What's Thumbnail image ? - How to quickly and accurately create thumbnails with Imgbg.net

  • Sep 15, 2023
  • 279
What is a thumbnail image, how to create the most accurate video thumbnails, and what to consider when creating thumbnail images will all be explained in Imgbg.net's article. Join us to explore further
What's Thumbnail image ? - How to quickly and accurately create thumbnails with Imgbg.net

1. Things to Know About Thumbnail Images 

1.1 What is a Thumbnail? What is a Thumbnail Image?

A thumbnail is a small-sized image used to represent and provide a preview of larger images, creating cover images, profile pictures, illustrations, etc., for a video. They are typically designed in PNG/JPG formats with dimensions suitable for various platforms

Google's Image Search: The most suitable image size is 177 pixels.

  • YouTube Thumbnail: The recommended desktop thumbnail size on YouTube is 210 x 118 pixels, while the size for thumbnails on the right side of suggested videos is typically 168 x 94 pixels.
  • Pinterest: The width of Pinterest images is always 236 pixels.

1.2 Different Types of Thumbnails on Various Platforms:

  • Thumbnails on YouTube
  • Thumbnails on blogs
  • Thumbnails on e-commerce websites (Tiki, Sendo, Lazada, etc.)
  • Thumbnails on GIFs
  • Thumbnails on Google.

1.3 Why Should You Use Thumbnail Images?

  • Reduced image size compared to the original image, resulting in faster data loading times.
  • User-friendly: Through thumbnail images, users can easily understand the general content of a video and find the information they need.
  • Attracts user engagement with other content.
  • Your video looks more professional and attracts users.

  • Saves display space in search results.
  • Saves bandwidth and accelerates page loading speed

2. Guide on Creating Thumbnail Images: How to Create Thumbnails for Videos

Step 1: Image Editing Software Begin by using image editing software such as Photoshop to add text and make adjustments to your chosen image. This software provides you with the tools needed to customize your thumbnail precisely.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Image Carefully select an image for your thumbnail. You can either find a suitable image online or capture one yourself. Ensure that the image is visually appealing, relevant to your video's content, and eye-catching to potential viewers.

Step 3: Define Your Message and Audience Before creating the thumbnail, have a clear understanding of the message you want to convey and your video's target audience. This will help you choose the right imagery and text to attract your intended viewers.

Step 4: Crafting Engaging Text The text you add to your thumbnail should be concise, easy to understand, and visually engaging. Use compelling fonts and colors that align with your video's branding or theme. The text should provide a brief insight into the video's content and pique viewers' interest.

Step 5: Size and Format Consider the recommended thumbnail sizes for the platform you're uploading your video to. Ensure your thumbnail meets the platform's guidelines for dimensions and format (e.g., PNG or JPG).

Step 6: Test and Refine Create multiple thumbnail options if necessary and test them with a small audience to see which one performs best. You can then refine your thumbnails based on the feedback and engagement you receive.

Step 7: Consistency Maintain consistency in your thumbnail design across your video content. This helps viewers recognize your videos more easily and builds your channel's brand.

Step 8: Monitor Performance After uploading your video with the thumbnail, monitor its performance. Analyze metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and viewer retention to gauge the effectiveness of your thumbnail. Make adjustments as needed to improve engagement.

By following these steps, you can create visually appealing and effective thumbnails that attract viewers and drive engagement with your video content.

3. How to Create Video Thumbnails Using Canva.com

Creating video thumbnails with Canva is a straightforward process, and here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Access Canva

  • Go to Canva.com in your web browser.
  • Log in using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account (or sign up for an account if you don't have one).

Step 2: Search for Thumbnail Templates

  • In Canva's search bar, type in "Thumbnail YouTube" or "thumbnail image" and click on "Custom dimensions" to select the appropriate thumbnail size.

Step 3: Choose a Suitable Thumbnail Image

  • Browse through the available YouTube thumbnail templates in Canva and select one that suits your video content.
  • Customize the chosen template as needed. You can change text, images, colors, and more to match your video's branding and style.

Step 4: Create a Custom Thumbnail from Scratch

  • If you prefer not to use a pre-made template and want to design your own thumbnail:
    • Start by selecting a blank canvas to enter the design editor.
    • Click on the "Background" tab to set the primary background color for your thumbnail. You can choose a solid color, pattern, gradient, or even upload your own background image.
    • Navigate to the "Text" section on the left side of the Canva interface to add attention-grabbing text to your thumbnail. You can customize the font style, text size, color, and other text attributes by selecting the text box.
    • Additionally, you can insert icons or illustrations to enhance your thumbnail's visual appeal. Click on the "Elements" tab, search for keywords like "icon," and add relevant icons to your design. Adjust their size and position as desired.

Step 5: Save Your Thumbnail

  • Once you've created or edited your thumbnail to your satisfaction, click the "Download" button to save it to your computer. Canva usually offers various file format options such as JPG, PNG, or PDF.

Step 6: Use the Thumbnail

  • After downloading your thumbnail, you can now upload it to your video platform, such as YouTube, to represent your video effectively.

Creating video thumbnails using Canva is a user-friendly process, offering both pre-designed templates and the flexibility to design custom thumbnails from scratch. Ensure that your thumbnail captures the essence of your video and entices viewers to click and watch your content.

4. What to Consider When Creating Video Thumbnails?

When creating video thumbnails, it's important to pay attention to the following aspects:

1. Consistency: Maintain a consistent look and feel across your thumbnails to give your videos a more professional appearance.

2. Color Selection: Choose a dominant color scheme that aligns with the content and message of your video. Consistency in color can help reinforce your branding.

3. Emphasize Faces: Prioritize using images of people's faces in your thumbnails. Opt for close-up shots that display strong emotions to make a memorable impression and pique viewers' curiosity.

4. Clear Text: Ensure that any text you add to the thumbnail is clear and legible. It should provide viewers with a quick understanding of the video's content.

5. Incorporate Logo/Watermark: Consider adding your logo or watermark to increase brand recognition. This can help viewers associate your content with your brand more easily.

By keeping these points in mind, you can create visually appealing and effective thumbnails that not only attract viewers but also convey the essence of your video and strengthen your brand identity