In the ever-evolving world of online video content, YouTube continues to offer creators more ways to connect with their audiences and build their brand. One essential part of YouTube channel customization in 2025 is learning how to add important hyperlinks to your channel. Whether it’s links to your website, merch store, donation page, or social media channels, knowing how to seamlessly incorporate them can increase visibility and engagement with your content. This guide will walk users through the updated methods to add links to their YouTube channel as of 2025, using the latest features on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Why Adding Links Matters More Than Ever
External links on your YouTube channel are a gateway to the broader aspects of your brand. Here are a few reasons why they matter:
- Boost visibility: Direct viewers to your other platforms, helping to grow your overall online presence.
- Increase revenue: Links to your ecommerce store or affiliate products can drive sales and conversions.
- Improve credibility: Offering visitors more ways to connect with you shows professionalism and transparency.
- Centralize traffic: Instead of dividing attention, direct YouTube viewers to a central landing page or personal site.
Where Can You Add Links on Your YouTube Channel?
YouTube allows you to add clickable links in several strategic places:
- Channel Banner: Positioned on your channel homepage, this area supports up to 5 customized links with small icons.
- Channel Description: A natural place to include more detailed or additional links for curious viewers.
- About Section: Easily accessible and designed specifically for channel information and external links.
These locations help ensure that your audience can find and click through to your external content with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step: How to Add Links to Your Channel (2025)
1. Log into Your YouTube Channel
First, ensure you’re logged in to the Google account associated with your YouTube channel.
2. Navigate to YouTube Studio
Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select YouTube Studio from the dropdown menu. This is the backend of your channel.
3. Go to Customization
Once inside YouTube Studio, find the left-hand sidebar and click on Customization. This is where you’ll tailor your channel’s branding and layout.
4. Select the “Basic Info” Tab
Under the Customization section, choose the Basic Info tab. Here, you’ll see a space labeled “Links”.
5. Add or Edit Links
- Click on “Add Link”.
- Enter the Title (such as “My Website” or “Shop Merch”).
- Paste the URL of the website or page you want to promote.
- You can repeat this step up to 5 times to include multiple custom links.
YouTube displays these customized links over your channel banner. You’ll also have the option to control how many are shown: from 0–5 links, depending on your preference.
6. Add Social Media Links
YouTube automatically detects popular social platforms—like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook—when entered. Simply input the full URL, and YouTube will apply the familiar icon automatically.
7. Publish Changes
Once your links are added, don’t forget to click the Publish button in the upper-right corner of the screen. Failing to do so will keep your changes in draft mode.
Adding Links from Mobile Devices
As of 2025, YouTube’s mobile interface also allows for basic channel editing, although it’s still somewhat limited compared to the desktop version.
Here’s how to add links via mobile:
- Open the YouTube app and go to your channel.
- Tap Edit Channel.
- Scroll down to Links or About section.
- Add your desired link title and URL.
- Tap Save.
Keep in mind, you might not be able to reorder or fine-tune placement of the banner links from mobile. It’s always recommended to make major edits through a desktop browser for greater flexibility.
Best Practices for Using Links Effectively
Beyond just adding links, here are a few tips to ensure they work to build your audience and brand:
- Use UTM parameters to track clicks via Google Analytics.
- Prioritize your most important link first—this appears most prominently.
- Keep titles simple and clear (e.g., “My Blog,” “Listen on Spotify”).
- Use shortened URLs when necessary to keep your presentation clean and professional-looking.
Additional Ways to Use Links on YouTube
Your channel homepage isn’t the only place where you can drive traffic using links. Consider these other areas:
- Video Descriptions: Always add relevant links to your video descriptions—especially if you’re promoting products or collaborating with brands.
- Pinned Comments: Add important links to the top of the comment section for added visibility.
- Community Tab: Share clickable posts featuring exclusive offers or blog updates.
- YouTube Cards and End Screens: Use these in-video tools to link to approved websites or videos that continue your viewers’ journey.
Conclusion
Adding links to your YouTube channel in 2025 is easier and more important than ever. With the platform constantly shifting, maintaining a connected online presence through proper linking enables creators to build trust, grow an audience, and monetize their content. By strategically placing links in banner areas, the About section, and within your videos themselves, you create a cohesive viewing experience that extends beyond the play button. Follow the steps above, keep your links updated, and align them with your content strategy for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How many links can I add to my banner in 2025?
A: You can add up to 5 custom links to your banner. You can also choose how many of them appear visibly. - Q: Can I add affiliate links?
A: Yes, YouTube allows affiliate links, but ensure you comply with their guidelines and clearly disclose any sponsorships or affiliate relationships. - Q: Why aren’t my links showing up?
A: Make sure you clicked “Publish” after adding them. Also, links normally don’t appear to channel visitors if the account is restricted, unpublished, or flagged for certain violations. - Q: Can I change or remove a link later?
A: Absolutely. You can go back into YouTube Studio → Customization → Basic Info and edit or delete any link at any time. - Q: Do links open in a new tab?
A: Yes, clicking a banner or About section link typically opens the target URL in a new browser tab. - Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of links I can add?
A: Yes. Links to harmful, misleading, or policy-violating sites are not allowed and may be removed with potential penalties to your channel.