If cat videos can go viral, so can you — and it starts with your YouTube thumbnail

After hours in front of the screen, tweaking, trimming, and second-guessing every detail, you’ve finally exported the final version of your video.

Your project has lived through "Final.mp4," "Final_v2.mp4," and the inevitable "Final_FINAL.mp4."

But this time, for real, it's done.

And out of all that hard work comes your baby: your new YouTube video—ready to conquer the internet and become the next viral thing.

You've put a lot of work into the video, so how can you best summarize it in your thumbnail?

The thumbnail is the face of your video. And sometimes, it is literally a face, as many thumbnails feature the video's subject.

In fact, YouTube thumbnails with faces get 921,000 more views on average than those without faces.

If you've spent more than 0.2 seconds on YouTube, chances are you've come across a thumbnail featuring a shocked person staring at the camera as if they've just uncovered the secret to eternal youth.

Edvard Munch's "The Scream" pose is one of the go-to choices for thumbnails, and there's a good reason for that.

A good thumbnail design grabs the viewer's attention and makes them intrigued by your video. A shocked face has proven to be a good method of catching viewers' eye.

Thumbnails are more than expressive faces.

They also need to be the right size, include a high-quality image, and feature a title that introduces viewers to what they can expect to see in the video.

In this blog post, I'll break down all the elements you need to consider when designing your YouTube thumbnail.

Are you ready to create the face of your video? With the right thumbnail maker, you can turn any moment into a scroll-stopping visual. Try CorelDRAW free for 15 days and start crafting thumbnails that demand attention.

What to keep in mind when choosing the YouTube thumbnail size

A thumbnail is not only about the story it tells but also the technical components such as resolution, the file size, and the ratio.

Here is what you need to be aware of when choosing your thumbnail size.

Resolution

The ideal resolution for a thumbnail is 1280 x 720 pixels.

Your thumbnail should not be a smaller width than 640 pixels, as that will result in a bad quality image.

Aspect ratio

If you want your thumbnail to cover the full screen, the aspect ratio to follow is 16:9, which is most likely the same aspect ratio as your video itself.

File size

If you're uploading a thumbnail for a regular YouTube video, the maximum file size allowed is 2 MB, while for video podcasts, it's 10 MB.

High-resolution images can sometimes exceed these limits, so if your file is too large, consider using a compression tool to reduce its size without sacrificing quality.

Image format

YouTube supports JPG, GIF, and PNG files for thumbnails.

Tip: The rule of thirds

Although you want your thumbnail to be eye-catching and interesting, simplicity is key when it comes to the image you choose.

Focus primarily on one object or subject instead of throwing too many elements in there.

Following the rule of thirds is the recipe for a great thumbnail.

As seen below, an image is separated into nine equal parts using horizontal and vertical lines.

If you want your thumbnail to be engaging, place the essential parts of the image where two lines meet.

10 tips for designing YouTube thumbnails

If your YouTube video is a movie, your thumbnail is the poster, teasing viewers into wanting more and clicking your video.

Here are 10 tips to make your thumbnail shine and have viewers clicking in no time.

1. Custom thumbnails

After uploading your video, YouTube gives you the option to add a thumbnail consisting of automatically generated stills from your video.

While convenient, these auto-generated options may not always be the most eye-catching or engaging. 90% of the best-performing videos have custom thumbnails.

Whether you take some extra time to customize your thumbnail or just go with the easy option can make all the difference in how many views you get.

2. Face it—faces do well

Just like with many other attention-grabbing elements, humans are naturally drawn to—yep, you guessed it—other humans.

That's why adding a face to your thumbnail can be a powerful way to grab attention.

If you're camera-shy or if the video isn’t about you, say, it’s an explainer about Abraham Lincoln, you can still use a face to your advantage by featuring the subject of the video instead.

Are you not interested in being the face of your YouTube channel?

No problem.

Instead, you can use emojis, Memojis, or even a mascot.

If you've ever come across Duolingo, you'll see that they use their green, savage bird as a mascot on their social media channels, including their YouTube channel.

The key is simply having some kind of face, whether it's a real person, an animal, or a virtual buddy.

3. Colors and contrasts

Bright, bold colors stand out in YouTube’s crowded landscape.

