Ultimate Guide to YouTube Thumbnail Sizes with Examples

Rishabh leads the content strategy at Content Beta, a creative video and design agency for Tech & SaaS companies.

Last updated on September 13, 2023

You’ve created the perfect video, but views and engagement are low. Could the thumbnail be your issue?

YouTube thumbnails serve as the digital billboards for your video content. They are the ‘first impression’ in your video marketing funnel and are vital for SEO and video reach. YouTube thumbnail size is crucial in how your video appears in search results and suggested videos.

Creating your YouTube thumbnail is about more than just aesthetics. It can increase your Click-Through Rate (CTR) and help Channel Optimization.

If you’re a B2B marketer aiming to improve your online presence, consider these key questions regarding your YT thumbnails:

How does the YouTube thumbnail affect your CTR?
Are you optimizing your thumbnails based on Google Analytics?
Does the thumbnail size for YouTube directly influence your conversion rates?

According to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos have a custom thumbnail. A 2019 Quick Sprout article shows minimal and eye-catching thumbnails increased clicks by 154% for women and 64% for men.

This blog discusses the best practices for YouTube thumbnail sizes and provides examples. This ensures you attract views, generate leads, and guide them further down your marketing funnel.

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

What are YouTube thumbnails?

YouTube thumbnails are small images that represent your video content. They appear in search results and help viewers decide to click through your video.

A well-designed thumbnail with proper dimensions, heat mapping, and design can increase impressions and (Click-Through rate) CTRs. Custom thumbnails are essential for any B2B marketer to reach a wider audience.

What’s the Best YouTube Thumbnail Size?

The best YouTube thumbnail size is 1280 x 720 pixels. It is recommended because it ensures your thumbnail is optimized for various platforms. It should also meet YouTube’s aspect ratio requirements of 16:9.

It is vital to get your yt thumbnail size right for better visibility in user searches. Below is an image showing the recommended YouTube thumbnail size ratio. The minimum YouTube thumbnail pixel size  for a YouTube thumbnail is 360 x 540 px.

Why are YouTube Thumbnails so Important?

A video thumbnail shows what the viewer can expect in the video. It plays an essential role in your video metrics. Understanding the importance of YouTube thumbnail size is necessary for maximizing your video’s impression and engagement.

The YouTube thumbnail dimensions are crucial for how your video ranks in search results and appears in suggested videos. A well-strategized thumbnail can increase the effectiveness of a video ad campaign and lead to increased conversions.

1. Increases Click-Through Rates (CTR)

A well-designed custom thumbnail that meets the YouTube thumbnail size requirements can significantly improve your video’s click-through rate from your target audience.

2. Lead Generation and Conversion

A strategically designed thumbnail can be a lead magnet. It draws potential clients into your marketing funnel and increases conversions.

3. SEO Benefits

Thumbnails contribute to YouTube SEO. It makes your videos rank higher in search results and reach potential audiences.

4. Brand Consistency

Thumbnails help maintain a consistent brand image and build trust and credibility. Follow the recommended YouTube thumbnail pixel size for a cohesive look.

5. Targeted Messaging

Custom thumbnails appeal to your ideal audience. It ensures that the content resonates and encourages clicks.

6. Analytics Insights

Thumbnails influence CTR and engagement. It offers analytics for strategy refinement and data-driven decision-making. A/B testing can further optimize thumbnail performance and enhance ROI.

Pay attention to the thumbnail size, as it ensures that your video is algorithm-friendly. It increases its chances of being featured in YouTube’s “Recommended Videos” section.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

Why Custom YouTube Thumbnails Matter?

Custom YT thumbnails provide more control and better performance metrics, while automatic thumbnails are quick but less effective.

To optimize your YouTube channel, consider focusing on your YouTube banner to enhance your brand’s online presence.

YouTube automatically selects a default thumbnail from your video as a preview image. You have no control over what frame is chosen. It’s a random frame from your video. Custom thumbnails are images you create and upload to serve as a preview image for your video.

Remember, ignoring the proper thumbnail size for YouTube can lead to a distorted or pixelated image, reducing click-through rates. The YouTube thumbnail format is essential for optimizing image quality and load time.

