How to Add a Link to YouTube Shorts

Finally, you can add a clickable link directly to your YouTube Shorts, and it’s a total game-changer for driving viewers deeper into your content. This guide will walk you through exactly how to add a related video link to your Shorts, explore other effective ways to direct traffic, and share strategies to turn those casual viewers into engaged followers.

Why Adding Links to Shorts is a Game-Changer

For years, creators treated YouTube Shorts as a top-of-funnel discovery tool - great for grabbing attention but frustratingly difficult for leading viewers to the next step. The goal was to go viral, gain subscribers, and hope those new followers eventually found your long-form content or website. There was a major disconnect between the short, snackable clips and your deeper, more valuable material.

The original methods were clunky. You could say "check out my channel for the full video," but that relied on the viewer taking multiple extra steps. Dropping links in comments was a decent workaround, but they were often buried, and YouTube can be picky about what it allows in comments. The friction was high, and the conversion rates were low.

The introduction of the "Related Video" feature changes everything. It creates a direct, one-click bridge between your Short and another video on your channel. This seemingly small feature unlocks powerful content strategies. It keeps viewers within your ecosystem, dramatically increasing watch time and session duration - two metrics the YouTube algorithm loves to see. You can now use a Short as a movie trailer for your long-form epic, a 30-second highlight reel for a full tutorial, or an engaging teaser that pays off instantly with a click.

The Official Method: Adding a "Related Video" Link

The primary YouTube-sanctioned way to add a clickable link within the Shorts player is by linking to another video on your channel. This can be a long-form video, another Short, or even a live stream replay. When you add an approved video as a "Related Link," it appears as a small, clickable title overlay at the bottom of the Short, just above your channel name. The viewer can simply tap the link title of the related video, which is a direct call to action, and they’ll be taken straight to your other video without ever leaving the YouTube app.

This is a powerful and very clean look! It makes the user experience seamless, and most importantly, it gives you a direct path to promoting your other content and helps your audience get more familiar with who your business or brand is across your suite of content.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Link a Related Video

Currently, you can only add or edit a related video link from your computer in YouTube Studio. You cannot do it from the mobile app during upload, so this is a desktop-only task for now.

Here’s exactly how to do it:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio: Go to studio.youtube.com and sign in to your account.
2. Select Your Short: In the left-hand menu, click on "Content." Find the Short you want to add a link to and click on the "Details" (pencil) icon next to it. You can do this for a video you're uploading for the first time or an existing Short you want to update.
3. Find the "Related Video" Option: On the "Video details" page, scroll down the right side of the screen. You'll see a card labeled "Related video."
4. Choose Your Video: Click the "Related Video" card. A window will pop up allowing you to search for another video on your own channel. You can search by title or simply scroll through the list. Select the video you want to link to.
5. Save Your Changes: Once you've selected a video, its title will appear in the "Related video" card. Don't forget the most important step! Click the blue "Save" button at the top right of the screen.

That's it! Your Short now has a direct, clickable link to another one of your videos. Head over to your phone, open the YouTube app, and view your Short to see the link live in action. It's clean, non-intrusive, and highly effective.

Using Other Link Methods for Off-Platform Traffic

The "Related Video" feature is fantastic for building an internal content web, but what if you want to send viewers to your website, your online store, or your newsletter sign-up? YouTube is still very protective of sending users off-platform, so you can't drop an external link directly on a Short. However, there are two solid methods everyone should be using.

1. Your Channel Profile Link

Think of your channel page as the central hub for your entire brand on YouTube. You can add one primary, clickable link that appears prominently in your channel header and on your "About" page. This is your most valuable piece of real estate for driving external traffic.

How to Set Up Your Channel Link:

• Go to YouTube Studio on your desktop.
• In the left menu, click "Customization."
• Select the "Basic info" tab.
• Scroll down to the "Links" section. Here you can add your website, social profiles, and more.
• The first link you add will be featured on your channel banner. Make sure this is your most important one!

Once this is set, you can use your Shorts to verbally direct people to it. A simple line in your video like, "to grab this free guide, hit the link on my channel profile," is a very clear and efficient call-to-action.

2. Links in Pinned Comments

The pinned comment has been the go-to workaround for creators for years, and it’s still highly effective when done right. As soon as you upload your Short, you can leave a comment with a link and then "Pin" it so it always appears at the top of the comment section.

How to Pin a Comment with a Link:

• After your Short is published, open the video on the YouTube app or your desktop.
• Go to the comments section and write your own comment. Include the full URL you want to share. (Note: YouTube links are fine, but be careful with external links that could be seen as spammy, as this might affect your comment's visibility).
• Post the comment. Then, tap the three dots next to your comment and select "Pin".

Your comment will now stick to the top, making it the first thing people see when they open the comments. When you reference a link in your video, always be specific: "Grab a ticket using the link in the pinned comment!" This builds a habit in your audience to check there for more information.

Best Practices for a Winning Links Strategy

Knowing how to add links is just the first step. To truly get results, you need a smart strategy behind it.

Create Smart Content Loops

Use the "Related Video" feature to connect a teaser (the Short) with a payoff (a long-form video). Think in pairs:

• Quick Tip Short: A 45-second Short sharing one quick keyboard shortcut.
• Related Video Link: The full 10-minute video on "My Top 10 Favorite Keyboard Shortcuts for Productivity."

• Recipe Highlight Short: A visually stunning clip of you taking cheesy fries out of the air-fryer.
• Related Video Link: The full step-by-step air-fryer recipe video for easy, crispy cheesy fries.

This rewards the viewer’s interest immediately and keeps them on your channel longer. It teaches the algorithm that your content is engaging and satisfying.

Don't Forget the Verbal Call-to-Action

Never assume people will find your links on their own. You have to tell them what to do. At the end of your Short, make a direct, clear CTA:

• "For all the details, tap the link below to watch the full tutorial." (For Related Videos)
• "You can download my exact preset pack from the first link in the pinned comment." (For Pinned Comments)
• "If you want to join our community, head to my channel page and click the link in my profile." (For Channel Links)

Guiding your audience removes any confusion and dramatically increases the chances they’ll actually click.

Match the Link to the Short's Intent

Every Short should have a single, clear goal. Is it to drive traffic to your online store, promote a new YouTube video, or something else? Make sure the linked video matches the call to action in your Short. For example, a Short highlighting your new merchandise should link to a video that showcases the products, ultimately directing viewers to your store.

Avoid trying to do too much in one 60-second video, as it can overwhelm a user and result in inaction or cause them to swipe away to a new video. Keep your call to action limited to just one link and one destination. Give your viewers one job to complete, and watch how this focus brings your business tangible results on YouTube.

Final Thoughts

Being able to add a "Related Video" link is a massive step forward, transforming YouTube Shorts from a simple discovery engine into a powerful content navigator. By combining that feature with a clear link on your official channel profile and strategic pinned comments, you can finally build the seamless pathways you've been wanting for your new business and audience.

We know that managing a content schedule packed with short-form video for Shorts, Reels, and TikTok can be overwhelming, especially while also keeping up with the best practices required for organic growth. That's why we built Postbase. Our platform was designed to make this complex world digestible for everyone, from small business owners to full-time social media managers. We provide a simple visual calendar to keep your content strategy coordinated across all your channels. Our goal is to give you a real chance to grow your business online, removing the constant headaches of content management and letting you focus on achieving your goals.