Published: September 9, 2021 | Published By: Real Creative Agency
Custom YouTube Thumbnail
A custom YouTube thumbnail can be the difference between getting your video clicked on or not. Here is how to make a great one and add a video thumbnail.
You have just 1.8 seconds to grab the attention of someone on YouTube. When you video comes up in a search result or is recommended, your thumbnail is what people look at first. Do you see why the image you choose for your video is so important?
TIP: DO NOT USE the one that YouTube offers or the one they select by default. They do not know what your video is about or what will entice the person to click on it.
The requirements for a YouTube thumbnail are simple.
They need to have a resolution of 1280×720 (with minimum width of 640 pixels). They must be uploaded in image formats such as JPG, GIF or PNG and remain under 2MB limit.
You can make one for free at Canva or Photopea. Be sure to name the image of the thumbnail the same as the title of your YouTube video.
In order to stand out, you need to tell the YouTube viewer what your video is about with this picture. This is all part of YouTube Optimization
This is a video that explains WHY you need a customYouTube thumbnail.
What EVERY good YouTube thumbnail has.
In that tiny box you need to do 2 things. You need to tell the person what the video is about and also pique their curiosity. Here is how you do that.
We are humans and we are attracted to other human faces. Your thumbnail needs a face on it. The face should have some exaggerated expression, which will draw attention.
Colors are key. The colors you choose should contrast. The background color should contrast with the text. This makes the text easy to read.
The text should be NO MORE THAN 6 WORDS. There are a few exceptions if your channel has a huge following but if you’re just getting started you need to keep it short and sweet. These words need to be dramatic. Think of how the front page of the National Enquirer looks. These guys are pros at grabbing your attention. Copy them.
The text should be bold and take up HALF of the image. It must be easy to read.
Take a look at the 4 YouTube thumbnails below. Can you see what a good YouTube thumbnail looks like?
Change your thumbnail on poor performing videos.
If some of your videos aren’t performing well we suggest changing your thumbnail. A good YouTube channel manager will do this to improve the video’s ranking.
Take a look at your best performing videos and look at their thumbnails. Do they have something in common?
We suggest changing the thumbnail, title and description of ONLY your poor performing videos to see that improves their ranking.
Finally, if you want your YouTube channel to get found, your videos to get ranked and other great YouTube tricks and tips, please visit the Video Channel Pros at the Real Creative Agency.
Other suggested YouTube articles.
- What Is YouTube Optimization?
- Is YouTube SEO Necessary?
- What Is YouTube SEO?
- 3 Things EVERY YouTube Video Needs
- Free YouTube Channel Analysis
- How To Find A Good YouTube Channel Manager
The experts at Real Creative show you how to get higher Google ranking or get more visitors to your YouTube channel without spending money on ads.
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Digital Marketing Experts
Daily helping our most valuable asset "YOU" since 2005.