Thumbnails are one of the biggest pain points for new creators, and an important one to solve. Thumbnails are the "book cover" of your video—something that needs to grab attention in just a fraction of a second. 

There are so many elements that go into making that winning thumbnail for your content, and it's simply not possible to address all of that here. So, 

 with expert, John Scott, to get all your thumbnail queries answered.

In this post, we'll walk you through the ideal 

, some key best practices for creating thumbnails that stand out!

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

First impressions are critical in the endless ocean of YouTube content. The thumbnail plays a massive role in getting viewers to click on your video over countless others. For new YouTubers trying to gain traction, getting your thumbnail right can be the difference between a low-performing video and that ever-alluring viral hit. Here’s why size specifically matters:

: YouTube thumbnails appear across a wide range of devices—desktops, tablets, and, most importantly, mobile phones. Therefore, you need a thumbnail that remains sharp and eye-catching across all these platforms.

: Thumbnails with the correct size and dimensions ensure a polished, professional look. Low-quality, blurry images won’t just make your video less appealing—they’ll make it look amateurish.

 Faster Than Ever: 6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

The Best Size for YouTube Thumbnails in 2024

When designing your thumbnail, the recommended size is 

 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size works across devices and ensures your thumbnail looks pleasing to the eye. Additionally, the minimum width YouTube accepts is 640 pixels but going lower than the recommended size is probably not a good idea. To keep things simple, here's what you need to follow.

: 16:9 (standard YouTube video aspect ratio)

https://www.oberlo.com/blog/youtube-thumbnail-size

Using the optimal size guarantees that your thumbnail will look crisp, regardless of the screen size it's being viewed on. It also helps your video stand out in YouTube search results and suggested video sections, making it an essential element of your overall video SEO strategy.

Best Practices for Creating YouTube Thumbnails

Creating a well-designed thumbnail is more than just getting the size right. It’s about crafting something that resonates with your audience and drives them to click. Let’s break down some important design strategies that’ll help your thumbnails pop in 2024:

Your thumbnail needs to deliver a clear message in a split second. Overloading it with too many details, colors, or text can be overwhelming, especially when viewed on smaller screens like mobile phones. Stick to one focal point and keep the design clean.

Text on thumbnails can be incredibly effective—if done right. Use 

 that stand out against the background. Avoid cramming too many words; instead, aim for short, snappy phrases that intrigue viewers. Also, contrast is essential. If your background is dark, make sure your text is light, and vice versa.

Your thumbnail should immediately grab attention, even when it’s displayed alongside hundreds of others. Using high-contrast colors can help your image stand out. Consider using colors that are complementary or that contrast sharply with YouTube’s default red, black, and white color scheme.

Thumbnails that feature human faces—especially ones that show strong emotions—tend to get higher engagement. Whether it’s excitement, surprise, or curiosity, showing a human expression can create an instant connection with potential viewers.

One great trick for building brand recognition is to use a consistent style for all your thumbnails. This could include specific color schemes, text placement, or the use of your logo in a corner. Over time, viewers will come to recognize your videos at a glance, making it more likely they’ll click on your content.

For example, this is how the vidIQ channel home page looks at first glance. As you can see, there is homogeneity in the way we use our creators faces and other graphical elements across videos./

While designing thumbnails can be fun, it’s wise to avoid a few traps. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs:

: Never use clickbait or misleading images that have nothing to do with your video’s content. This will only frustrate viewers, hurt your channel’s reputation, and lead to a high bounce rate—something YouTube’s algorithm won’t like.

: You don’t want to clutter your thumbnail with unnecessary text. Keep it short and to the point. Let the title of your video do the talking, and use text on your thumbnail sparingly.

: More than half of YouTube’s traffic comes from mobile devices, so always ensure your thumbnails are legible on small screens. If you’re adding text, make sure it’s large and bold enough to read easily on a smartphone.

