Ultimate Guide to Creating Video Thumbnail to Boost Views
A thumbnail is the small, clickable static image which is the first to grab the attention of the viewers when browsing through numerous videos, essentially, the first impression of your video that plays a crucial role in determining whether or not people will click on your video. Your thumbnail thus affects the click-through rate making it one of the most important factors of your page or channel, because without that first click, your videos would never get noticed.
This brings us to our next question, what makes a good video thumbnail? While this is a subjective preference for each individual, there are certain factors that play out with a consistent positive ripple effect. First off, remember to always use the rule of thirds to lay out your content in order to keep the image simple and comprehensible. Avoid using more than 2 points of focus, be it faces or objects. A zoomed in image goes a long way since the minute thumbnail has enough to offer with a picture up-close. Avoid dull colours as it will fail to grab the attention of most viewers. Bright colours always catch the viewer’s eye so experiment away! Here are five simple but effective ways to create your thumbnails that will boost your views:
Powerful Yet Easy to Read Headline
Along with a zoomed in subject, remember to keep the text on your thumbnail short, crisp and easy to read.Your headline reads as a quick clue into your video and its content, almost like the elevator pitch for your videos. You can also write something that inspires the viewers to click on the video.
Attractive and Colourful Font
Ensure that the font used is attractive and consistent. The visibility of text is very important as thumbnails are made not only to be viewed on laptop screens, but also for the much smaller screens of mobiles. Don’t be afraid to use a pop of colour along with bold text to really, really grab the attention of viewers. Your text should serve the purpose of evoking a sense of curiosity about your content and colours do just the right job.
Pick Up a Good Colour Scheme
The next most important aspect of thumbnails is the overall colour scheme and the balance between the different elements of the thumbnail. Colours that complement each other soothes the eye and instantly affects how viewers perceive the video. Try experimenting with analogous colors by placing them next to each other within your thumbnail.
Proper Facial Expressions
Your second point of focus should be on having facial expressions on your thumbnails. It is but human nature to look a little longer at an atypical expression. Goofy, odd and extreme facial expressions tend to attract a larger number of potential customers to click on your videos. The idea is to offer your viewers something out of the blue. Anything unexpected comes with a plethora of facial expressions which can be used to build curiosity about the content of your video. After all, emotions are the most intriguing aspects of human beings!
Your Own Unique Style
Last but not least, remember to curate a thumbnail in your own unique fashion, something that inspire you the most. You want to be remembered for your content, and a consistent style for your thumbnails will help anchor that. Once viewers start identifying your thumbnails, your brand automatically is recognized. If your thumbnails are consistently found compelling, you even start building a loyal audience! So, embrace this mini-marketing to the fullest and get your content the viewership it deserves.
You wouldn’t want to judge a book by its cover, but you would most definitely pick a good looking book up to see what it’s about. This is the same philosophy that applies to video thumbnails, it gets you the clicks, the first push to boost viewership. With almost 300 hours worth of videos uploaded to YouTube every minute, the chances of your videos landing the clicks may seem bleak, but here’s where thumbnails play the role of a gateway into your content. Let us know if you have implemented any of these techniques to your thumbnails. If you are on the lookout for assistance from a production house in Bangalore, be sure to reach out to us at The Yellow Shutter!
