Introduction
2024 has brought new challenges and opportunities for YouTube creators. The algorithm evolved and so did viewer expectations. Here are 10 best practices to stay competitive.
1. Mobile-first optimization
With ~70% of views on mobile, your thumbnail must be perfectly legible on small screens. Always test on mobile before publishing.
2. Personality first
Viewers want to see the person behind the channel. Show your face with authentic emotion.
3. The power of red
Red dominates top-performing thumbnails. It grabs attention and creates urgency. Use it for key elements.
4. Directional elements
Guide the eye to the main subject with subtle arrows. Don’t overdo it.
5. Template consistency
Create 3–5 reusable templates. Visual consistency increases clicks by ~40%.
6. Mystery and curiosity
“WHY this reaction?” “HOW did she do that?” Create thumbnails that raise questions.
7. Facial emotions
Surprised face > standard smile. Surprise converts better than generic happiness.
8. Numbers and concrete promises
“€100K in 30 days”, “+50kg”, “0 to 1M”. Concrete numbers create interest.
9. Continuous A/B testing
Test 2–3 thumbnail versions per video. Analyze results and double down on what works.
10. Speed of creation
Time is money. Use AI tools like Vidcover to create in 30s instead of 2h.
Conclusion
These best practices form the basis of a winning thumbnail strategy. But remember: experimentation is key. Test, measure and adapt.