YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform in the world. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it's no surprise that YouTube has become such a powerful tool for businesses, creators, organizations, and individuals to reach their target audience. And, with so many videos being uploaded daily, it's essential to ensure that your video stands out from the crowd. One of the most important factors in getting your video noticed and clicked on is the thumbnail, the first impression.

I’m sure you know, but for anyone who doesn’t, a thumbnail is a small image that represents your video when your videos show up on your feed and home pages. The video thumbnail is the first thing people see when scrolling through their YouTube feed. It's the video's "cover art," and it's the main reason that drives people either to click on the videos or not. A clickable thumbnail is crucial for driving traffic to your video and increasing your views. In this article, we'll look at the world's most clickable YouTube video thumbnail creation practices and provide tips and tricks for creating your own clickable thumbnails.

Using Bright and Contrasting Colors Can Make a Thumbnail Stand Out

When creating a thumbnail, the color scheme is one of the most important things to consider. Bright, contrasting colors can make a thumbnail stand out in a saturated feed and grab the viewer's attention. This is because bright colors are more eye-catching and easier to spot than dull or muted colors. Additionally, using contrasting colors can create a sense of visual interest and make the thumbnail more attractive. For example, using a bright red background with white text is more likely to be noticed than a pale pink background with gray text.

Contrasting colors are colors that are opposite to each other on the color wheel. Here are some examples of main contrasting colors are:

• Red and green

• Blue and orange

• Yellow and purple

• Black and white

• Cyan and red

• Magenta and green

• Yellow and blue

These color combinations can effectively make a thumbnail stand out and grab the viewer's attention. Remember that the brightness and saturation of the colors also play a role in how contrasting they appear, so it's a good idea to experiment with different shades and hues to find the right combination for your thumbnail.

Examples of successful video thumbnails that use bright, contrasting colors.

One example of a video thumbnail that uses bright, contrasting colors is Lilly Singh's "How to Be Confident" video. The thumbnail features a bright yellow background with bold black text, making it stand out among the other videos in the feed.

Another example is the "Try Not to Laugh Challenge" video by YouTuber MrBeast. The thumbnail features a bright blue background with contrasting orange text, making it easy to spot in a crowded feed.

Overall, using bright, contrasting colors in your thumbnail can effectively grab the viewer's attention and increase clicks on your video. Remember to use colors consistent with your branding, and ensure that the text is easy to read.

It is very important to write clear and attention-grabbing headlines.

The headline or title of your video is one of the most important elements of your thumbnail, as it's the first thing that viewers will see when they scroll through their feed. A clear, attention-grabbing headline can entice viewers to click on your video and watch it. A good headline should be short, to the point, and accurately reflect the content of the video. It should also be written to make the viewer curious and want to find out more.

Tips for writing a compelling headline

• Keep it Short. Keep your headlines short and sweet. A headline should be no longer than a few words.

• Use action words that convey a sense of action, such as "discover," "learn," "uncover," "reveal," "unlock," "solve," etc.

• Using numbers in the headline can make it more specific and intriguing.

• Asking a question in the headline can make the viewer curious and want to discover more.

• Use emotional words. Use words that evoke emotions, such as "inspiring," "heartwarming," "hilarious," etc.

Here are some examples of successful video thumbnails that use a clear, attention-grabbing headline

One example of a video thumbnail that uses a clear, attention-grabbing headline is "10 Life Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier" by YouTuber 5-Minute Crafts. The headline is short, to the point, and accurately reflects the content of the video.

Another example is "How to Make a Million Dollars Online" by YouTuber Tai Lopez. The headline is intriguing and makes the viewer curious to find out more. 

A clear, attention-grabbing headline is a crucial element of a clickable video thumbnail. Remember to keep it short. Use action words, numbers, questions, and emotional words to make it more interesting and enticing for viewers. 

Use High-Quality Images

The image you use in your video thumbnail is another important factor in making it clickable. A high-quality image is clear, in focus, and well-lit. It should also be relevant to the video's content and grab attention. A blurry, poorly lit, or irrelevant image can turn off viewers and make them less likely to click on the video.

Tips on how to take high-quality thumbnail images

• Use a high-resolution camera: A high-resolution camera will ensure that the image is clear and focused.

• Use good lighting: Proper lighting can make a huge difference in the quality of an image.

• Use a tripod: A tripod will help to keep the camera steady and prevent blur.

• Take multiple shots: Take multiple shots from different angles and choose the best one.

• Edit the image: Use photo editing software like photoshop to crop and adjust the brightness, contrast, and color balance of the image to make it look its best.

Examples of successful video thumbnails that use a high-quality image

One example of a video thumbnail that uses a high-quality image is "The Science of Sleep" by TED-Ed. The thumbnail features a close-up of a person sleeping, and the image is clear, well-lit, and relevant to the content of the video. 

Another example is "The Best Way to Travel" by YouTuber Casey Neistat. The thumbnail features a stunning image of a person traveling by plane, and the image is clear, well-composed, and relevant to the content of the video.

Remember, using a high-quality image in your video thumbnail is crucial for making it clickable. Use a high-resolution camera, good lighting, and a tripod. Take multiple shots and edit the image to make it looks its best. Use images that are relevant to the content of the video and that are attention-grabbing.

Why does the human face increase click-through rates?