: A blurry or pixelated thumbnail can significantly reduce your video’s chances of getting clicked. Always use high-resolution images, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of larger file sizes (

Tips for Testing and Optimizing Thumbnails

If you’re not sure which thumbnail design will work best, don’t be afraid to experiment. YouTube allows you to change thumbnails even after your video has been published. Here are some tips for testing and optimizing your thumbnails over time:

: Try switching between different thumbnails on the same video and track their performance in 

. This way, you can identify which design drives more clicks.

 of your videos. A higher CTR means more people are engaging with your content, which helps boost your visibility in YouTube’s algorithm.

: Beyond the CTR, also look at how long people are watching your video. If your audience is dropping off quickly after clicking, your thumbnail might not accurately represent your content. 

 for optimizing, testing, and comparing different thumbnail options for the same video by using the above metrics. 

According to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.

 In 2024, making it on YouTube involves more than just creating great content—you need to package it well, starting with your thumbnail. Understanding the 

 and following design best practices will set you on the path to success. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your YouTube game, getting your thumbnail right is a crucial step to increasing your views, engagement, and subscriber count. 

Now it’s time to create that killer thumbnail

Learn the correct YouTube thumbnail measurements for 2024 and how to optimize them for the best quality and viewer engagement!

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2024

Starting a YouTube channel without showing your face in 2024 is not only possible but increasingly popular. Whether it’s for privacy reasons, access to quality automation, discomfort in front of the camera, or simply because the content doesn’t require a visible host, faceless YouTube channels offer creators a path to success.

With consistent content creation and effective monetization strategies like ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, faceless creators can generate significant and sustainable income. Here, we’ll understand how you can do it for your channel!

40 Awesome YouTube Channel Ideas (Without Showing Your Face)

A faceless YouTube channel is a type of channel where the content creators don’t appear on camera. These channels focus on delivering value through other means like voiceovers, stock footage, animations, or simply visuals that don’t require the creator’s presence.

There could be many reasons why creators choose this path. Some content is better delivered without a visual personality, such as channels focused on commentary, documentaries, or storytelling. Including a face might take away from the actual focus of the content that the creators want to put out.

We also know that not everyone is comfortable being on camera, and many creators prefer to remain anonymous. It could be because they want to protect themselves from online bullying or refrain from letting people know in real life.

Whatever the reason may be, faceless channels can be a profitable venture in many lucrative niches on YouTube and help you build a sustainable presence on the platform.

From what we’ve seen so far, there are two broad categories of faceless channels:

These are channels where the creator chooses not to show their face but still uses their voice or other unique elements to engage viewers.

These channels rely heavily on AI tools, stock footage, and outsourcing. Many automated channels use AI-generated voices and pre-existing visuals to create content quickly and at scale.

How to Start a Faceless YouTube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

To help creators like you get started with their faceless YouTube journey, our in-house expert Rob Wilson made an intensive guide. Watch the video below:

So, let’s break this content creation process down:

Choosing a niche is crucial. You want a topic that has a large audience but isn’t overly saturated. Popular niches for faceless channels include:

How-to videos, tutorials, and explainer videos.

Research existing channels in your chosen niche and note which topics consistently get high views. This will guide your content strategy.

The list is not all-inclusive by any means but it provides an idea of what works among faceless and automated channels. You can use this information to

 that’ll give you a deeper understanding of these niches and find you topics with high search volume and lower competition.

This tip equally applies to creators who have regular channels. Modeling after channels that have already achieved success in your niche can fast-track your growth. By understanding what works, you can build a channel that is both original and effective. Try to learn the reasoning behind the important elements like title and thumbnail. Identify what grabs your attention and learn how they’ve kept their viewers engaged.

On YouTube, nothing beats the practical experience of going through the video creation process. You need to learn how to write scripts, the basics of editing, and other related skills. Here’s why:

Your script is the backbone of your video. Write engaging, informative scripts that keep your audience hooked.

Even if you plan to eventually outsource or automate it, understanding the basics of video editing will help you maintain quality control.

If you choose to use your voice, practice delivering it clearly and with the right tone for your content.

Multiple lenses covering camera person's face

Once you feel comfortable, you can then start experimenting with more automated methods.

 can help you get started with the creative process. Jot down your rough ideas, feed them in the tool, and watch the magic happen!

