Statistics from YouTube show that out of the top videos being watched on its platform, 90% have a custom thumbnail. This emphasizes the value that these may present for a video, even if they seem to be small details compared with actual content.
Despite the fact that this takes a tad bit more effort, it goes miles. This way, people see that more work has been put into making the video attract attention in a populated website, allowing them to be positive about consuming any potential content. But how do we generate the ideal thumbnails and enable us to draw more clicks in our direction?
Keep your audience in mind
A good idea is always to refer to the target audience. Failing to get this right means there is a higher likelihood of the video being lost, as it will not be seen by those who are meant to see it as per the intention of uploading. The quick peek that they might get from the thumbnails can sharpen one’s intent and force them into clicking. As a result, it is possible to consider them a signpost.
It is not a new technique or one that is used solely for YouTube videos. Almost any visual content out there uses thumbnails to capture interest. It is a marketing technique known as emotional marketing. It relies on the connections it can build with its target audience and forces them to click through the intrigue that has been built.
According to YouTube, people’s faces are often a good thumbnail to use, as people have shown to be naturally drawn to them. Expressions can be everything, which is something that Mr. Beast has capitalized on, but he has revealed there needs to be balance.
What design elements need to be considered when using thumbnails?
Everyone knows that the thumbnail used must be captivating and attract interest as soon as it is seen. However, the real challenge is finding something that can work within the parameters that have been set while also appealing to the target audience successfully.
Colors that contrast with each other, fonts that are clear, and spacing that ensures there are no readability issues are good ways of going about this. It is also possible to use free to use stock photos to capture the attention of potential viewers for those who may have limited skills or lack a little imagination, as these can be obtained and take time away from this activity for something else.
However, when it comes to designing or creating a thumbnail, there are parameters that need to be met. These include:
- 1280 x 720 pixels and a minimum width of 640 pixels
- 16:9 aspect ratio is recommended
- Under 2MB
- JPEG, GIF or PNG image format
What are some tips to follow when creating a YouTube thumbnail?
There are numerous do’s and do not’s that an uploader should continually think about when designing and applying a thumbnail to their YouTube video. While the specifications outlined above come first and foremost, there are certain things that are within their control.
DO: Be different
Check out what the competition are doing and try to differentiate with the thumbnail. As stated, these are like a signpost, therefore by making it different, it can force people to click and watch the content. If they see something similar and have already watched content based on it, they are likely to skip the video and go to something else.
DON’T: Overcrowd the thumbnail
It can be normal to want to put out as much information as possible in a thumbnail to capture attention. Obviously, the more people see, the more likely they are to click, as they already know what to expect. However, the thumbnail needs to be clear and concise. It should feature the basics of the video and something intriguing. Let the title and description do the rest at this point.
DO: Keep a level of consistency
It is important to remain consistent with the content that is built to build a reputation and brand. The same can be said for thumbnails, too. People will become familiar with a certain design or type of imagery, which can immediately attract them to click as soon as they see it. While playing around and changing things occasionally is possible, try to remain consistent, as this can be a winning formula. If you want a detailed analysis of what’s working and what isn’t, then check out YouTube analytics, as this tool can provide valuable insights.
DON’T: Clickbait should never be used
The use of clickbait has been one interesting method for garnering clicks, but it is a practice that has begun to irritate many. Most users have caught up with what is being achieved through this approach and, therefore, are regularly disappointed by whatever they get. Thumbnails can sometimes be deceptive since they will cause people to click on a video only for them to find something completely different from what was anticipated. Always be honest when creating a thumbnail; this will probably serve better in the long term because some trust can develop.