What Makes A Good Youtube Thumbnail: A Deep Dive

In video blogging, the first impression is often paramount. Eye-catching thumbnails frequently determine whether YouTube users will click on your video or scroll further. Knowing how to make cool thumbnails will help you boost your content’s engagement and visibility. 

Thumbnails are the visual teasers that promise value and entertainment, compelling viewers to choose your video among millions of others available online. This article provides tips on creating catchy thumbnails for advanced and newbie YouTubers. With the given recommendations, you can grow your audience and enhance your channel’s performance.

Tips For YouTube Thumbnails

Planning

While scripting your video, consider the thumbnail concept. Identify the key moments or elements you want to highlight. When creating your video content, you can stop for a while and take a few specific shots for your future thumbnails. 

High-Quality Images

Prioritize high-resolution images. The visuals should be clear and professional. Avoid using screenshots with too much text or background noise. Feel free to experiment with various photo editing tools to find the best way to make thumbnails for YouTube. These tools offer features like filters, overlays, and advanced text options that can elevate the quality of your thumbnails. 

For instance, an AI background remover lets you isolate your subject from the background. Clear and contrasting backdrops make it easier to create clean and professional-looking thumbnails. Use shadows, highlights, and overlays to separate the foreground from the background. Use relevant and appealing backgrounds that enhance the subject. If your video is about travel, a scenic background can add context and appeal.

Use color grading techniques to enhance the colors and create a cohesive look. Modify the brightness, contrast, and saturation to make the image pop.

Consistency

Use a unified color palette, font style, and layout for all your videos. Maintain a consistent look to make your content easily recognizable. Use templates to save your time. Many successful YouTubers use templates that include their logo, specific fonts, and color schemes. 

Legible Texts

Text on thumbnails should be large, clear, and easy to read. Ensure they are versatile and adjusted to various screen types. Test how your thumbnails look on smaller screens to ensure text and important elements remain clear and legible. 

Use bold fonts to make your video pop out when users refresh their feeds. Combining different fonts, such as a bold one for the main title and a more playful one for the subtitle, can create a hierarchy and guide the viewer’s eye. Be brief and limit yourself to three to five words. Try to capture the key point of your video with a short yet impactful phrase.  Phrases like “How to,” “Top 5,” or “The Best” can be very effective.

Vibrant Colors

Use a color scheme that stands out against YouTube’s white background and other thumbnails. Bright and contrasting colors are usually the most noticeable and attention-grabbing. Tools like color wheels can help you choose the right combinations. Be mindful of color psychology; different colors can evoke different emotions and reactions.

Callouts and Social Proof

Callouts are graphic elements that highlight important features or details in your thumbnail. These can be circles, boxes, or arrows that attract attention to specific parts of the image. For example, if your video is a tutorial, you can use callouts to highlight tools or key steps.

Like counts, view counts, or subscriber badges can add credibility and attract more viewers. These are the signs that your video is popular and worth watching. 

The Focal Point

The focal point of your thumbnail should be the main subject or action in your video. It could be a person’s face, a product, or a significant moment. It is where compositional principles (the rule of thirds, leading lines, natural framing, etc.) and post-processing techniques for recomposing and focusing (cropping, straightening, focus stacking, HDR, etc.) become especially important. 

Using a human face as a thumbnail will make your content more personalized and emotionally appealing. Close-ups of faces showing strong emotions like excitement, surprise, or curiosity can draw viewers in. Eye contact in thumbnails can create a connection with potential viewers. If your video features people, consider using expressive facial shots in your thumbnails.

Zero Clickbaits

An effective thumbnail should be catchy. However, do not sacrifice accuracy to attract attention. Avoid fooling your viewers because it will ruin your reputation as a content maker. The thumbnail should represent what your video is about. Trust is key to building a loyal audience, so always deliver on the promise your thumbnail makes.

Conclusion

Effective thumbnails are a powerful tool in your content creation arsenal. They are the gateway to your videos, and mastering their design can lead to greater viewer engagement, higher retention rates, and a more successful YouTube channel. So, put these insights into practice, and watch as your thumbnails transform into one of the most valuable assets in your YouTube journey.