How to make a thumbnail for YouTube

Did you know that the first thing viewers see when they open YouTube is the thumbnail and the text on it? I'm not talking about the video title, which also helps with YouTube's search optimization and keywords, but the very first thing a viewer notices is the thumbnail. The more informative and appealing the thumbnail, the higher the chances of getting a click.

In this blog post, I'll share insights into the top 5 YouTubers from different niches and analyze their techniques for creating thumbnails. I'll also highlight common mistakes new YouTubers often make at the beginning of their journey. Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your ability to create engaging thumbnails that attract more viewers.

1. MrBeast (258M Subscribers)

In the entertainment niche on YouTube, MrBeast stands out not only for his unique video editing techniques but also for his distinctive approach to designing thumbnails, which play a crucial role in capturing viewers' attention. Let me break down the unique aspects he incorporates into his thumbnails, showcasing why they are so effective:

1. High Emotional Impact: Each thumbnail uses facial expressions and scenarios that convey strong emotions, like excitement, fear, or surprise. This emotional appeal is likely to capture attention quickly, making people more likely to click on the video.

2. Vibrant Colors: The use of bright and contrasting colors makes these thumbnails stand out in a crowded YouTube feed. For example, the bright reds and yellows grab the eye faster than duller colors would.

3. Dynamic Imagery: The images are dynamic and full of action, such as a person stranded on an island or surrounded by explosive materials. This suggests that the video content will be exciting and engaging.

4. Clear, Bold Text: Each thumbnail includes text that is easy to read at a glance. The text helps to immediately tell the viewer what the video is about, which is essential for drawing in an audience that browses quickly.

5. Consistent Branding: All thumbnails feature the same person with a similar styling and format, which helps in building a recognizable brand. Viewers who see one of these thumbnails will likely recognize others from the same channel more easily.

6. Contextual Props: The thumbnails use props and backgrounds that give a hint about the video's content. For example, exotic locations, luxury items, or dramatic scenarios set the stage for the story in the video.

7. Scale of Drama: The scenarios depicted are unusual or extreme, such as protecting a yacht or a Lamborghini, which suggests high stakes and interesting content. This increases the likelihood of someone clicking to find out more.

These techniques combine to make the thumbnails visually appealing and effective in driving high viewer engagement on YouTube. Each element works together to ensure that once the thumbnail catches a viewer's eye, it also provides enough information to encourage a click-through.

2. BRIGHT SIDE (44.6M Subscribers)

In the education niche on YouTube, the Bright Side channel stands out for its unique approach to content creation. Notably, the creator does not reveal his face, focusing instead on the content itself. However, it's the thumbnails that capture the essence of simplicity and learning. Each thumbnail is designed to spark curiosity and promises new knowledge, making them a key part of their appeal. Despite these innovative approaches, there has been a noticeable decline in viewer interest and a drop in views recently. Let's explore the unique aspects of their thumbnail design:

1. Mystery and Intrigue:

• The Bermuda Triangle's Scarier Cousin: This thumbnail uses an image of a whirlpool and a map, suggesting a mysterious geographic story that builds on the natural human curiosity about the unknown. The use of vivid blue tones adds a cool, mysterious vibe.

2. Humor and Simplicity:

• Don’t Eat These Things Until You Watch This: Features a cartoon sheep with an oversized red circle, which uses humor and simplicity to intrigue viewers about the content, possibly related to common misconceptions or surprising facts.

3. Insider Knowledge:

• Things Pilots Only Tell Other Pilots: Shows a pilot and a highlighted toilet, suggesting insider knowledge and secrets within the aviation industry that are not commonly known to the public.

4. Educational and Informative:

• Why a Bed Height Matters + 150 Rare Facts: Utilizes a visual comparison with simple icons to educate viewers on an unusual topic, promising a mix of practical advice and intriguing facts.

5. High Stakes and Drama:

• They Didn't Believe in Space Snakes... Until He Saw Them Twice: This thumbnail features an astronaut and a fantastical creature, combining elements of space and mystery to draw viewers interested in science fiction and dramatic tales.

6. Quirky and Unusual Laws:

• Weird Laws That Will Make You Say "Wait, What?": Uses bright, contrasting colors and animated figures in surprising scenarios to pique interest in bizarre and humorous legal facts.

7. Interactive and Challenge-Based:

• 17 Twisted Riddles That Will Boil Your Head: The use of vivid colors and animated expressions on characters invites viewers to engage in mental challenges, appealing to those who enjoy puzzles and brain teasers.

8. Surprising Uses and Innovations:

• They Said It Was Nuts, But Now They Use It: Features a modern restroom setup, hinting at innovative or unconventional uses of everyday objects, sparking curiosity about new technologies or hacks.

Each thumbnail is crafted to not only grab attention quickly but also to convey a sense of what the viewer can expect from the video, whether it’s learning something new, getting a laugh, or solving a puzzle. This strategic use of visuals and text ensures that the thumbnails are effective in driving viewership.

3. Kids Diana Show (122M Subscribers)

In the lifestyle niche on YouTube, the Kids Diana Show stands out as a leading channel. While its primary audience consists of children, a significant portion of its viewership also includes adults who enjoy the content. This dual appeal is a key factor in the channel's ability to attract millions of views per video. The thumbnails play a crucial role in this success, meticulously crafted to capture the attention of both kids and their parents. Let's explore the unique aspects of their thumbnail design that contribute to their effectiveness:

1. Vibrant Colors and Playful Themes: All thumbnails use bright and appealing colors which are known to grab children's attention. The vivid pinks, blues, yellows, and greens make the thumbnails pop and stand out in a YouTube feed.