Feature	Custom Thumbnails	Automatic Thumbnails
Control	Complete control over design and content and can be designed to be eye-catching.	Auto-generated by YouTube, with no control over the frame. It may not be attractive.
Branding and consistency	It can include brand colors and logos and maintain a consistent style.	There are no branding options, so there is no consistent style.
CTR (Click-Through Rate)	Generally higher CTR due to customization	Lower clicks as it is less appealing
SEO Benefits	Optimized for keywords and relevance	Not optimized
Time Investment	Requires time to create	No time needed, auto-generated
A/B Testing	Can be tested and optimized	Cannot be changed or tested

1. Custom thumbnail

2. Automatic Thumbnail

YouTube Thumbnail Ideas for a B2B

Here are 5 YouTube Thumbnail Ideas to bring more eyeballs to your content:

1. Transformation / Before-After

Channel	Piximperfect
Video Title	3 photoshop tricks for FAST high-end retouching
Thumbnail Approach	"Before and After" visuals to show transformation Photoshop icon for tool recognition White arrow and "2 minutes" for clear messaging
Actionable Insights	Showcase software effectiveness with transformation Use recognizable icons to indicate tools or services Use elements, texts, etc. to clarify the value proposition

2. Feature Updates

Channel	NASAspaceNews
Video Title	What Chandrayaan-3 Saw on the Moon So Far!
Thumbnail Approach	Yellow circle for highlighting updates. Bold text in red - "NEW UPDATES!" attracts attention. Chandrayaan landing visual. Multiple images for updates.
Actionable Insights	Utilize visuals that represent updates and the core message. Highlight critical updates or features to draw attention. Use bold, colored text to indicate urgency or importance.

3. Comparisons

Channel	Nas io
Video Title	WhatsApp vs. Telegram Review in 2023
Thumbnail Approach	Text "WhatsApp vs. Telegram" for comparison. Brand colors for relatability. Girl holding WhatsApp and Telegram icons in each hand to show comparison.
Actionable Insights	Use human elements to personalize the message. Use text to clarify the video's focus or comparison. Utilize recognizable icons for immediate understanding.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

4. Minimalist Design

Channel	ClickUp
Video Title	ClickUp University: Leverage Additional Task Options
Thumbnail Approach	Minimalist design with a white background and logo. The bold text focuses on the topic.
Actionable Insights	Use minimalist design to focus attention on the subject. Bold text to emphasize the value proposition. Branding with minimal elements to create brand recognition.

5. Compilation

Channel	FozTech
Video Title	Top 5 FREE Video Editing Apps for iPhone & iPad! (2023)
Thumbnail Approach	Minimal design and clear text Video apps shown on iPhone screen relate to iPhone users.
Actionable Insights	Use app icons and mock-ups for relatability Simple and practical design with the least elements used.

5 AI Thumbnail Generators for YouTube Thumbnails

AI generators can help you create thumbnails quickly and efficiently. Some AI -generators can analyze a video’s content to produce a thumbnail.

Sticking to the recommended YouTube thumbnail size ensures a high-definition display. It makes your video more appealing to potential viewers.

Set your canvas to YouTube’s thumbnail dimensions. Use high-quality images for better resolution. Choose JPEG or PNG for quick loading and quality. Like thumbnails, your video needs pro editing for the best results.

1. Simplified

Simplified Thumbnail Maker offers customization options to align with your brand’s visual identity and messaging.

Key Features:

AI-Driven Thumbnails: Generate thumbnails quickly to improve CTR.
Brand Alignment: Incorporate your company’s logos, colors, and fonts with ease.
Efficient Editing: Use drag-and-drop design elements in the YouTube thumbnail template and use free stock resources for a polished look.
The platform features an intuitive Design Editor with drag-and-drop functionality and free stock resources.
Team Collaboration makes agency cooperation easy.

2. Tokee.ai

Tokee.ai is a user-friendly, AI-powered tool that doesn’t require any design experience. It also has a YouTube Title Generator to improve your video’s SEO and click-through rates (CTR).

