YouTube Thursdays - Video Thumbnails - Don't forget to choose wisely!
Video thumbnails are a quick snapshot of your video and can be used to engage viewers. When you upload a video into your YouTube channel, you will have three different thumbnails to choose from for your snapshot. Don't skip this step. I notice many videos have weak thumbnails, and that alone can discourage views.
After your video is finished uploading ( and processing), you'll find the three thumbnails, simply choose the one you feel is most compelling. Would it make you want to watch the video? Test it out on other people if you're having a hard time deciding.
If the options fall short of what you're trying to convey, you have the abilty to upload a custom thumbnail. ( Make sure you verify your account to get this option.) You can do this for exisiting videos too. Go to your channel video manager, locate the video, and click the Edit button. Click the custom thumbnail option and upload a video. Once the thumbnail is uploaded, don't forget to click "Save Changes."
General Guidelines for Custom Thumbnails
- Have a resolution of 1280x720 (with minimum width of 640 pixels).
- Be uploaded in image formats such as .JPG, .GIF, .BMP, or .PNG.
- Remain under the 2MB limit.
- Try to use a 16:9 aspect ratio as it's the most used in YouTube players and previews.
When shooting videos, it might be helpfult take shots that will make great thumbnails. A thumbnail shot should be vibrant and convey the most important aspect of the video. Remember, thumbnails show up in different sizes and formats in YouTube and various sites with embedded YouTube videos.
Videos should tell a story, make sure your thumbnail properly teases that story. The thumbnail, title, and description can make your content more clickable, or easy to ignore. Make sure to pay attention and choose wisely. Does your information line up? In other words does the thumbnail, title, and video description match?
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