By focusing on content rather than personality, creators can use AI tools and automation to churn out more videos.

Certain niches, like educational content or motivational videos, don’t require a face but thrive on well-researched, high-quality content.

Spending money on lights and camera equipment becomes unnecessary which might be easy on many new creators.

Starting a faceless channel comes with its challenges that might sometimes cause serious harm. A lot of channels get demonetized, or worse, terminated, as they fail to adhere to certain responsibilities as creators. Some of these problems are:

Ensure all content, whether it’s footage, music, or images, falls under “fair use” or is royalty-free. Always transform the content sufficiently, by providing your ideas and impact on the original content, to avoid copyright strikes.

YouTube’s strict policy on reused content means you must add significant value or transformation to content that isn’t originally yours.

The rise of AI tools means more competition, so maintaining high production quality, and authenticity is key.

Regularly uploading videos helps build your audience and gain the trust of YouTube’s algorithm.

YouTube Automation: How to Avoid Copyright Claims on Faceless Channels

When we mentioned before that faceless channels can make bank, we were not kidding! In the video, Rob mentioned many such channels that are piling up views and subscribers with their faceless channels. A few months back, 

 who is managing over 25 automated channels, earning over $200,000 a month.

While there’s fierce competition, the space is also riddled with opportunities. So, use this guide as your first point of reference and 

Beginner's guide to faceless YouTube channels

Starting a faceless YouTube channel might seem like a lot of hassle, but the potential benefits are endless. Read this blog to know how it's done!

How to Start a Faceless Channel on YouTube

One of the great, eternal mysteries of the internet is the YouTube algorithm. 

 of the content consumed on YouTube comes directly from recommendations, so it’s easy to understand why creators and marketers are obsessed with figuring it out.

Although nobody (not even YouTube themselves) has a full understanding of how it works, certain factors do influence it more than others. But to understand the algorithm, we must start from the beginning.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2023: The Ultimate Guide

In the beginning, there was no algorithm. It was all about gaining credibility as a platform for YouTube. Since everything revolved around views, YouTube’s first algorithm strove to recommend videos that attracted the most clicks. The more people clicked on a video, the more it would appear for others to click on, too. Soon, malpractices around using tags became common, and YouTube stepped in.

YouTube changed its algorithm in favor of video watch time

 because they thought time viewed was the true test of quality. But, soon enough, creators found loopholes like view-botting their content or making long videos with no value. This led the algorithm to change again around 2015-16.

Through surveys, YouTube collected data from users to understand what kind of videos “satisfy” them the most, and with their 

sophisticated AI developed the recommendation system

. As a result, YouTube began to suggest videos that each individual viewer would be more likely to watch, rather than videos that other people were viewing. And the outcomes—well, they were really excellent! So much so, that YouTube hasn’t announced major changes to the algorithm since.

In 2024, the YouTube algorithm makes personalized suggestions to each viewer. These suggestions are weighted according to the performance and quality of the videos, as well as viewer interest and behavior.

For the algorithm to recommend videos to a user, there are two steps involved. First, it rates videos based on their performance analytics. Then, it matches videos to users based on past viewing habits and comparable material. Matching people with the content they want to watch is the objective.

You can see recommendations from the algorithm in 3 main areas of YouTube:

How is it that YouTube already knows what you want to watch from the moment you’re on the website? That’s because your homepage is curated just for you!

Showing high engagement (watch time, likes, comments, etc.)

That’s why, as a creator, it’s so important to get people watching your videos so your channel is always in their watch history. Then you can find ways to keep them watching longer and engaging more frequently.

Depending on someone’s viewing habits, they may also see videos related to their location, language, or other demographics.

These are the videos recommended alongside the video you’re already watching, on the right side of your screen. The YouTube algorithm takes into account a number of variables, including your topic of interest, liked channels, and your watch history, to provide a customized list of videos for the recommended area.

In a nutshell, the algorithm compiles a list of videos that you could find interesting and relevant by analyzing your behavior on the website.

So how do you persuade YouTube to suggest your videos to more viewers? Start by observing the “suggested” column next to your competitors’ content. If YouTube is recommending specific videos there, try filming your own version of that content so you can get recommended too!