Key Features:

AI-Generated Thumbnails: Utilizes YouTube data to create thumbnails that attract clicks.
Quick and Easy: Generate eye-catching visuals in seconds.
SEO-Optimized Titles: Boost your video’s findability with SEO-optimized titles.

3. Canva

Canva helps create YouTube thumbnails through its intuitive design interface. It provides templates, graphics, and text in the recommended YouTube thumbnail size ratio.
This platform is ideal for marketers focused on brand consistency.

Key Features:

Customizable Templates: Offers a wide range of industry-specific templates.
Brand Kit: You can store your brand’s colors, fonts, and logos for a consistent design.
Collaboration: Enables real-time collaboration among team members.
Intuitive Designs and Stock Photos: Provides a variety of design elements and stock photos.

4. Veed.io

VEED’s AI Thumbnail Maker is designed to help professionals and content creators increase their YouTube channel’s visibility. The tool automates the thumbnail creation process and produces personalized, eye-catching thumbnails that align with your video’s theme.

Key Features:

Automated Thumbnail Design: Intelligent algorithms analyze your video content to generate thumbnails.
Customization: You can edit the AI-generated thumbnails to match your brand and message.
Efficiency: Saves time and effort with automated design processes.
Increased CTR: Engineered to capture audience attention, leading to higher click-through rates.
Analytics-Driven Design: Provides design suggestions based on analytics to resonate with your target audience.

5. TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy’s Thumbnail Analyzer helps creators optimize their thumbnails for better performance. The tool uses deep AI learning to compare multiple thumbnails. It saves time on manual or A/B testing. Its features improve click-through rates and other vital metrics.

Key feature:

AI-Powered Analysis: Uses deep learning algorithms to evaluate the effectiveness of your thumbnails against competitors and industry standards.
Multi-Thumbnail Comparison: This allows you to compare your thumbnail with top-performing videos in your niche, giving you actionable insights.
Customization Insights: Offers suggestions for text, color schemes, and other elements to make your thumbnail more appealing.
Performance Metrics: Provides key metrics like estimated click-through rates, viewer retention, and engagement levels for your thumbnails.
Heatmapping: Visualizes where viewers are most likely to focus on your thumbnail, helping you place key elements strategically.

Marketing needs Videos & Designs.

Get your [Video + Design + Creative] work done.

35 Best YouTube Thumbnail Examples

An optimally created thumbnail is a digital visual interface. It helps draw an ideal audience to your brand video, which is a great storytelling medium to communicate your value proposition and unique selling points (USP).

Here are some real-world examples to gain actionable insights into making compelling YouTube thumbnails that resonate with your target audience:

1. The Futur - Pricing Design Work & Creativity (The Guide)

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plain background Two different objects Bold text and arrows showing how to do
Engagement Triggers	Educational Relate to those who are making a mistake

2. Salesforce - Salesforce AI Day: Calling All Trailblazers

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	AI generated Einstein mascot(for the product Einstein GPT) AI subtly highlighted in the word Tr’AI’lblazers) Plain background focuses on the subject
Engagement Triggers	Speaks directly to the audience Informs that the video is related to AI

3. Mailchimp - How to add & import contacts to a Mailchimp Excel

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Features the tutorial host Simple background Focus on the human face Simple and clean Clear text Branding and logo
Engagement Triggers	The tutorial topic is written in short for focus on value proposition. Indicates the video's educational value

4. Shopify - Mastering the basics of Store Setup | Webinar

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Logo Plain background Straight forward text in contrast color
Engagement Triggers	Educational content

5. Apple Watch Ultra - Call to The Wild

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Easy to the Eye colors and visuals Text and logo Shows product features visually
Engagement Triggers	The underwater setting highlights the watch's durability and versatility for extreme conditions Targets ideal audience for the specific product (outdoor enthusiasts)

Marketing needs Videos & Designs.

Get your [Video + Design + Creative] work done.

