Google have released a major update on their video ad format. Whereas previously the WHOLE video was clickable when it was run as an ad. Now, with the recent update, the whole video is no longer clickable. Instead, your Final Destination URL is now confined to the small 'Advertiser's' link on the bottom left of the video player (top right on mobiles).
This is what it looks like on Desktop:
TIP: Due to the size of this link, we advise you to make your call to action extremely visual whilst at the same time tell people to "click on the link in the video player (bottom left for desktop and top right for mobile).
Thankfully, there is a solution to this update – and it comes in the form of 'Cards'.
Cards are a great new way of making your videos a lot more interactive. The great thing about cards is that you can easily add visual elements inside your video that you can change at any time. (As opposed to having graphics actually rendered into your video).
Cards appear at the top right hand corner of your video as a small 'i' inside a transparent white circle. But you can also set it to 'pop out' a line of text which is great for attracting attention.
Here's what the Card looks like:
When clicked - your graphic and link appear - the viewer then needs to click either your graphic or the link directly beneath to visit your page...
The great thing about Cards is that they work on ALL devices! Here's a video walking you through the process of authorising your YouTube channel – and setting up your first interactive Card...
TIP: The card 'pop out' text only stays on the screen for a few seconds. If you want it to stay for longer, simply add another card as soon as the first disappears. For extra effect, use a different image for each card.
