How to Make YouTube Thumbnails: Tips & Best Practices

Visuals play a pivotal role in capturing attention, and YouTube thumbnails are no exception. These images serve as the gateway to your video content, offering viewers a sneak peek into what they can expect. This article aims to be your comprehensive guide on creating YouTube thumbnails that not only look great but also drive clicks and views.

The Importance of a YouTube Thumbnail

A YouTube thumbnail is the cover image for your video, acting as the book cover of the digital video world. It's the first thing viewers see when they come across your content in search results, recommendations, or on your channel. A compelling thumbnail can:

  • Boost your video's click-through rate (CTR).

  • Enhance its ranking in search results.

  • Strengthen brand recognition.

In essence, a well-optimized thumbnail is a cornerstone of your YouTube channel's success.

YouTube Subscribe Animations
YouTube Subscribe Animations

Like and Subscribe Animations for YouTube Videos

  • 18 YouTube Subscribe Animation Assets

  • Transparent Backgrounds (Quicktime .mov files)

  • Like, Subscribe and Enable Notifications

  • 4K Resolution

Characteristics of High-Performing YouTube Thumbnails

Nate Black, a YouTube creator, analyzed thousands of YouTube thumbnails to uncover what makes them successful. Based on his findings, the following characteristics would likely contribute to a high-performing YouTube thumbnail:

  • Emotionally Engaging: Thumbnails conveying strong emotions, especially happiness, tend to stand out. Positive emotions are prevalent in 25.3% of thumbnails, while sadness is least common at 1.8%.

  • Face Presence: Thumbnails featuring faces (75.57% analyzed) effectively convey emotions and grab attention.

  • Simplicity in Text: The average word count on successful thumbnails is 2.2, suggesting concise text or even no text can be effective with strong imagery.

  • Showcasing & Clear Focus: Thumbnails focusing on a primary subject or object, termed the "Showcase" category, make up 25.4%. Such thumbnails allow viewers to quickly understand the video's content.

  • Reaction Thumbnails: Depicting reactions (23.9% analyzed) can be compelling, evoking curiosity about the cause.

  • Easily Understandable Scenery: The thumbnail's background should complement the main focus without distractions.

  • Symmetry & Relevance: Thumbnails using symmetry can stand out, but they should always be relevant to the video's content to avoid viewer drop-offs.

In summary, the best-performing thumbnails, as highlighted by Nate Black's comprehensive analysis, are those that combine strong emotional cues, feature a face, have clear and concise text (if any), showcase a primary subject or object, and have a clean and easily understandable background or scenery.

To learn more on Nate Black’s analysis check out his insightful video:

How to Make a Good YouTube Thumbnail: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an effective YouTube thumbnail is not just about choosing a catchy image. It involves a series of steps, each crucial in ensuring your thumbnail stands out, accurately represents your video, and entices viewers to click. Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Choosing the Right Image Size and Resolution

The first step in creating a thumbnail is ensuring it's the right size and resolution. YouTube recommends a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, with a minimum width of 640 pixels.

  • Why Size Matters: Thumbnails that adhere to the recommended size ensure clarity and sharpness across all devices, from desktops to mobile phones.

  • Aspect Ratio: An aspect ratio of 16:9 is ideal as it's used most frequently in YouTube players and previews.

To get the best results, you want to make sure you have the best YouTube thumbnail size for each and every one of your videos which is a minimum of 1920x1080. This can impact viewer engagement on both desktop and mobile. 

Read More - YouTube Thumbnail Size: Best Thumbnail Dimensions & Resolution

2. Selecting the Perfect Background Image

The background image sets the stage for your thumbnail. It's the first thing viewers notice, so it needs to be impactful.

  • Stills from the Video: Using a still from your video can be effective, especially if there's a moment that captures the essence of your content.

  • Custom Images: Some creators prefer shooting a separate image for the thumbnail to ensure it's high-quality and represents the video perfectly.

  • Color Psychology: Use colors that resonate with your video's mood.

Regardless of your choice, the emphasis should always be on using high-quality images that resonate with the video's content.

3. Incorporating Text in Thumbnails

While the image grabs attention, the text provides context. However, it's a delicate balance.

  • Less is More: Thumbnails are small, so your text should be concise and to the point.

  • Font Choices: Opt for bold, readable fonts that stand out against the background. 

It’s important to know the best YouTube thumbnail font for your videos and what font fits well with your brand to produce the greatest impact.

4. Optimizing for Mobile Viewers

Design thumbnails that look great on both desktop and mobile. Ensure text and key elements are visible and legible on smaller screens.

  • Visibility: Ensure text and key elements are visible and legible on smaller screens.

  • Simplicity: Avoid clutter. On a smaller screen, less is definitely more.

5. Building a Recognizable Brand

Your thumbnails are an extension of your brand on YouTube.

  • Consistency: Maintain a consistent look across all thumbnails to boost brand recognition. This includes consistent use of colors, fonts, and design elements.