6. Redbull - Table

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Redbull logo Plain background Sketch with focus on the logo
Engagement Triggers	Creative storytelling Logo makes it relatable

7. Beluga - I bet you can’t name a color without the letter E

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Simple Conversational Readable text
Engagement Triggers	Creates an emotion of curiosity, excitement, and a sense of competition.

8. MrBeast - I survived 50 hours in Antarctica

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Renouned face Facial Expression Adventurous background Text suggests it is a series of video
Engagement Triggers	Creates an emotion of adventure and curiosity The suggestion that it is a series, encourages to watch other episodes of video

9. WatchMojo - Top 10 Best DC and Marvel Crossovers

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Features popular characters Visually striking comic style provides relatability Immediately recognizable. Watchmojo logo
Engagement Triggers	The teaming up of two iconic characters from different franchises could spark curiosity and debates, encouraging CTR.

10. David Ondrej - 20 Midjouney mistakes beginners make

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Before and after images showing transformation Clear text Black and white vs color images
Engagement Triggers	Evokes sense of FOMO and curiosity on how to apply

11. Interesting Facts - 80 Idiots in Boats Caught on camera!

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Image of unusual situation No text or other elements, the focus is only on image
Engagement Triggers	Adventure, suspense, and a sense of urgency. Sparking curiosity about the situation

12. The Diary Of a CEO - Google's DeepMind Co-founder: AI Is Becoming More Dangerous And Threatening! - Mustafa Suleyman

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plan black background Human face Text with highlighted word Logo
Engagement Triggers	Sparks curiosity FOMO

13. PewDiePie - Try not to laugh

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Renouned creator face Laughing expression Meme cutout
Engagement Triggers	Feeling of entertainment, light-hearted content Humor and relatability.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

14. Neil Patel - Hacks to grow your business when sales drop

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Renowned creator face Expression To the point text with highlight Logo and CTA
Engagement Triggers	Educational value Sense of curiosity

15. The Cut - Match Puppy to the Owner | Lineup | Cut

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plain background Logo Images of various dogs and owners
Engagement Triggers	Triggers a heartwarming emotion Excitement and a sense of competition.

16. Tasty - I Tried To Make The Famous Thanksgiving Trifle From Friends

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Relatable ‘Friends’ logo Delicious looking dessert draws attention Human face with expression
Engagement Triggers	Triggers relatability among fans of the tv show ‘friends’ Curiosity on the result

17. MrBeast - $1 vs $500,000 Plane ticket

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Features renowned creator Visually striking image AI generated
Engagement Triggers	Triggers curiosity, aspiration, and the allure of extravagance. Viewer's desire to experience luxury Intrigue of contrasting extremes

18. Smosh Pit - Unexpected Reunions (w/ Anthony Padilla) | Reading Reddit Stories

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Clear Bold text Human faces with expression Emojis and icons
Engagement Triggers	Shocking word and expression triggers curiosity Emojis and icons make it relatable

19. Big Think - Dont chase happiness. Become Antifragile

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Logo Clear text Plain black background Image showing the process of anti-fragility with a flower becoming more alive.
Engagement Triggers	Suggests personal growth and resilience Self-improvement and overcoming challenges

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

20. Arti Creator - How long it takes to get monetized on youtube in 2021

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Visual effects Icons and emoticons Word monetised in larger font size for focus Facial expression
Engagement Triggers	Excitement of reaching a milestone Desire for financial success

21. CSM relaxing - Best Oddly Satisfying Slime ASMR! CSM Relaxing Videos

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plain white background Colourful object of focus
Engagement Triggers	ASMR

22. akaNemsko - Undercover Grandmaster Challenges a Chess Youtuber

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Blurred background Focus on subjects Bold Text Arrow
Engagement Triggers	Feeling of excitement Curiosity of the result

23. History - History's Greatest Mysteries: Unlocking the Secrets of Egypt's Pyramids

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Visually pleasing colors Logo Contrast circle mark to highlight a particular area
Engagement Triggers	Sense of curiosity

24. Watch Data - What if gravity got stronger every day

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Tabular representation of idea Funny sketches Striking colors
Engagement Triggers	Curiosity Humour