2. Character Focus: Characters are at the forefront of these thumbnails, whether they are children, cartoon characters, or adults dressed in colorful attire. This helps young viewers immediately identify with the characters and feel a connection, encouraging them to click and watch.

3. Action and Emotion: The thumbnails often show characters in the middle of an action or displaying emotions like surprise or happiness. For example, in "Oliver and Mom - Water Police Rescue Adventure," the child's expressive pose signals an exciting or urgent storyline.

4. Engaging Text Overlays: Text overlays are used to clarify the content or add context, such as "Barbie Adventures and More Stories for Girls" or "Oliver Rides a Tractor and Finds Lost Numbers." This text is usually large, bold, and easy to read, which helps communicate the video's theme quickly.

5. Scenario-based Settings: Each thumbnail often depicts a scenario that tells a story, such as a pool adventure or a toy festival. This storytelling approach in the imagery sets the scene for the video content and sparks curiosity about what happens during these scenarios.

6. Brand and Toy Integration: Some thumbnails incorporate well-known brands or toys, such as Barbie, which are familiar to children and can draw in viewers based on brand recognition alone.

7. Appeal to Curiosity and Learning: Thumbnails like "Oliver Rides a Tractor and Finds Lost Numbers" combine fun with educational elements, attracting parents who are looking for content that entertains and educates.

These thumbnails are tailored to be as engaging as possible to a young audience, using visual and emotional cues that are known to capture the interests of children, thereby maximizing viewership and engagement.

4. Tech Burner (11.6M Subscribers)

In the technology niche on YouTube, where numerous channels have amassed significant subscriber bases by featuring simple thumbnails of gadgets, one YouTuber, Tech Burner, stands out with his approach. Tech Burner consistently attracts millions of views on nearly every video. Let's find the unique aspects of his thumbnail design that contribute to their effectiveness:

1. Expressive Faces and Body Language: Each thumbnail features the host with highly expressive facial expressions or dynamic body poses, which convey enthusiasm and excitement about the content. This personal touch helps to engage viewers right from the thumbnail.

2. Bright and Contrasting Colors: The thumbnails use vivid and contrasting colors that make them stand out in a viewer's feed. For example, bright yellows and greens catch the eye quickly and make the thumbnails more noticeable.

3. Clear and Large Text: The text in each thumbnail is large, bold, and easy to read. This not only grabs attention but also makes it clear what the video is about. For example, phrases like "Can This Smartphone Replace DSLR?" directly address potential viewer interests and questions.

4. Highlighting Products: Many thumbnails prominently feature the gadgets or technology being discussed. This includes close-ups of smartphones, cars, and other tech items, making it clear that the video will provide detailed information about these products.

5. Urgency and Curiosity: Some thumbnails create a sense of urgency or curiosity. Text like "Trying Xiaomi Car Features for First Time!" or using exciting terms like "Majedaar" (meaning fun or interesting in Hindi) entices viewers to discover something new and exciting.

6. Price Tags and Deals: Thumbnails that highlight price information or special deals, like those seen in the Samsung and POCO phone thumbnails, directly appeal to viewers interested in tech shopping and bargains.

7. Diverse Content: The variety of content, from election tech to affordable gadgets and high-end products like gaming laptops, shows a range of topics covered. This variety appeals to a broad audience, from tech enthusiasts to casual viewers looking for entertainment.

These thumbnails are designed to immediately convey the video’s value to potential viewers, using visual elements that are attractive and text that directly speaks to their interests, thereby maximizing the likelihood of clicks and sustained viewer engagement.

5. Luisito Comunica (42.6M Subscribers)

In the travel niche on YouTube, there are many channels, but Luisito Comunica stands out because of his special way of making thumbnails. These thumbnails catch people's attention and make them more interested in exploring the places he visits. His videos get millions of views because of these effective thumbnails. Here’s why they work so well:

1. Cultural and Geographic Elements: The thumbnails often feature specific cultural or geographic elements, such as traditional clothing or iconic locations. For example, one thumbnail shows a man with indigenous people in Peru, emphasizing the cultural aspect of the video.

2. Vivid and Expressive Portraits: Most thumbnails include expressive portraits of the video's host or other key figures, engaging viewers with human emotion and expressions. This helps create a personal connection and adds a human element to the content.

3. Engaging Titles and Descriptions: Each thumbnail includes engaging titles that are often posed as intriguing questions or statements, such as "Visiting the city with the least oxygen in the world." These titles are designed to pique curiosity and prompt viewers to watch the videos to learn more.

4. Visual Diversity: The thumbnails show a variety of activities and settings, from eating large portions of food in Japan to exploring abandoned islands. This diversity not only reflects the range of content offered on the channel but also appeals to a broad audience with varied interests.

5. Contrasting Colors and Clear Imagery: The use of contrasting colors and clear, focused imagery makes each thumbnail stand out. Bright colors and well-lit scenes ensure that the thumbnails are eye-catching and readable even on smaller screens.

6. Real-Life Context and Interaction: Several thumbnails depict the host interacting with locals or engaging directly in activities, which adds authenticity and relatability to the content, encouraging viewers to experience these adventures vicariously through the videos.

Each of these thumbnails is effectively tailored to not just attract attention but to also give a quick glimpse of what the viewer can expect, using visuals and text to communicate unique and interesting experiences from around the world.

At Digimediminds, we know that making great thumbnails and videos can be tricky, but you don't have to do it on your own. Let our team help you create eye-catching thumbnails and videos that really show off your content and grab attention. You focus on making your content great, and we'll make sure people notice it. Get in touch with us at Digimediminds, and let's bring your content to life together.