Thumbnails that get clicks

A thumbnail needs one idea, high contrast, and a face or object you can read on a phone. Clever fails when it is small.

Evergreen

Design for the size it is actually seen at

Shrink the draft until it is a postage stamp. If you cannot tell what it is, start over. Big face or big object, two or three words, a background that is not the same color as the text. Curiosity is a question the title does not fully answer, not a lie.

Keep a series looking related: same type, same corner, same color. Then test. A thumbnail you love and never compare is a habit, not a result.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my face in every thumbnail?

No. You need a focal point. A face is a strong one. A clear object works when the face would only add clutter.