Are you a content creator but your videos are not getting views then change your thumbnail style. An attractive thumbnail can help make your video viral. But how to make an attractive thumbnail ? Don’t worry, in this article we will teach you how you can create a perfect thumbnail for your youtube videos .
Top 21 Thumbnail Formats To Grow On YouTube
Before creating a thumbnail, let me introduce you to some types of thumbnails.
1. The Bold Text Overlay
- Use a large, bold font with contrasting colors to highlight your video’s main idea.
- Example: “10 SECRETS TO 10X YOUR INCOME” in bright yellow on a dark background.
2. The Face Reaction
- Show extreme emotions like shock, excitement, or curiosity. Human faces naturally draw attention.
- Example: A shocked face with the text “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED!”
3. Before and After
- Split the thumbnail into two parts to show a transformation or comparison.
- Example: “BEFORE vs AFTER WEIGHT LOSS” with side-by-side images.
4. The Number Game
- Use numbers to promise value or a quick takeaway.
- Example: “7 EASY WAYS TO SAVE $1000” with a big, bold “7” in the thumbnail.
5. The Curiosity Hook
- Create a sense of mystery or intrigue.
- Example: A blurred image with the text “WHAT’S INSIDE THIS BOX?”
6. The Product Close-Up
- Highlight a product or item in high detail.
- Example: A close-up of a new smartphone with the text “IS THIS THE BEST PHONE?”
7. The Step-by-Step Visual
- Show a process or tutorial in a single image.
- Example: A thumbnail with steps like “1. Mix, 2. Bake, 3. Enjoy!”
8. The Iconic Scene
- Use the most dramatic or memorable moment from your video.
- Example: A climactic moment from a gaming video or a movie review.
9. The Collage Style
- Combine multiple images to show variety or contrast.
- Example: A collage of different outfits for a fashion video.
10. The Minimalist Approach
- Keep it clean and simple with minimal text and visuals.
- Example: A plain background with one word like “HACKS” in bold.
11. The Trending Topic
- Incorporate current trends, memes, or viral elements.
- Example: A popular meme format with your own twist.
12. The Question Format
- Ask a provocative question to spark curiosity.
- Example: “WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS?”
13. The Color Pop
- Use bright, contrasting colors to make your thumbnail stand out.
- Example: Neon pink and green with bold text.
14. The Animated Thumbnail
- Add subtle animations or GIFs to catch the eye.
- Example: A blinking arrow or moving text.
15. The Personal Branding Thumbnail
- Include your face or logo for brand recognition.
- Example: Your face with a catchy phrase like “I TRIED THIS FOR 30 DAYS!”
16. The Challenge Thumbnail
- Highlight a challenge or dare.
- Example: “EATING THE WORLD’S SPICIEST CHIP!”
17. The “How-To” Format
- Promise a solution or tutorial.
- Example: “HOW TO FIX YOUR PHONE IN 5 MINUTES” with a tool in hand.
18. The Countdown Style
- Use a countdown or timer to create urgency.
- Example: “TOP 5 GADGETS OF 2023 – #1 WILL SHOCK YOU!”
19. The Emotional Appeal
- Tap into emotions like happiness, sadness, or nostalgia.
- Example: A heartfelt moment with the text “THIS CHANGED MY LIFE.”
20. The “You vs Me” Format
- Show a comparison or competition.
- Example: “YOU vs ME IN A COOKING CHALLENGE!”
21. The Custom Illustrated Thumbnail
- Use hand-drawn or digital illustrations for a unique look.
- Example: A cartoon-style drawing of yourself with a fun background.
Importance of Thumbnail in your video
First Impressions: Just like in real life, first impressions in the digital world matter a lot. Imagine walking into a bookstore, where you’re instantly drawn to the book with an eye-catching cover. Similarly, on video platforms, a thumbnail serves as the “cover” of your video. It’s often the first thing viewers see, and it has to compete with countless other thumbnails vying for attention. A well-designed thumbnail can stop the scroll and make viewers curious about your content. It’s your chance to make a powerful first impression in a fraction of a second.
Increased Click-Through Rate (CTR): The click-through rate is a critical metric for your video’s performance. A higher CTR means more people are clicking on your video when they see it. Thumbnails play a pivotal role in this. An engaging and visually appealing thumbnail can entice viewers to choose your video over others. Think of it as a visual call-to-action, inviting potential viewers to take the next step. When done right, a good thumbnail can significantly boost your video’s CTR, leading to more views and greater reach.
SEO Benefits: Search engine optimization isn’t just about text; visuals play a crucial role too. Thumbnails, along with video titles and descriptions, contribute to how search engines rank your content. An eye-catching thumbnail can improve the likelihood of your video appearing in search results and recommended feeds. This means more organic traffic to your video. The more people click on and watch your video, the better it will perform in search rankings.

“Hello, I am Amit Mahato, and I write articles about AI image prompts and video editing. I also provide helpful resources to empower creators and make digital artistry simpler for everyone.”