Hi, Dave from Starscape SEO here. Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand your brand or a content creator aiming to build an audience, one universal truth applies: everyone on YouTube wants more views.
But getting those views isn’t just about producing great content—it’s also about making sure people click on your videos in the first place.
One of the most critical factors in driving clicks is the YouTube thumbnail, the visual that represents your video in search results, on your channel, and across the platform.
Why Thumbnails Matter
Your thumbnail is the first impression your video makes. It’s the deciding factor that determines whether a potential viewer will click on your video or scroll past it. This means it has to look good on any and all devices!
A compelling thumbnail can grab attention, spark curiosity, and ultimately drive more clicks, while a poorly designed one can leave your video unnoticed, no matter how great the content is.
This applies to everyone, from business owners who use YouTube as a marketing tool to independent creators trying to grow their channel.
Without an eye-catching thumbnail, your video could get lost in the sea of content uploaded to YouTube every minute.
I want to mention my dad Rob, aka “Beach Baby Bob” here, who I’ve worked with on his Youtube channel called Silverfox Fitness for a number of years.
The reason I want to mention him is because of his thumbnails (see one of them above).
If you go over to his channel, you will see a lot of different “types” of thumbnails, as there are many ways to approach a thumbnail, some seeming to work better than others.
Between him, Dr. Chris Raynor (my brother-in-law), and my sister Amanda who runs Human 2.0 along with Chris, not to mention my nephew Charles aka Wolfie, let’s just say there have been many discussions over the years about thumbnails and which ones should be used.
I have had some input on some thumbnail discussions with my family members, but typically, everyone in my family wants to try it their way, and so my advice doesn’t always win in the end.
You, the business owner / reader, can visit their channels, and leave a comment below if you have an opinion on which ones you like and which you might say don’t exactly work.
And keep this in mind with YOUR business – if you aren’t focused, with a distinct style, then you can end up with results that could be a bit mixed, and so the point I’m making here is – get your thumbnail game in check ASAP, with no confusion about what you’re attempting to do there.
As this article goes on, you’ll be getting my opinion only – hey, it’s my website!
Key Conversion Factors Beyond the Thumbnail
While the thumbnail is crucial, it’s not the only factor that influences whether someone will watch your video.
Here are a few other major elements that can impact your video’s success:
Title
Your video title should be clear, concise, and compelling. It needs to tell viewers what to expect and why they should care.
Pairing a great title with an engaging thumbnail is a surefire way to boost clicks.
Content Quality
Once viewers click on your video, the content needs to deliver on the promise of the thumbnail and title.
High-quality content that’s informative, entertaining, or valuable in some way will keep viewers watching and encourage them to engage with your channel.
Engagement Hooks
Successful videos often include strong hooks at the beginning to grab viewers’ attention and keep them watching.
Whether it’s a surprising fact, an intriguing question, or a promise of what’s to come, the first few seconds of your video are crucial.
Video Length and Pacing
The length and pacing of your video can also affect its performance.
While some topics warrant longer videos, keeping your content concise and engaging can help retain viewers’ attention and encourage them to watch more of your videos.
Consistency
Regularly uploading content and maintaining a consistent theme or style can build viewer loyalty and keep people coming back to your channel.
Visit our Graphic Design Services page to hire an expert Youtube Thumbnail Designer NOW!
Big YouTubers Who Have Nailed the Thumbnail Game
Some of the most successful YouTubers across different niches have mastered the art of the thumbnail.
For instance, MrBeast, one of YouTube’s biggest stars, is known for his vibrant, high-energy thumbnails that often feature his surprised or excited face, along with bold text that teases the video’s content.
His thumbnails are designed to evoke curiosity and make viewers want to click to find out more.
In the tech space, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) uses clean, sharp thumbnails that often feature the latest gadgets against a sleek background, with minimal text.
This approach aligns with his brand’s focus on high-quality, no-nonsense tech reviews.
For business and entrepreneurship content, Graham Stephan often uses thumbnails that show his reactions to financial topics, with clear, bold text that highlights the video’s key points.
This style has helped him build a strong following among viewers interested in finance and investing.
Popular Types of Thumbnails and Examples
There are several types of thumbnails that tend to perform well on YouTube:
Facial Expressions
Thumbnails that feature clear, expressive faces tend to draw viewers in.
Whether it’s surprise, excitement, or confusion, showing emotion in your thumbnail can make it more relatable and engaging. Example: MrBeast’s thumbnails.
Bold Text
Thumbnails with bold, easy-to-read text can help convey the video’s message at a glance. This is especially useful for tutorial or explainer videos. Example: Graham Stephan’s financial advice videos.
Product Showcase
For channels focused on reviews or unboxings, showcasing the product front and center in the thumbnail can be very effective. Example: MKBHD’s tech review thumbnails.
Contrast and Color
Thumbnails that use bright, contrasting colors can stand out in a sea of content, drawing the viewer’s eye. Example: Many gaming YouTubers use this approach to make their thumbnails pop.
Before and After
Thumbnails that show a before-and-after transformation can be particularly intriguing, especially for DIY, beauty, or fitness channels. Example: Thumbnails for home renovation or weight loss journey videos.
Stay Tuned to Trends
To keep your thumbnail game strong, it’s important to stay tuned to how people are reacting to different styles and what’s popular at the moment.
Trends in thumbnail design can change, and what works today might not work tomorrow.
Keep an eye on successful channels in your niche, experiment with different styles, and use YouTube’s analytics tools to see what resonates most with your audience.
Conclusion
In the competitive world of YouTube, your thumbnail is one of the most important tools in your arsenal.
It’s the gateway to your content, and getting it right can make all the difference in whether your video succeeds.
Whether you’re a business owner or a content creator, investing time and effort into creating the perfect thumbnail is a step you can’t afford to skip.
With the right thumbnail strategy, you can attract more viewers, boost engagement, and take your YouTube presence to the next level.
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