25. Adorama - Studio Lighting For Beginners - The Three Light Setup | Mark Wallace

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Pictorial representation of the setup and the differentiations Bold text with text background
Engagement Triggers	Eduational Identifies the difference

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

26. Top Luxury - Las Vegas $2.3BN Mega Sphere

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Unusual eye-catching Image Bold text with highlights
Engagement Triggers	Sparks curiosity Scroll stopping

27. Jay Shetty - NBA Star Chris Paul ON: How To Build Resilience & Overcome Societal Pressures

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plain background Two renowned faces Bold text with ‘No’ written in italic
Engagement Triggers	Inspiration and resilience. appeals to those who are looking for motivation

28. Ben Johnson - EASY 2 Light Setup for YouTube Videos

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plain background Two options Tick and cross icons showing the correct and the wrong option.
Engagement Triggers	FOMO Relate to those who are making the mistake

29. MongoDB - Build with MongoDB

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Contrast and eye-catching visuals Highlighted texts Icons like ‘Ctrl,’ ‘Shift,’ and ‘Space keys’ resonate with tech-savvy individuals
Engagement Triggers	Instill a sense of capability and ease with their Database Touch of humor for relatability

30. Beginning to Now - The ENTIRE History of Human Civilizations | Ancient to Modern (4K Documentary)

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Symmetrical focus Contrast images AI generated Plain bold text
Engagement Triggers	Curiosity Comparison and contrast

31. Morejanda- The Psychology of Graphic Design Book release

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Unformatted text goes with the conceptual idea of graphic design psychology Bold text Face of author Logo
Engagement Triggers	Appealing to those interested in the book The unformatted text gets attention

Below are a few examples of thumbnails from YouTube Shorts. YouTube Shorts showcase product features, share tips, or offer mini-tutorials, making them a valuable addition to your B2B marketing strategy.

Shorts don’t have an option for custom thumbnails, but the thumbnails can be strategically selected from the video. Here are a few examples of how the content is strategically created.

32. Shorts- Morejanda- Are you making enough money as a freelancer

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Shorts thumbnail with the caption Elements like Callouts. Texts, and other information Colour contrasts Face of the speaker
Engagement Triggers	Focus on the topic of the video Educational value

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

33. Shorts- Mailchimp - Single vs Double Opt-In: Which is Right for you?

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Bright coloured background Animated video thumbnail with Mailchimp opt-in window Colour matches with the brand Face of the speaker
Engagement Triggers	Window relates to ideal audience Educational value

34. Shorts- How to pay with Face ID on iPhone | Apple Pay

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Communicates the message clearly Shows the process in short
Engagement Triggers	Encourage clicks for full informatio

35. Shorts Code Generation with #DuetAI

Criteria	Evaluation
Visual Elements	Plain background Human face indicating two choices Relatable emoticons Shows Human thinking vs AI Branding on clothing
Engagement Triggers	Will appeal to AI users Raises curiosity

YouTube Thumbnail Best Practices

Maintaining YouTube’s thumbnail dimensions is important for optimizing your video’s click-through rate. Here are some practices you need to consider when creating a thumbnail.

1. Thumbnail dimensions

The recommended YouTube thumbnail size is 1280×720 pixels across various devices. Make sure to stick to the size guidelines to avoid cropping or scaling issues. If the file size of the YouTube thumbnail is too big, it might fail to upload.

2. Heatmapping

Using heat mapping for your YouTube thumbnails provides insights into where viewers will likely focus. This allows you to place elements for maximum engagement.

3. Maintain Brand Consistency

Consistent branding with colors, fonts, and logos helps viewers recognize your content. It also gives a cohesive look to your feed.

4. Include Text Overlays

The text clarifies the message and encourages viewers to click. Use text that is readable and concise.

5. Use Faces & Expressions

Viewers are drawn to human faces with emotions, as this conveys the emotion of the message.

Content Beta Tip: If you are the creator, adding your face with expressions related to the video enhances your recognition as a creator.

6. A/B Testing and Analytics

Different thumbnails can result in varying click-through rates. Use A/B testing tools and check analytics to understand which thumbnail performs better. Utilizing the optimal YouTube thumbnail size is a fundamental step in optimizing your video for search algorithms and viewer engagement.