How does YouTube decide which videos should go on a search page? Based on user behavior and keywords, the system narrows down the enormous video library to a limited number and then ranks them according to engagement metrics and relevancy. YouTube makes sure that users get the greatest search results by balancing relevancy and popularity.

Of course, YouTube keywords are important here. However, because the system takes into account personalized signals, each user's search results may vary significantly.

Videos with better engagement metrics and potential, such as views, shares, likes, and comments, are given priority in search results, but YouTube also makes sure that fresh content from new channels isn't unfairly eclipsed by popular YouTubers. The platform adds a certain amount of randomization and can show diverse results that are still relevant to the search query.

The main goal of YouTube’s algorithm is to keep viewers on the website for as long as possible, so be sure to optimize your content for this crucial area of the platform.

It’s safe to say the YouTube algorithm won’t be changing its core function in the future. But, in recent interviews, Todd Beaupre, Director of Growth and Discovery at YouTube, said while there are still problems to solve in YouTube’s search and discovery algorithms, it is not working against you. Our in-house expert Rob jumped right into it and gave some more insights into the nature of the algorithm. Watch his analysis below:

The way to look at the YouTube algorithm looking forward is in a way that focuses beyond one metric. Many aspects now influence the impact of your video, as opposed to earlier days. For example, traditionally we would associate the packaging of a video with the title and thumbnail but now, particularly for mobile users, the first 10 seconds of your video, which is called a visual hook, is equally important.

Just like that, multiple variables affect your video. So, if something is off, it does not necessarily mean that YouTube is no longer interested in pushing your videos out. Sometimes metrics can be misleading because they are part of a much bigger picture, and it's important to recognize that as creators.

Remember, the algorithm’s job is to provide the perfect content to each viewer, without creator or content bias. So, stop making videos for the algorithm! Instead, aim to satisfy that one viewer, and you’ve got the algorithm playing for your team! 

Unlock the mystery of the YouTube Algorithm with our in-depth guide. Dive into its evolution and learn how the algorithm personalizes home page curation, suggests relevant videos, and more.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

As budding creators, producing high-quality content is one of the biggest challenges we face while starting. While content that impacts viewers is what you should aim for, factors like lighting and audio can make or break your story! And getting the perfect setup might hurt your bank- a lot.

But what if you already have the tools to begin your journey towards producing high-end content? With a little creativity and innovation, you can achieve beyond what you believe, that too for little to no additional cost. In the video above, John has instructed how to do this in great detail, so check it out if you want to do it yourself.

For now, let us see how we can get those clickworthy videos under the minimum budget.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

Your smartphone is your best friend in the journey to becoming a YouTube pro. Most modern smartphones are equipped with cameras and microphones that are perfect for starting your YouTube channel. This is probably the only major gadget you would need to begin your content creation journey, in case you don’t have dedicated gadgets.

The two primary requirements for making YouTube videos are proper video and audio–both of which are fulfilled by a smartphone, whether it’s an Android or iOS.

To transform your smartphone into a professional camera setup you need to use a recording and streaming application on your device. Download software like 

 This plugin allows you to use your smartphone camera as a webcam in OBS, whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.

Using smartphone as primary camera source

On your smartphone, you can download apps like 

 that allow you to connect with the OBS software. You can now use your phone as your primary video source.

If you have more than one smartphone, you can set up multiple "cameras" to capture different angles. This adds a dynamic element to your videos, making them more engaging and adding more perspective to your storytelling. You can use OBS to switch between these angles seamlessly during editing or live streaming.

 How to Live Stream on YouTube with Streamlabs OBS - Beginner's Setup Guide

Apart from using the correct technology, it is also essential to set up your filming space in a way that appears nicely in the frame. Don’t forget to keep your background clean and place yourself centrally in the frame. A good rule of thumb to follow is also placing your lenses at eye level!

If you don't own a separate microphone, no worries! Your smartphone's built-in mic can suffice. Like your phone’s camera, DroidCam can also detect your phone’s microphone.

