Youtube
7 deadly sins of youtube thumbnails: avoid these mistakes!
By Eleanor Vance
Published: 04 May 2025
woman looking frustrated at computer screen showing low youtube views | Image: Supplied
Sin #1: Blurry, Low-Resolution Images
Seriously, peeps, this is a cardinal sin! A blurry thumbnail is like wearing mismatched socks to a job interview – it screams unprofessionalism. Invest a few minutes in creating a crisp, high-resolution image. Use a good camera or a quality stock photo site; don't just grab something off your phone and call it a day! Think of it this way: Your thumbnail is the first impression – make it count. I once saw a thumbnail that looked like it was taken with a potato – needless to say, I didn't click.
example of a blurry youtube thumbnail | Image: Supplied
Sin #2: Boring and Uninspired Thumbnails
Let's face it: no one wants to click on a boring thumbnail. It's like walking into a bland restaurant; you immediately lose interest. Your thumbnail needs to be eye-catching, intriguing, and, most importantly, relevant to your video content. Think vibrant colors, strong composition, and maybe even a little bit of playful humor. If your video is about makeup, maybe show off a striking eye look. For a cooking video, showcase the finished dish. The aim is to hook the viewer.
example of a boring youtube thumbnail | Image: Supplied
Sin #3: Misleading Thumbnails (aka Clickbait)
This is a big no-no. Don't try to trick people into clicking with a thumbnail that doesn't accurately reflect your video's content. It's the fastest way to lose viewers' trust and build a bad reputation. A misleading thumbnail is like promising a chocolate cake and then serving a carrot cake—it’s just not cool. Be honest and show what your content is really about.
example of a misleading youtube thumbnail | Image: Supplied
Sin #4: Text That's Too Small or Hard to Read
Don't make your viewers squint! The text in your thumbnail should be large enough to read easily, even on smaller screens. Also, make sure the font is clear and legible; avoid overly fancy or difficult-to-read fonts. Remember, Grandma needs to be able to read it too!
example of a youtube thumbnail with small text | Image: Supplied
Sin #5: Inconsistent Branding
Your thumbnails should reflect your overall brand identity. Use consistent colors, fonts, and styles across all your thumbnails. Think of it as your visual signature – it helps viewers quickly recognize your videos and builds brand recognition. This is something I struggled with in the beginning, but consistency really pays off.
examples of consistent youtube thumbnails | Image: Supplied
Sin #6: Neglecting the Power of Faces
A friendly face often draws viewers in! A thumbnail with a person's face on it will stand out more than an abstract image. I often find that when I use my own face, it increases my clickthrough rate. Of course, this only makes sense for content that suits this aesthetic. It depends on your channel's style and content. Consider your options carefully.
examples of youtube thumbnails with faces | Image: Supplied
Sin #7: Ignoring A/B Testing
Don't be afraid to experiment. Try creating a few different thumbnails for the same video and see which one performs best. This way you get data-driven feedback and learn what type of thumbnails your audience responds to best. I constantly A/B test my thumbnails and usually learn something new. Don't underestimate this powerful tool! It's a game-changer, truly.
example of a youtube thumbnail a/b testing | Image: Supplied
