Creating the best thumbnail for YouTube videos is crucial because it's often the first impression viewers get. A well-designed thumbnail increases clicks, engagement, and views. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make the best YouTube thumbnail — with a comparison to top-performing thumbnails.
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Best YouTube Thumbnail
Step 1: Research & Analyze Top Video Thumbnails
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Search your video topic on YouTube.
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Note the top 5–10 videos in your niche (same language and region if possible).
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Observe:
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Colors used
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Text (bold, clear, how many words)
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Emotions/faces
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Zoom/crop level
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Icons, arrows, emojis, effects
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Step 2: Plan the Key Elements of Your Thumbnail
Main Object: Your face or product/tool
Big Bold Text: 3–5 words max (“Last-Minute Tips”, “100% Success”, “Don’t Skip!”)Background: Bright and clean or blurred for contrast
Emotion: Express shock, excitement, worry (depends on topic)
Colors: Use high-contrast colors (yellow, red, black, white, green)
Branding: Add logo or your face for consistency
Step 3: Tools to Use (Free & Paid)
| Tool | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Canva | Free/Paid | Drag-and-drop, YouTube thumbnail templates |
| Pixlr | Free | Online Photoshop-like editor |
| Photoshop | Paid | Advanced editing and layer effects |
| Snappa | Free/Paid | Quick thumbnail templates |
| Fotor | Free | Background remover and photo enhancer |
Step 4: Actual Design – How to Make It
➤ Using Canva (Free Tool):
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Go to canva.com
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Click Create a Design → YouTube Thumbnail
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Choose a template or start from blank
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Upload your photo/screenshot
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Add text (max 3–5 words in bold font)
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Use icons, arrows, emojis (but don’t clutter)
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Adjust brightness, contrast, blur background if needed
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Export in 1280×720 px, PNG/JPEG format
Step 5: Best Practices from Top YouTubers
| Strategy | Description | Example from Top Creators |
|---|---|---|
| Face Zoomed In | Face covers 30–40% of thumbnail | MrBeast, Technical Guruji |
| Big Text | Few words in large font | “Only 1 Day Left” |
| Contrast | Bright text on dark/blurred background | StudyIQ, Khan GS |
| Emotion | Shocked, confused, smiling expressions | Dhruv Rathee |
| Consistency | Same font, color scheme every video | Fit Tuber, Sharma Sir |
Step 6: Test & Improve
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Use A/B testing if eligible (in YouTube Studio)
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Use TubeBuddy or VidIQ to test click-through rates (CTR)
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Observe which color, text, or face works better
🛠️ Pro Tips:
Use outline (stroke) around text for visibility
Use drop shadow under objects and textUse cutout photos (remove background) to look clean
Avoid too much clutter – keep it focused
Upload HD thumbnail (1280 x 720 px, under 2 MB)
📊 Example Comparison: Top vs Poor Thumbnail
| Feature | Top Thumbnail | Poor Thumbnail |
|---|---|---|
| Text | "LAST CHANCE TODAY!" (Bold, clear) | Full sentence in small font |
| Face/Emotion | Face showing shock/excitement | No face, or dull expression |
| Colors | Yellow text on black bg | Low contrast, mixed dull colors |
| Layout | Clean, one main object | Crowded with too much detail |
| Click Potential | High | Low |