A YouTube thumbnail is the small clickable image that viewers see before they decide whether to watch your video. It can influence their decision and even the amount of time they spend watching.
To create a compelling thumbnail, you should focus on the following factors. Keep in mind that consistency is key. Your thumbnails should share similar colors, fonts and logos to promote your brand.
Custom thumbnails
YouTube allows you to make custom thumbnails for your videos, a feature that can improve your click-through rate and attract more views. As a video creator, you want your thumbnail to reflect your brand identity and engage searchers so they know the content they’re about to watch is from your channel.
One of the key ways to do this is by using an honest preview that promises viewers the value your video will deliver. It’s also important to avoid using clickbait thumbnails that are misleading or confusing. Overcrowding your thumbnails with text can also confuse and turn off viewers, so it’s important to stick to one clear visual and a short title.
Optimized for mobile devices
The right design can capture a viewer’s attention and help them decide whether to watch your video. You can also use an analytics tool to measure the performance of your thumbnails, including CTR and watch time. By regularly testing and optimizing, you can ensure your YouTube video thumbnails continue to drive results for your channel.
Using a photo with contrast between the text and the background is an easy way to create an eye-catching thumbnail that draws viewers in. This trick is used by many YouTubers to make their thumbnails stand out and grab their audience’s attention. It can also increase click-through rates and boost engagement on YouTube videos. The best way to test this is by A/B testing with multiple variations of a YouTube thumbnail and tracking the results.
Optimized for desktop and TV screens
Thumbnails are the first thing potential viewers see, so they have to grab their attention. This can be accomplished through contrasting colors, bold text, or pictures that show action and emotion. The right thumbnail design also helps create consistency for your channel, as well as your brand.
People tend to react more strongly to thumbnails that feature faces and direct eye contact. This can build trust and establish a connection with your audience. It is also helpful to include a question that piques interest or a statistic that grabs the viewer’s attention.
Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) uses this strategy effectively with his thumbnails. His high-quality images of tech products and brief, bold text draw in viewers. This approach has helped him grow his audience and establish credibility as an expert in the field.
High-quality images
A high-quality image draws attention and helps your video stand out from the competition. It also sets the right expectations with viewers and avoids misleading them.
Use a high-resolution photo, or create an engaging image using a tool like Adobe Spark. This way, your thumbnails will be sharp on both desktop and TV screens.
Choose a photo that shows a human face, as people are more drawn to faces than other types of pictures. This is because of an ingrained survival mechanism that helps us judge whether someone is a threat or a friend.
Consider adding a logo or branding elements to your thumbnails to make them more recognizable. This will help you build brand consistency and help you stand out on YouTube’s homepage and in the Suggested Videos sidebar.
Simple and thoughtful designs
Using simple and thoughtful designs for YouTube thumbnails helps your videos stand out and grab the attention of your audience. The best thumbnails have a clear message and convey your content’s message through contrasting colors, relevant text, or images. Avoid using gimmicky imagery that doesn’t represent the video’s content; instead, use human expressions to convey your message and connect with your audience.
For example, the Kids Diana Show YouTube channel features a picture of two young girls in their everyday lives to engage viewers. The simple and thoughtful design of their thumbnails capture the viewer’s attention and make them feel like they are about to watch a fun and engaging video.
Similarly, Ahrefs’ YouTube thumbnails include a logo, color, and font consistency that align with their website and brand identity to ensure consistency across all platforms. This helps audiences identify the brand’s content and trust it.