In the world of online video, YouTube stands as the undisputed king. With millions of videos uploaded daily, one might wonder: how do you make your content stand out?
The answer, surprisingly, is often found in the smallest of details: the thumbnail. A well-crafted thumbnail can be the difference between a viewer clicking on your video or scrolling past it.
For other ways to improve your views check out our article on YouTube SEO.
How to Make The Best YouTube Thumbnails
Please keep in mind that the YouTube thumbnail meta is always changing and that some of these points might not be a perfect fit for your specific niche.
1. Select a Photo editing Software
No matter what your journey will inevitably lead to this, you have to select the right tools to create your thumbnails with.
Your good old and trusted tools like Microsoft paint and pen and paper won’t really be the right fit for this task, so why don’t you check out our article on the best tools for creating YouTube thumbnails.
2. Use The Correct YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions
Here are the details of YouTube thumbnail sizes:
- Standard Thumbnails: The recommended size for standard thumbnails is 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels tall, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. The aspect ratio should be 16:9.
- Maximum Image Size: YouTube requires that the thumbnail image file size be under 2 MB.
3. Understand Your Audience
Know your target demographic. A thumbnail that resonates with teenagers might not appeal to older adults. Study your audience and tailor your thumbnail design accordingly. The best way to know what works with your audience is to look at what works for your direct competitors.
4. High-Quality Images
Always start with high-resolution images. Blurry or pixelated thumbnails can give the impression of unprofessionalism and can deter viewers. In order to filter Google images for high-quality images click on tools, then in the new size option that appears, click on large.
5. Use Close-ups
Faces, especially those displaying emotion, are proven to be effective in thumbnails. If your video features a person, consider a close-up shot of their face to make the thumbnail more relatable and engaging.
6. Bold and Readable Text
If you decide to include text in your thumbnail, ensure it’s bold and easily readable. Opt for fonts that stand out and colors that contrast with the background. Keep the text minimal; remember, less is often more.
7. Consistency is Key
Establishing a consistent style for your thumbnails can enhance brand recognition. Whether it’s a particular color scheme, font, or layout, consistency can make your videos instantly recognizable to your subscribers.
8. Test and Analyze
Image from @MrBeast on Twitter/X.
Like all aspects of content creation, it’s essential to test different thumbnails and analyze their performance. Platforms like YouTube Studio provide insights on click-through rates. Adjust and optimize based on these metrics.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way of testing and analysing thumbnails, try out TubeBuddy‘s thumbnail testing features!
9. Avoid Misleading Thumbnails
While it might be tempting to use a clickbait image, misleading thumbnails can lead to a high bounce rate leading to YouTube recommending your videos less often. It’s always best to represent the content of your video accurately.
10. Optimize for Mobile
A significant portion of YouTube views comes from mobile devices. Ensure your thumbnail looks just as appealing on a smaller screen. This often means avoiding overly intricate designs and ensuring text is still legible on mobile.
A captivating YouTube thumbnail can significantly boost the visibility and success of your video content. With attention to detail, understanding your audience, and continuous optimization, you can master the art of creating thumbnails that not only look good but also drive more views.
FAQ
What is the best YouTube thumbnail format?
The recommended YouTube thumbnail format is as follows:
- Resolution: 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels tall.
- Aspect ratio: 16:9.
- File size: Keep the thumbnail image file size under 2 MB.
- File type: PNG or JPG.
Adhering to these dimensions will ensure your thumbnail looks great across various devices and maintains its clarity and quality.
How do you add a thumbnail to a YouTube video on your phone?
To add a thumbnail to a YouTube video on your phone, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube Studio app on your mobile device.
- Tap the Video tab at the bottom of the screen to access your video library.
- Select the video you want to add a thumbnail to and tap Edit.
- Scroll down to the Thumbnail section and tap the Custom thumbnail option.
- Choose the thumbnail image from your phone’s gallery or camera roll.
- Adjust the thumbnail by pinching and dragging to position it correctly within the frame.
- Tap Save in the top-right corner of the screen to apply the thumbnail to your video.
Note: Ensure that the thumbnail you upload meets YouTube’s guidelines in terms of file size, format, and content.
Are you a business looking to improve your YouTube presence? Contact us for all your data needs!
