Updated: Apr 17
A YouTube thumbnail is a small, clickable image that appears on the platform's search results page, suggested videos section and any channel homepage. It serves as an attention-grabbing preview to the video that entices viewers to click through and watch it.
Thumbnails play a useful role in YouTube marketing strategies, since they help attract viewers to video content. A well-crafted YouTube thumbnail increases the chances of potential viewers noticing the video, resulting in better engagement and overall performance. It's especially relevant for businesses, giving them a chance to showcase their brand and attract more of the channel’s 2 billion active monthly users.
The use of thumbnails on YouTube started when the platform introduced the concept of video previews. Since then, they’ve become an essential aspect of video marketing, helping brands convey a message or emotion that resonates with the audience quickly. Today, YouTube thumbnails can be customized or auto-generated and have evolved visually thanks to the use of high-resolution images, animation and text overlays.
The key components of a YouTube thumbnail include:
High-quality image
Relevant title or text overlay
Consistent branding elements such as color scheme, font and logo
An eye-catching design that stands out among other videos
There are several benefits of using YouTube thumbnails in a marketing strategy, and a social media marketing strategy specifically including:
Increased visibility and click-through rates (CTR)
Improved engagement and watch time
The opportunity to showcase a brand’s identity and style
This video on How to Start a Business by Wix does a great job of using a thumbnail to effectively engage audiences.
In this YouTube thumbnail example we see the following constructive elements:
A clear and concise title that accurately represents the video content.
An image that conveys the emotion or story of the video content. In this case, a person with a welcoming expression in front of a modern office background sets the perfect professional tone.
Consistent branding elements including a logo, brand color scheme and font style.
The ability to preview the video content upon hovering over the thumbnail.
When making YouTube thumbnails for your own channel, make sure your design stands out among others while accurately representing the video content. To do this, follow some of these best practices:
Choose high-quality images that are visually appealing and relevant to the video content.
Add catchy text overlays that accurately represent the content and encourage viewers to click on your video.
Use consistent branding elements such as colors, fonts and your own logo design to establish brand identity and increase recognition.
Test different thumbnail designs to determine what works best for your audience.