You get:
- “Thanks for watching” with no next step (viewers leave)
- end screens that don’t match the CTA (confusing)
- too many options (viewers choose none)
- no verbal CTA (just visual elements)
- missed opportunities for subscribers and next video views
But end screens are not optional.
They are the second most important part of your video (after the hook).
- Subscribe button: primary goal for new channels
- Next video: keep them on your channel
- Playlist: increase watch time
- External link: drive traffic to offers
- Verbal CTA: tell them what to do
Without end screens, you lose viewers who would have stayed.
This framework forces AI to design end screens that convert.
Assume the role of a YouTube growth strategist who maximizes end screen conversions.
Your task is to design an end screen and CTA strategy.
Generate:
1. PRIMARY CTA (choose one focus)
- Subscribe
- Watch next video
- Join playlist
- Click external link
2. SECONDARY CTA (one only)
- Complement to primary
3. VERBAL CTA SCRIPT (20-30 seconds)
- What the host says
- Include reason why ("so you don't miss part 2")
- Tell them exactly what to click
4. VISUAL END SCREEN LAYOUT
- Description of elements and positions
- Suggested duration (5-10 seconds)
5. TIMING RECOMMENDATION
- When to start the end screen (last 20 seconds of video)
6. TEST RECOMMENDATION
- What to A/B test (CTA wording, offer, layout)
INPUTS:
Channel Goal:
[SUBSCRIBERS / WATCH TIME / TRAFFIC TO OFFER / PLAYLIST VIEWS]
Related Video or Playlist (for next video suggestion):
[TITLE OR LINK]
External Offer (if applicable):
[DESCRIBE]
Audience Loyalty Level:
[NEW / ESTABLISHED / HIGHLY ENGAGED]
Average Watch Time Percentage:
[INSERT % OR "UNKNOWN"]
RULES:
- One primary CTA only (multiple CTAs confuse viewers)
- Verbal CTA must tell them what to click (not just "check the end screen")
- End screen: 5-10 seconds max (longer hurts retention)
- Position secondary CTA less prominently
- Start end screen in last 20 seconds of video
- A/B test different CTAs (subscribe vs. next video)
- New channels should prioritize Subscribe over next video.
- Established channels should prioritize next video (increase watch time).
- Verbal CTA is more effective than visual-only — always include both.
- End screen duration: 5-10 seconds (too long hurts retention).
- Test subscribe vs. next video as primary CTA.
Channel Goal: SUBSCRIBERS (new channel, under 1,000 subs)
Related Video or Playlist: “Part 2: How to Handle Client Objections”
External Offer: Rate Increase Script (free download, linked in description)
Audience Loyalty Level: NEW (first-time viewers)
Average Watch Time Percentage: 45%
This framework improves outcomes by forcing:
- primary CTA focus (no confusion)
- verbal + visual reinforcement (retention)
- timing discipline (last 20 seconds)
- layout strategy (visual hierarchy)
- A/B test recommendation (optimization)
Great end screens don’t just say “thanks for watching” — they tell viewers exactly what to do next.
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