7. Use Contrasting Colors

Contrasting colors grab attention and make your thumbnail stand out. Use color theory to choose colors that pop.

8. Keep It Simple

Stick to a simple design with a clear focal point. The YouTube thumbnail size also matters when aiming for a professional look for your channel.

Too many elements within your image can make your thumbnails blurry. A poor YouTube thumbnail res can make your video look unprofessional and affect clicks negatively.

9. Align with the Video Title and Description

Use keywords and relevant visuals that match your video’s title and description. It helps with SEO.

10. Using high Search Volume Keywords

Encourage people to click and improve SEO by using high search volume keywords in the thumbnail text or description.

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

YouTube Thumbnail Mistakes to Avoid

A poorly designed thumbnail can significantly reduce user engagement, reduce potential CTRs, and negatively impact lead generation. High user engagement is crucial for building lasting relationships and driving conversions.

1. Not following YouTube thumbnail specs

Using a thumbnail that doesn’t fit the recommended YouTube thumbnail size, can lead to cropping out vital information.

2. Misleading Thumbnails/ Clickbaits

Clickbait or misleading thumbnails can frustrate viewers and harm your channel’s reputation. Make sure the thumbnail resonates with the video content.

3. Ignoring Mobile Users

Thumbnails may appear differently on mobile devices, affecting readability and appeal. YouTube thumbnail size is especially important for mobile users, where screen real estate is limited.

4. Using Automatic Thumbnails

Default thumbnails usually don’t convey your video content effectively. Always create a custom thumbnail that aligns with your video content.

5. Unreadable Text

Texts that blend into the background or uses complicated fonts can affect readability. Use text with a simple font that stands out. Follow the recommended YouTube thumbnail size. It helps avoid thumbnails that are either too small to be visible or engaging or too large to be efficiently loaded.

6. Bad Colour Combination

Use contrasting colors that are easy on the eyes. Bright colours are more attention grabbing and favoured by the algorithm. Stick to a color palette that aligns with your brand.

Content Beta Tip: Use color psychology to tap attract an audience. It can improve the CTRs and impressions.

We know how to sell your story using your product UI

Why Choose Content Beta?

Creating a YouTube thumbnail is not just about design; it’s about understanding the engagement triggers of your audience. Along with the visual appeal, it should help with key metrics like CTR and ROI.

Content Beta simplifies this for you. We have served over 150 creative services including videos and design. Our Creative as a Service (CaaS) plan provides a dedicated creative team at a flat monthly fee making it cost-effective.

What sets us apart:

Know what you are signing up for with Transparent Pricing: Our plan outlines the time required for each content asset.
Maximize RoI with Zero wastage and Quick Turnaround time: Simple tasks are completed in 1-2 days. Your unused credits get rolled over to the following services.
Collaborative platform: Allows your team to work closely with ours. Enjoy point-and-click revisions, and manage all your brand assets in one cloud-based platform.

Content Beta is the ideal choice for B2B marketers seeking a ROI-driven solution for their video and design needs.

Our credibility is backed by social proof and a high G2 rating 4.7. This affirms that we are a trusted partner for all your creative needs. With us, you maximize your ROI with tangible results. Book our demo call here.

Conclusion

YouTube thumbnails are not just decorative elements; they are a vital part of your video marketing strategy. They help increase your Click-Through Rate (CTR), SEO, and conversions.

When you stick to the correct YouTube thumbnail size, you ensure that your thumbnail maintains its quality and aspect ratio across all viewing platforms.

A well-designed thumbnail can positively impact on your online presence and lead generation. By understanding the best practices and avoiding common mistakes, you can create thumbnails that not only capture attention but also drive action.

Failing to comply with the standard YouTube thumbnail size can result in a loss of potential viewers, as a poorly sized thumbnail is less likely to capture attention. Remember that your thumbnail is the first impression to your video. Make it count!

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Creative Team on-demand = Marketing done right.

Need a mixed team of video, design, and creative experts to scale up your marketing?

