You may have created an epic video that is binge-worthy and would benefit a broad audience, but as long as someone does not click on the video link to watch it, your video message will not get across.
Creating a thumbnail may be the last thing on your mind, but that would be an epic mistake. Your video thumbnail is akin to an article title and meta-description – it helps a consumer decide whether or not clicking the link will be worthwhile.
When it comes to choosing your video's thumbnail, it's important to avoid using YouTube's default thumbnails. These are just still images taken from your video, and they're usually of poor quality and not very eye-catching. Instead, it's better to manually select a still frame or choose a good representative image and customize it. In fact, according to YouTube's Creator Academy lessons, 90% of the top-ranking videos on the site have custom thumbnails.
To create a click-worthy thumbnail, you should think about it while you're shooting your video. Keep potential images in mind, and you could even shoot a quick still image specifically for this purpose. This way, you'll have a high-resolution image ready to use when you upload your video, and you won't have to waste time looking through stills later. Remember, the thumbnail is the deciding factor in whether or not someone clicks on your video, so it's worth putting in the extra effort to create a great one!
How to Create a Click-Worthy Video Thumbnail on YouTube
Choose a Custom Thumbnail Image
Don't settle for YouTube's default still images. They're rarely of good quality and are unlikely to entice viewers to click. Instead, manually choose a still frame from your video, or pick a representative image and customize it. According to YouTube's Creator Academy, 90% of top-ranking videos on the website have custom thumbnails.
Add Attention-Grabbing Text
Your thumbnail text should be an indication of what your video is about, but keep it to about 4 to 5 words maximum. Action shots or pictures that depict a person showing strong emotions are much more likely to get a click because they evoke a viewer’s curiosity. As per YouTube’s Creator Academy, face close-ups garner maximum viewer attention.
Size It Right
Make sure your thumbnail fits YouTube's guidelines, with a standard size of 1280×720 or 1920×1080 and an aspect ratio of 16:9. Keep the file size under 2MB to ensure a seamless and quick upload. Choosing smaller sizes may make the thumbnail blurry and not click-worthy, especially on bigger screens.
For brands on YouTube, the video thumbnail is a great opportunity to build brand recall value. Be consistent in your posting and ensure viewers associate every one of your videos with your brand.
Don't be Click-Bait, Be Click-Worthy
Avoid using click-bait titles that give misleading information just to get a click. Instead, aim for click-worthy thumbnails that grab attention for the right reasons and provide a sense of what's included in your video. This approach will not only help avoid turning off viewers but also reduce the bounce rate for your YouTube channel.
Get The Colors Right
Colors are crucial in creating click-worthy thumbnails. Use complementary colors for your background and text, and opt for transparent shades to balance overlays. Make sure your colors pop and grab the viewer's attention.
By following these tips, you can create a click-worthy video thumbnail that entices viewers to click and watch your video.
