Table of Contents
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Updated: 01/04/2022
Youtube:
- YouTube is the most used video platform in the USA.
- 2nd most visited website Globally
- 2nd most used social platform Globally
Growth Tactics collected the best YouTube thumbnails, 22 thumbnails you should be using to increase video views
1. Shock & Awe
Explanation: People are naturally curious about things they've never seen before.
Tactic: Use bold lettering and imagery to emphasize the most shocking moment of your video. Include emotional facial expressions.
2. Comparisons
Explanation: Side-by-side comparisons will attract avid supporters from both sides. This effectively doubles your target audience.
Tactic: Bring attention to the most extreme difference (price, size, skill, age, etc.)
3. Reactions
Explanation: Dramatic faces attract attention—people click because they can't help but want to see what provoked it.
Tactic: To make the reaction more genuine, use a still from your footage, not a posed shot
4. Join Along
Explanation: Behind-the-scenes and candid content builds affinity with your audience–the viewer feels like they're a part of your journey.
Tactic: Re-frame mundane situations (ex. studying, cleaning, traveling) into chances to join a day in the life.
5. Ask A Question
Explanation: People crave closure. Asking a Q in your thumbnail opens a loop that can only be closed by watching.
Tactic: Use the video title to tease at the answer you pose in your thumbnail. Keep the Q to less than 5 words.
6. Stickers
Explanation: Recognizable objects allow you to communicate the topic of your video without using words.
Tactic: Use a colored outline stroke or drop-shadow to give the stickers a multi-layer effect
7. Negative Space
Explanation: Draw attention to key elements of your thumbnail by de-cluttering around it
Tactic: Use a single color or blurry background. Put 1 or 2 key elements in the foreground.
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8. Brand Consistency
Explanation: Keeping an element of your thumbnails consistent makes your videos familiar–even to non-subscribers.
Tactic: Include a small logo. Use a design style or color palette consistently.
9. Arrows & Emphasis
Explanation: Draw attention to small details within your thumbnail that hint at what will happen in the video.
Tactic: Show "before" the action happens. Use arrows to trace the path of movement.
10. Big Numbers
Explanation: Big numbers are un-natural (and therefore generate curiosity).
Tactic: Use commas to make the number appear longer. Don't make it too round or it'll come off as fake.
11. Headline
Explanation: Pique curiosity and provide context using a headline that complements an otherwise plain thumbnail.
Tactic: Keep headlines to less than 3 words. Use a large font. Position it across the top of the thumbnail.
12. Pop-Outs
Explanation: Zoom in on a specific spot on your thumbnail to emphasize the video's primary focus.
Tactic: Use a border around the pop-out to make it clear. Zoom in to show texture, small details, or important elements.
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