Step
  9. Export and share
  10. Once you're happy with your text and video, export the file. You can then share your video directly to YouTube or other platforms.
  11. 
    Exporting a video from the CapCut desktop video editor

Conclusion

In conclusion, using an effective CTA on YouTube is essential for driving viewer engagement and growing your channel. Whether it's encouraging viewers to subscribe, like, or watch more videos, a well-placed call to action can significantly impact your video's success. Keep your CTA clear, compelling, and aligned with your content's goals. To make your CTAs even more engaging, consider using the CapCut desktop video editor, which provides easy-to-use features for adding dynamic and eye-catching calls to action.

FAQs

  1. How can a CTA overlay on YouTube videos increase viewer engagement?
  2. A well-placed CTA overlay on YouTube encourages viewers to take action, such as subscribing, sharing, or watching related content. Providing direct, actionable prompts during or after the video engages viewers, guiding them to interact with your content. To enhance your CTAs further, using text templates and customization tools in CapCut can make these prompts more dynamic and effective.
  3. How do different calls to action impact YouTube ad performance?
  4. CTAs in YouTube ads drive action by guiding viewers toward the next step, such as subscribing or purchasing. A well-crafted CTA can significantly boost conversion rates, whether you're asking viewers to visit a website or sign up for updates. To easily add engaging CTAs to your videos, consider using the CapCut desktop video editor.
  5. How does a call to action subscribe affect YouTube algorithm rankings?
  6. A subscribe call to action in YouTube videos encourages viewers to engage with your channel, which directly impacts YouTube's algorithm by signaling viewer interest and boosting channel activity. Subscribing increases video visibility in recommendations, which is essential for growth. To optimize your CTAs, CapCut's easy-to-use features can help you create personalized, engaging CTA for YouTube videos.
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