Ultimate Guide to YouTube Thumbnail Sizes with Examples

Table of Contents

What are YouTube thumbnails?

What’s the Best YouTube Thumbnail Size?

Why are YouTube Thumbnails so Important?

1. Increases Click-Through Rates (CTR)

2. Lead Generation and Conversion

3. SEO Benefits

4. Brand Consistency

5. Targeted Messaging

6. Analytics Insights

Why Custom YouTube Thumbnails Matter?

1. Custom thumbnail

2. Automatic Thumbnail

YouTube Thumbnail Ideas for a B2B

1. Transformation / Before-After

2. Feature Updates

3. Comparisons

4. Minimalist Design

5. Compilation

5 AI Thumbnail Generators for YouTube Thumbnails

1. Simplified

2. Tokee.ai

3. Canva

4. Veed.io

5. TubeBuddy

35 Best YouTube Thumbnail Examples

1. The Futur - Pricing Design Work & Creativity (The Guide)

2. Salesforce - Salesforce AI Day: Calling All Trailblazers

3. Mailchimp - How to add & import contacts to a Mailchimp Excel

4. Shopify - Mastering the basics of Store Setup | Webinar

5. Apple Watch Ultra - Call to The Wild

6. Redbull - Table

7. Beluga - I bet you can’t name a color without the letter E

8. MrBeast - I survived 50 hours in Antarctica

9. WatchMojo - Top 10 Best DC and Marvel Crossovers

10. David Ondrej - 20 Midjouney mistakes beginners make

11. Interesting Facts - 80 Idiots in Boats Caught on camera!

12. The Diary Of a CEO - Google's DeepMind Co-founder: AI Is Becoming More Dangerous And Threatening! - Mustafa Suleyman

13. PewDiePie - Try not to laugh

14. Neil Patel - Hacks to grow your business when sales drop

15. The Cut - Match Puppy to the Owner | Lineup | Cut

16. Tasty - I Tried To Make The Famous Thanksgiving Trifle From Friends

17. MrBeast - $1 vs $500,000 Plane ticket

18. Smosh Pit - Unexpected Reunions (w/ Anthony Padilla) | Reading Reddit Stories

19. Big Think - Dont chase happiness. Become Antifragile

20. Arti Creator - How long it takes to get monetized on youtube in 2021

21. CSM relaxing - Best Oddly Satisfying Slime ASMR! CSM Relaxing Videos

22. akaNemsko - Undercover Grandmaster Challenges a Chess Youtuber

23. History - History's Greatest Mysteries: Unlocking the Secrets of Egypt's Pyramids

24. Watch Data - What if gravity got stronger every day

25. Adorama - Studio Lighting For Beginners - The Three Light Setup | Mark Wallace

26. Top Luxury - Las Vegas $2.3BN Mega Sphere

27. Jay Shetty - NBA Star Chris Paul ON: How To Build Resilience & Overcome Societal Pressures

28. Ben Johnson - EASY 2 Light Setup for YouTube Videos

29. MongoDB - Build with MongoDB

30. Beginning to Now - The ENTIRE History of Human Civilizations | Ancient to Modern (4K Documentary)

31. Morejanda- The Psychology of Graphic Design Book release

32. Shorts- Morejanda- Are you making enough money as a freelancer

33. Shorts- Mailchimp - Single vs Double Opt-In: Which is Right for you?

34. Shorts- How to pay with Face ID on iPhone | Apple Pay

35. Shorts Code Generation with #DuetAI

YouTube Thumbnail Best Practices

1. Thumbnail dimensions

2. Heatmapping

3. Maintain Brand Consistency

4. Include Text Overlays

5. Use Faces & Expressions

6. A/B Testing and Analytics

7. Use Contrasting Colors

8. Keep It Simple

9. Align with the Video Title and Description

10. Using high Search Volume Keywords

YouTube Thumbnail Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not following YouTube thumbnail specs

2. Misleading Thumbnails/ Clickbaits

3. Ignoring Mobile Users

4. Using Automatic Thumbnails

5. Unreadable Text

6. Bad Colour Combination