Using a human face in a thumbnail can be an effective way to increase clicks on your video. People are naturally drawn to other people's faces, and a thumbnail with a human face can create a sense of connection and relatability. It can also make the thumbnail more interesting and memorable. It is a way to show the personality behind the video and can also be used to create an emotional connection with the viewer. Additionally, it can create a sense of trust and credibility, making the video more personal. 

Tips for using a human face in a thumbnail

• Use a smiling face: A smile can make the thumbnail more inviting and positive.

• Use a well-lit face: Make sure the face is well-lit and in focus.

• Use a diverse range of faces: Using a diverse range of faces can help you appeal to a wider audience.

• Use a face that is relevant to the video: Make sure the face is relevant to the content of the video.

Examples of successful video thumbnails that use a human face

One example of a video thumbnail that uses a human face is "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown. The thumbnail features a portrait of Brené Brown, the speaker in the video, and the image is well-lit and in focus.

Another example is "How to Start a Successful YouTube Channel" by YouTuber Tim Schmoyer. The thumbnail features a portrait of Tim Schmoyer, and the image is well-lit and focused, creating a sense of trust and credibility. 

Using a human face in a thumbnail can be an effective way to increase clicks on your video. Remember to use a smiling face, a well-lit face, a diverse range of faces, and a face that is relevant to the video. A human face can also create a sense of connection and relatability, make the thumbnail more interesting and memorable, and be used to create an emotional connection with the viewer.

Showing action in a thumbnail can increase clicks.

Showing action in a thumbnail can be an effective way to increase clicks on your videos. It can create a sense of excitement and anticipation, making the viewer more likely to want to watch the video. 

Action can also be used to communicate the content of the video and make the thumbnail more visually interesting. For example, if the video is about a cooking recipe, showing a picture of the finished dish with steam coming out of the oven can make the viewers crave it, and it's more likely to increase clicks.

Tips for using action in a thumbnail

• Use a clear image: Make sure the action is clearly visible in the thumbnail.

• Use relevant action: Make sure the action is relevant to the content of the video.

• Use motion blur: Using motion blur can add a sense of movement and excitement to the thumbnail.

• Use a close-up: A close-up of the action can make the thumbnail more dramatic and interesting.

Examples of successful video thumbnails that show the action

One example of a video thumbnail that shows action is "Learn How to Backflip in 5 Minutes" by YouTuber pigmie. The thumbnail features a close-up of a person performing a backflip, and the image is clear and relevant to the content of the video.

Another example is "The Science of Fireworks" by TED-Ed. The thumbnail features a close-up of a fireworks display, and the image is clear, relevant, and visually interesting.

Remember, showing action in a thumbnail can effectively increase clicks on your video. Remember to use a clear image, relevant action, motion blur, and a close-up. Showing action can create a sense of excitement and anticipation, making the viewer more likely to want to watch the video. It can also communicate the content of the video and make the thumbnail more visually interesting.

Consistent branding in your YouTube video thumbnails

Consistent branding in video thumbnails is important as it helps to create a recognizable and professional image for your channel. Consistent branding can include using the same colors, font, logo, and style in all of your video thumbnails. This helps to establish a visual identity for your channel and make it more easily recognizable to viewers. Additionally, consistent branding can help build trust and credibility with your audience, showing that you are professional and serious about your content.

Tips for maintaining consistent branding in video thumbnails

• Use the same colors: Use the same color scheme in all of your video thumbnails.

• Use the same font: Use the same font in all of your video thumbnails.

• Use the same logo: Include your logo in all of your video thumbnails.

• Use the same style: Use the same style in all of your video thumbnails.

• Keep it simple: Don't use too many elements, keep it simple and easy to recognize.

Examples of successful video thumbnails that use consistent branding

One example of a video thumbnail that uses consistent branding is "MrBeast’s channel. The thumbnail features MrBeast’s face and his logo. The colors and font are consistent with the overall branding of the channel.

Another example is "The Slow Mo Guys" channel. The thumbnail features an image of the hosts and the show's logo, and the colors and font are consistent with the overall branding of the channel.

Remember, consistent branding in video thumbnails is important.

Summary Of The Main Points On How To Make The World’s Most Clickable YouTube Video Thumbnail

In this article, we've discussed several key factors that can make a video thumbnail more clickable.

We've covered the importance of using bright, contrasting colors, a clear, attention-grabbing headline, a high-quality image, a human face, showing action, and consistent branding. By following these tips and examples, you can create a thumbnail that stands out and entices viewers to click on your video.

Creating clickable YouTube video thumbnails is crucial for driving traffic to your videos and increasing your views. It's the first thing that people see when they're scrolling through their YouTube feed, and it's the main reason that people will click on the video or not.

Take the time to create a thumbnail that represents your video well, is visually appealing, and stands out.  

Remember to keep it simple and consistent with your branding, and ensure that the text is easy to read.

For more articles about content marketing and more, please subscribe to our newsletter with your email and find me on social media. My username is the same everywhere @haykzar. Let’s become friends, and let’s tell stories together.

Thanks for reading!

Hayk

P. S. Here are a few additional resources for learning more about video thumbnails:

• YouTube's Creator Academy: This resource provides a wealth of information on creating effective video thumbnails.

• Canva: This graphic design tool makes it easy to create professional-looking video thumbnails.

• Adobe Photoshop: This photo editing tool can be used to create and edit video thumbnails.

• Buffer's Blog: Buffer's blog provides helpful tips and resources for creating effective