Getting someone to click on a YouTube video requires more than just great content—it starts with strategy. For years, creators have focused on making their titles catchy and irresistible to get more YouTube views. But there’s another key element that’s just as important: the thumbnail.
At the VidSummit conference, held from September 28 to 30 in Los Angeles, YouTube star MrBeast shared his insights on this topic.
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, runs six YouTube channels and has over 70 million subscribers on his main one. An impressive 14 of his videos have hit over 100 million views. So, what’s his secret?
“I don’t care if we spend up to $10,000 to create a thumbnail. I just want the best YouTube thumbnail possible,” he said. “That’s how we approach it, but I know not everyone is as extreme as we are about it,” he added.
How to Increase Your Views on YouTube? Thanks to the Thumbnail!
MrBeast has given his strategy for imagining vignettes that make you want them. According to him, there are five important points:
1. Summarize the Idea of the Video
The thumbnail should correspond as closely as possible to what viewers will watch in the video. “The thumbnail should accurately describe the content of the video.
If a video delivers what it promises in the title and image, it will likely be watched for longer,” says the content creator.
2. Highlight a Well-known Person
In this image, it is a good idea to highlight the YouTuber or personality who will be the centre of the video. If someone sees a person they know, they will be more likely to click on the video.
3. Color and Brightness Are Important
To attract the eye, the MrBeast team relies on color and bright lights. In three words, it must be “simple, visible, colorful”.
4. Have a Backup Plan
If the video doesn’t get the expected number of views, the YouTuber will change the thumbnail. “We usually like to make two or three versions of a thumbnail, so if a video isn’t doing so well, we can change it,” he shares.
5. Mobile-friendly Image
Today, the majority of videos are watched on a phone. “The majority of your views are likely coming from mobile, so it’s important that you see exactly what the thumbnail will look like to people when they’re watching on mobile,” says Donaldson.
These tips may be trivial, but they are the magic bullet for the MrBeast team. “For us, it makes such a big difference. It makes a difference of tens of millions of views,” he concludes.
Why Thumbnails Are So Important
These tips might seem simple, but they’re incredibly effective. According to MrBeast, better thumbnails can bring in tens of millions of extra views.
A thumbnail is the first thing viewers notice, and it plays a big part in whether they decide to click on your video or not.
Creators who spend time making their thumbnails better often see big improvements in their view count. Even small tweaks, like making the colours brighter or simplifying the design, can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
In the competitive world of YouTube, thumbnails are one of the most important tools for getting more views.
By keeping your thumbnail clear, colourful, and closely tied to the video’s topic, you can attract more viewers. Featuring well-known faces and testing different designs also helps.
As MrBeast has shown, a great thumbnail can be the key to turning a video into a massive success. Use these tips, and you’ll be on your way to growing your channel and reaching more people!
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