For improved audio quality, ensure the room is quiet and minimize echo by padding hard surfaces with soft materials like pillows or blankets.

The next important thing is using light effectively. Proper lighting can dramatically enhance the quality of your videos. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting in front of a window to allow natural light to do its trick. 

But that might not be possible in some cases. This is why, John has demonstrated in the video how you can get great lighting if you’re resourceful enough! Here’s what you need to do:

Create your softbox using a cardboard box, white paper (to line the inside of the box), and a standard desk lamp with an LED bulb (to avoid heat issues).

Cut the box to create a directional light, and cover the front with baking paper to soften the light.

Position your DIY softbox in front of you while recording to illuminate your face evenly and professionally.

Once you’ve captured your video, editing is the next step. You can use free editing software like DaVinci Resolve or HitFilm Express. These programs offer robust editing tools that rival many paid options, allowing you to cut, splice, add transitions, and much more. 

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

The consensus among creators is clear: begin with the equipment you already own. Whether it's a smartphone or a simple camera, the key is to start creating. The quality of your content will not be significantly hampered by not having the latest camera or microphone.

Starting a YouTube channel doesn’t require high-tech equipment. With a smartphone, some creativity, and a focus on creating engaging content, anyone can become a successful YouTuber. Remember, the journey of content creation is about connecting with your audience and sharing your passion, not about having the best gear on the market.

respond to comments, ask for feedback, and interact with your viewers.

 This builds a community around your channel and helps increase viewer retention and loyalty.

Beyond the technical aspects, the quality of your content is crucial. After all, storytelling is more important than high-resolution video. Engaging and relevant content will keep your audience coming back, regardless of your video's technical perfection.

For those interested in learning more about optimizing their YouTube strategy with the help of the most effective tools, check out vidIQ. If you've already made your first video but are still unsure about uploading,

In this blog, we're diving into how to create professional-looking YouTube content using just the gadgets you already own, and some household items. Get ready to turn your YouTube dreams into reality without breaking the bank!


How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

Deciding whether to delete or keep old YouTube videos is tough. There are 

 factors to consider, such as how popular the videos are and if they still match the focus of your channel. In fact, that last point is pretty crucial. Some people try dozens of 

Does that sound like you? If so, here are three times when it’s OK to delete old YouTube videos.

Scenario 1: You’re Embarrassed by Your Older Videos

Embarrassed woman covers her face in shock

This is the most important reason to delete old YouTube videos. If you look back at any piece of content and feel embarrassed or think it doesn’t represent who you are today, go ahead and delete it. Don’t think about the number of views it’s getting. Forget about the fact that it 

 get views later as an evergreen topic. If you care about your online image or personal brand, that’s the number one thing to consider.

You might consider deleting older videos if:

They don’t reflect your current level of maturity.

They include themes that could get you canceled today.

Regardless of the reason, you just don’t like how they portray you!

Scenario 2: Your Channel Is Heading in a Different Direction

You should also consider deleting YouTube videos that don’t match the current theme of your channel. Some people think this isn’t a big deal, 

. YouTube is too competitive to leave your page half-branded!

For example, imagine that a viewer types “exercises to relieve knee pain” into YouTube’s search bar. There are plenty of videos to choose from, but ultimately, the viewer taps on one with 

 and a convincing title. Overall, they’re satisfied with the video and excited to try all of the exercises for strengthening their knees.

 helpful, they go to the creator’s channel to watch more content. 

 There are other videos about knee health, but many have nothing to do with that topic. Altogether, the channel looks like a hodge-podge of random content with a few months dedicated to knee health.

At this point, how do you think the viewer feels? Should they trust the channel’s advice or find a more authoritative page?

Scenario 3: Your Older Videos Get Minimal Views

Finally, if your older videos aren’t all that popular, it’s OK to remove them from your channel. This is especially true if you don’t like the content for whatever reason. Perhaps you made the videos when you had dim lighting, quiet audio, or a backdrop you aren’t fond of. It’s easy to delete these types of videos when they’re underperforming.

On the flip side, what if you have an older video that’s well-produced but doesn’t get many views? Does it make sense to delete it forever?

