Why End Cards are a Winning Strategy for Your Digital Ads

Creative Strategy

Jan 11, 2026

In today’s digital advertising landscape, every detail matters. End cards are a vital component that can significantly impact your campaign's success. These final screens of your video ads serve as crucial touchpoints, guiding viewers toward taking action—whether that's downloading an app, visiting a website, or making a purchase.

What Are End Cards, Anyway?

End cards are the screens that appear after your video ad has played, giving viewers a clear path to take action. They provide an opportunity to reinforce your message and encourage viewers to engage further. Think of them as your last chance to make an impression and drive conversions.

  1. Call-to-Action (CTA): Features prominent buttons like "Download Now," "Learn More," or "Shop Here."

  2. Brand Reinforcement: Showcases your logo, colors, and messaging to enhance recall.

  3. Extended Engagement: Keeps users engaged beyond the video content.

  4. Information Hub: Displays key product features, pricing, or promotional offers.

  5. User Choice: Offers multiple options, allowing users to choose their next step.

  6. Performance Tracking: Allows advertisers to measure CTR and conversions directly.

The Performance Boost You've Been Looking For

The power of end cards is backed by impressive data:

  • Engagement Boost: End cards can increase viewer engagement by up to 9x compared to traditional static banner ads (InMobi).

  • Cost Efficiency: Incorporating new end cards can improve Cost Per Install (CPI) by around 20% (Singular).

  • ROI: Optimized end card strategies have seen ROI improvements of up to 50% (Singular).

Types of End Cards and Their Performance

Not all end cards are created equal. Let's break down the different types and how they perform:

Static End Cards: The Classic Choice

These non-moving images provide a clear CTA and are effective for brand reinforcement. They serve as a direct transition point between the ad and the desired action.

Video End Cards: Keep the Show Going

Video end cards maintain momentum by providing additional content after the main video concludes. Using a different video for the end card can lead to a threefold increase in installs per mille (IPM) (AppTweak).

Interactive End Cards: The Engagement Superstars

These allow users to interact via mini-games, product demos, or playable experiences. They show 7x better install rates compared to static end cards and boast 47% higher click-through rates.

Multi-Page End Cards: The Power of Choice

Triple-page ads combine a video ad with two end cards (typically a playable followed by a static card). According to Liftoff, this format can improve app installs by up to 10%.

Crafting Your End Card Strategy

Keep it Visually Appealing

Use high-quality images and vibrant designs that align with your brand identity. This is your last chance to make a visual impression.

Clear Call-to-Action

Use action-oriented language and limit yourself to no more than three CTAs to avoid overwhelming the viewer.

The VVU Formula:

  • Verb: A strong action word (e.g., "Claim").

  • Value: The benefit (e.g., "25% discount").

  • Urgency: Time-sensitive motivation (e.g., "Today Only").

Optimize for Mobile

Ensure buttons are easily tappable and text is readable on smaller screens. With most digital ad consumption happening on mobile, this is non-negotiable.

Use Social Proof & Gamification

Incorporate user ratings or mini-games to build credibility and make your ad more memorable.

Ready to Level Up Your Ad Game?

At CRAFTSMAN+, we specialize in crafting compelling end cards that drive conversions. Contact us today to learn how our creative ad services can help you optimize your campaigns.

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Connect with us today to design creatives that make your Q4 campaigns stand out and deliver results.

Contact us

Connect with us today to design creatives that make your Q4 campaigns stand out and deliver results.

Contact us

Connect with us today to design creatives that make your Q4 campaigns stand out and deliver results.

Why End Cards are a Winning Strategy for Your Digital Ads