In fact, 88% of the most popular thumbnails are colorful and get an average of 617,000 more views than dull or desaturated ones.

To make your thumbnail pop, use high-contrast color combinations (e.g., yellow and black, red and white, or blue and orange).

Remember to avoid using too many muted or neutral tones, as they can blend into YouTube’s background.

Make sure text, images, and other elements are easily distinguishable from each other.

4. Keep it real

Packing your thumbnail with chaos, buzzwords, and over-the-top drama might be tempting. But while that may get clicks, the interest will likely be short-lived.

Instead of falling into that trap, just keep it real. The more your title and thumbnail reflect the actual content, the longer viewers will stay engaged.

With clickbait, as soon as people realize they’ve been misled, they’ll leave. Fast.

A misleading thumbnail might get that initial click, but viewers won't stick around if your video doesn't deliver the promised wars, crises, or scandals.

When your thumbnail accurately represents your video, it attracts viewers who genuinely care about your content.

That leads to higher retention, better engagement, and a more loyal subscriber base.

If people consistently click on your videos but leave after just a few seconds, it’s a clear sign that your title and thumbnail aren’t aligning with their expectations.

5. Less is more

A simple and concise title or text can be more effective than something overly complicated. Avoid cluttering your thumbnail with excessive words. Keep it short, clear, and impactful.

6. Utilize templates for a recognizable style

A recognizable style across all your videos helps build brand identity, making your content easily identifiable at a glance.

Stick to a specific font, color scheme, or layout to create a cohesive visual identity. Consistently using a template can help achieve this.

7. Don't be afraid to show emotions

Although you don't want to cave into the shocked face trend, it is still a good idea that your thumbnail shows or evokes some emotion. Everything is in moderation, though.

8. High-resolution images, animations, icons

Blurry or pixelated thumbnails can make your content appear unprofessional. Always use high-resolution images, sharp graphics, and clear icons to enhance visual appeal.

9. Test out and adjust accordingly

Creating a thumbnail is an art. You may not get it right the first time around, but don't let that stop you from trying again.

Instead, play around with different color combos and a mix of styles as you go.

Experiment with bold contrasts, complementary colors, and unique layouts to see what resonates best with your audience.

YouTube allows you to change your video thumbnail even after the video has been uploaded.

If you notice that your video isn't performing well, update the thumbnail and test what works and what doesn't.

You can experiment by changing the thumbnail every few weeks or months to determine which version improves your channel's results.

If you notice an increase in your click-through rate, you'll know that a particular thumbnail is compelling and can serve as a model for future uploads.

10. Align your video title and thumbnail

Approach your video's thumbnail and title as two partners in a conversation. Each has something unique to say.

While they both point to the same story, they shouldn’t repeat each other.

Your title draws viewers in with a promise, while your thumbnail adds another layer of intrigue. Give your audience two reasons to click, not just one.

Keep it fresh, avoid repetition, and make every element count.

6 examples of thumbnails nailing it (get it?)

5 steps to upload a custom thumbnail to YouTube

Alright, so you've followed all of my great advice, designed a YouTube thumbnail that is out of this world, and you're ready to upload it.

1. Sign in to your YouTube account

Start by signing into your YouTube channel and locate the YouTube Studio option on the drop-down menu.

2. Click Content

This will lead you to your channel dashboard and an overview of your channel. On the left-hand menu, click 'Content' to bring you to an overview of all of your videos.

3. Select the video

Choose the video you want to add a thumbnail to.

4. Click Upload thumbnail

Click 'Upload thumbnail' to add the image from your device. You can also drag and drop your file.

There is an option to choose an auto-generated thumbnail, but you already know that a customized one is superior.

5. Click Save

Click 'Save', and you're good to go!

Start creating YouTube video thumbnails that stop the scroll

Now, you have all the tips you need to design a YouTube thumbnail that grabs attention, drives clicks, and makes your video stand out.

Whether it’s choosing the right image, using bold colors, or aligning your thumbnail with your title, every detail matters.

When designing your thumbnail, remember that it is the face of your video. Make it count!

Try CorelDRAW free for 15 days and create YouTube thumbnails that are eye-catching, and keep your viewers glued to the screen.

Meet the experts: Emilie Schäfferling