If you’re facing this scenario, don’t give up just yet. Try changing the title and thumbnail to see if that makes a difference, then promote the video on the YouTube Community tab. That could prompt viewers to start watching again, which helps 

Deleting videos from your YouTube channel can lead to significant consequences, often negative. On YouTube, videos are forever and the last thing you want as a creator is to part ways with a video that might later turn out to be a goldmine! The YouTube algorithm, which relies on metrics like 

, audience retention, and engagement to recommend content, is disrupted when videos are deleted. This disruption can diminish your channel's visibility and reach.

To mitigate these effects, it's crucial to carefully assess the performance of each video while keeping the scenarios we mentioned above in mind. A useful strategy is to direct viewers from deleted videos to other relevant content on your channel, maintaining engagement and presence. Additionally, be aware of any legal or ethical issues when removing videos, especially those involving 

It's part and parcel of a creator's life to expect those "10 out of 10" debut videos. But not every one of them needs to be a lost cause! Some strategies can effectively change the outcome of your "dead" video:

Optimizing the video title and thumbnail to make them more enticing.

Leveraging collaborations to inject authenticity and boost credibility.

Promoting it on end screens of your popular videos or linking it to newer content.

In the video above, Dan explains how to achieve this successfully. The main idea is to keep experimenting with the video after its upload and observe how it affects the performance. This will not only improve results for the video in question but also for future uploads and the channel overall.

But, as long as you’re making new content, you almost have infinite chances to get more views. So don’t worry about keeping old videos that embarrass you, underperform, or don’t fit your channel’s theme anymore.

 Look to the future of your content journey!

When is it OK to delete old YouTube videos? In this article, we explore three scenarios where it absolutely makes sense.

When to Delete Those Old, Embarrassing Videos on Your YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel has many benefits, some of which are too enticing to ignore. The first perk? You get to create content from the heart and share it with like-minded viewers around the world. And eventually, you'll build a community where thousands of people (or even millions) look forward to watching your videos.

If all of that goes well, you'll reach a point where you can monetize your videos, 

Our brilliant creator Dan had recently spoken about how he would do the whole YouTube thing all over again if he had the chance. While the number of tips on this topic is endless, new creators need to focus on certain aspects more than others. Watch the video above to know what they are!

It's important to remember that you aren't the only person trying to become a content creator on YouTube. There are millions of channels, and the people behind them want the same thing as you: creative expression, financial freedom, and a community.

how to start a successful YouTube channel

. With so much competition, you'll need tips and strategies to begin your journey the right way.

This is where it all begins. If you haven’t 

 yet, it’s very simple. Simply sign up by filling out your name.

Next, you have to provide some more basic information about yourself.

And it’s that easy! You now have a Google account.

It’s good to have a Google account to create your YouTube channel, simply because of the ecosystem that Google has built. Even earning on YouTube happens through a Google AdSense account, 

Google AdSense 101: How to Benefit from Ad Revenue on YouTube

So, now that you have your Google account set up, let’s start creating your channel!

Creating your YouTube channel won't take long at all. Just follow the steps below!

2. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select 

3. Upload a profile picture and type in your channel's name.

here's a guide for creating the best YouTube channel name

Now that you've created your channel, the next step is 

. This step allows you to create videos longer than 15 minutes, upload custom thumbnails, live stream, and appeal Content ID claims.

1. To verify your phone number, click your profile picture again and select 

Want to become a successful YouTuber? Your journey begins with the first step: creating your YouTube channel. Here's how to strategize, plan, and build a home for your videos.

YouTube Tips & Tricks

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2024

Published

How to Start a Faceless Channel on YouTube

Published

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

Published

How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

Published

When to Delete Those Old, Embarrassing Videos on Your YouTube Channel

Published

How to Start a YouTube Channel: 10 Brilliant Tips

Published

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

Published

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

Published

Outdated YouTube Advice You Should Ignore in 2024

Published

How to Make YouTube Reaction Videos

Published

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

Published

12 YouTube Myths that Distract You from Getting More Views

Published