  • Logo Placement: If you have a logo, consider placing it on your thumbnails. It's a great way for viewers to instantly recognize your content.

6. Testing and Iterating Thumbnail Designs

Once your thumbnail is live, the process doesn't end. It's crucial to analyze its performance and make necessary tweaks.

  • A/B Testing: Platforms like TubeBuddy allow you to test two thumbnail versions to see which performs better.

  • Analytics: Dive into YouTube analytics to see how your thumbnail is performing in terms of click-through rate and adjust accordingly.

Creating the perfect YouTube thumbnail involves a combination of art, science, and strategic thinking. 

Top YouTubers often spend as much time on their thumbnails as they do on their videos, understanding the pivotal role thumbnails play in attracting views. Here are some examples of the best YouTube thumbnails that have proven to be effective in driving engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Crafting the perfect YouTube thumbnail is a journey, and like all journeys, there are potential pitfalls along the way. Being aware of these common mistakes and understanding their negative impacts can save you time and ensure your thumbnails effectively attract viewers. Here are some of these missteps and their implications:

Misleading Thumbnails and Clickbait

Impact: While a sensational image or title might initially boost clicks, viewers feel deceived when the content doesn't match the thumbnail. This can lead to quick drop-offs, reduced watch time, and a potential decrease in your video's ranking. Over time, misleading thumbnails can damage your channel's reputation and erode viewer trust.

Key Takeaway: Always ensure your thumbnail accurately represents the content of your video. Prioritize viewer trust over short-term gains.

Overloading Thumbnails with Text or Graphics

Impact: Thumbnails are small, especially on mobile devices. A cluttered thumbnail can be overwhelming, making it unreadable and unappealing. This can deter potential viewers from clicking on your video, reducing your video's visibility and reach.

Key Takeaway: Embrace simplicity. Use text sparingly and ensure graphics enhance, not overshadow, the main image.

Ignoring Brand Consistency

Impact: Inconsistent thumbnails can confuse viewers and make your content less recognizable. This inconsistency can dilute your brand identity on YouTube, making it harder for viewers to associate your thumbnails with your content.

Key Takeaway: Your thumbnails are a visual representation of your brand on YouTube. Maintain a consistent look and feel to boost brand recognition and viewer loyalty.

Not Optimizing for Mobile Viewers

Impact: A significant portion of YouTube views come from mobile devices. Thumbnails that aren't optimized for mobile can appear cluttered or unreadable on smaller screens, leading to reduced click-through rates and engagement.

Key Takeaway: Design with mobile users in mind. Ensure key elements are visible and legible on all devices, from desktops to smartphones.

Not Regularly Updating Thumbnails

Impact: As viewer preferences and platform algorithms evolve, a thumbnail that once performed well might lose its effectiveness. Failing to update and adapt can result in reduced visibility and engagement over time.

Key Takeaway: Thumbnails aren't a "set it and forget it" element. Monitor performance, gather feedback, and be ready to iterate and adapt based on data and changing trends.

By being aware of these common pitfalls and their implications, you can make informed decisions when crafting your thumbnails, ensuring they effectively attract and retain viewers.

Tools and Resources to Make YouTube Thumbnails

With digital tools and software, creating a standout YouTube thumbnail doesn't require professional design skills. There are numerous online tools and resources available that make the process seamless, even for beginners. Let's explore some of these tools and their features.

Online Thumbnail Makers

Online thumbnail makers are web-based platforms that offer pre-designed templates, design elements, and text options tailored for YouTube thumbnails. These tools often come with drag-and-drop interfaces, making them user-friendly.

  • Templates: Most online thumbnail makers offer a variety of templates catering to different niches and video types. Whether you're a vlogger, educator, or entertainer, there's likely a template that fits your content.

  • Customization: Beyond templates, these tools allow for extensive customization. You can change colors, fonts, and graphics to align with your brand and video content.

  • Stock Images: Some thumbnail makers also provide access to stock image libraries, giving you a plethora of high-quality images to choose from.

YouTube Thumbnail Resizer

While online thumbnail makers often provide templates in the recommended YouTube thumbnail size, sometimes you might need to resize an existing image. This is where a YouTube Thumbnail Resizer comes in handy.

  • Optimal Dimensions: These tools ensure your thumbnails adhere to YouTube's recommended dimensions, ensuring clarity across all devices.

  • Cropping and Adjusting: Beyond resizing, these tools often allow for cropping and minor adjustments, ensuring your thumbnail looks perfect before uploading.

Tutorial Video: How to Make a YouTube Thumbnail

In this tutorial by Primal Video, they go through the steps of how to make a YouTube Thumbnail using Canva.

Key Takeaways:

  • Canva and Snappa are top recommendations for creating YouTube thumbnails.

  • It's essential to have a good quality image of yourself for the thumbnail.

  • Instead of searching for a good frame in your video, intentionally take a few poses after recording.

  • VLC Player can be used to extract a still image from a video.

  • Canva has a background remover feature, but it's a paid feature. However, there are other ways to achieve this, such as using the iPhone's Photos app.

  • Canva offers both free and paid plans, with the paid plan offering more features.

Step-by-Step Process in Canva:

  • Start with a Background: Begin by selecting a gradient or color for your thumbnail's background.

  • Upload Your Image: Upload the image you want to use for the thumbnail.

  • Remove Background: If you want to remove the background from your image, use Canva's background remover or another method.

  • Adjust Image: Use Canva's editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, warmth, and clarity.

  • Add Text: Insert relevant text for your video. Ensure it's clear and stands out.

  • Customize Text Background: Add shapes or colors behind your text to make it pop.

  • Add Graphics: Insert any relevant logos or graphics. For instance, if your video is about a specific software, consider adding its logo.

  • Final Adjustments: Make any final tweaks to the colors, positioning, or any other elements.

  • Download: Once satisfied, download the thumbnail in JPG or PNG format.

  • Upload to YouTube: Go to your YouTube Studio, select the video you want to add the thumbnail to, and upload your created thumbnail.

Remember, the goal is to create a thumbnail that is eye-catching and gives viewers a clear idea of what the video is about.

Tips for Thumbnail Optimization

While the basics of thumbnail creation are essential, diving deeper into advanced optimization techniques can give you an edge in the competitive YouTube landscape. These advanced tips can further enhance the effectiveness of your thumbnails, ensuring they stand out and drive engagement.

1. Using Templates for Brand Consistency

Templates aren't just about ease of use; they're also about maintaining brand consistency. By creating and using a set of templates tailored to your brand, you ensure a consistent look and feel across all your videos.

  • Time Efficiency: Once you have a set of templates, creating thumbnails becomes faster. You have a foundation to work from, ensuring you maintain consistency while also allowing for unique tweaks for each video.

  • Brand Recognition: Consistent thumbnails make your content instantly recognizable. When viewers see a thumbnail, they should immediately associate it with your brand.

2. Importance of Color Contrast

Color contrast is a subtle yet powerful tool in grabbing attention. Thumbnails with high color contrast stand out more, especially when viewed among a sea of other thumbnails.

  • Standing Out: High-contrast colors pop out, ensuring your thumbnail grabs attention even in a crowded YouTube search result or recommendation feed.

  • Avoiding Platform Colors: It's also essential to avoid colors that blend with YouTube's platform colors, like red and white. You want your thumbnail to stand out, not blend in.

3. Staying Updated with YouTube's Algorithm and Trends

YouTube, like all platforms, evolves. Its algorithm changes, and viewer preferences shift. Staying updated with these changes ensures your thumbnails remain effective.

  • Adapting to Changes: Whether it's a change in recommended thumbnail size or a shift in viewer preference, being adaptable ensures your thumbnails remain effective.

  • Audience Preferences: Keep an eye on trends. What kind of thumbnails are popular in your niche? Is there a shift in viewer preference you should be aware of?

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect YouTube thumbnail is an ongoing journey. They're the gateway to your content, the first impression viewers have of your video. 

With the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you're well-equipped to create thumbnails that not only look great but also drive views and engagement. 

The world of YouTube is dynamic. Continuously test, optimize, and adapt to ensure your thumbnails always hit the mark.

Additional Resources

Helpful YouTube Articles:

YouTube Video Assets:

  • YouTube Subscribe Animations: Enhance viewer engagement with dynamic subscribe animations that encourage channel growth.

  • YouTube Overlays: Add a professional touch to your videos with customizable overlays that elevate your content's aesthetics.

  • Video Templates: Streamline your video creation process with ready-to-use templates tailored for various content types.

  • Free Video Templates: Kickstart your YouTube journey with free video templates that offer versatility and style without breaking the bank.

References:

  • Primal Video: How to Create an Easy Thumbnail (Tutorial Video)

  • Nate Black: The State of YouTube Thumbnails (Video)

  • YouTube: Add Custom or Automatic Thumbnails

  • HubSpot: How to Make Perfect Thumbnails

  • Neil Patel: A Guide to Thumbnails for YouTube

  • ClipChamp: Insights to Thumbnails That Get Clicks

Thanks for Reading

At Motion Arts Media, we help video editors and creators with ready-to-use motion graphics assets and templates. With over 1,000 customers and 17,000+ downloads, we’re all about empowering your creative flow. Check out our freebies and premium video templates or connect with us on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn.

About The Author

Jeremy Sampson is a motion designer and founder of Motion Arts Media with over a decade of experience working in Premiere Pro and After Effects. He’s worked with brands like Apple, Amazon, and Nike, but also has passion towards creating motion designs and assets for other creators through Motion Arts Media—where he shares his styles and work with the community.

Jeremy | Motion Designer & Founder | Motion Arts MediaComment