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Writer's pictureJody B. Miller

Step #5 to Dominating Your Video Brand - Have Great Thumbnails and Titles

Updated: Sep 18

Your video's first impression matters. Design eye-catching thumbnails and write compelling titles that pique viewers' curiosity. Use keywords relevant to your niche to improve discoverability. Here are the details.

Step 5: Craft Engaging Thumbnails and Titles

  • The Power of First Impressions:

Your video's thumbnail and title are your video's first impression. They are the digital storefront that entices viewers to click and watch.

In a sea of content, a compelling thumbnail and title can make your video stand out and pique curiosity.

  • Thumbnail Design:

Design a custom thumbnail for each video. Avoid using auto-generated or random frames from your video as thumbnails, as they may not be visually appealing or relevant.

Use high-resolution images or screenshots that clearly represent the video's content. The image should be sharp, well-lit, and visually engaging.

Emphasize facial expressions, vibrant colors, and close-up shots to capture attention.

  • Title Writing:

Titles should be concise and descriptive. Clearly convey the video's topic or main message in a few words.

Consider using power words that evoke emotions or curiosity, such as "How to," "Secrets of," "Ultimate Guide to," or "Top 10."

Keep titles within 60 characters to ensure they display well across all platforms and devices.

  • Keyword Optimization:

Incorporate relevant keywords in both the thumbnail and title. This helps with search engine optimization (SEO) and makes your video more discoverable.

Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or YouTube's built-in keyword research to identify popular and relevant keywords in your niche.

  • Consistency in Branding:

Maintain consistency in your thumbnail design and title style. This helps viewers recognize your content and brand across multiple videos.

Use a consistent color scheme, font, and branding elements (such as a logo) in your thumbnails.

  • A/B Testing:

Experiment with different thumbnail and title combinations to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing can provide valuable insights into which elements are most effective.

  • Avoid Clickbait:

While it's important to craft engaging titles and thumbnails, avoid using misleading clickbait tactics. Overpromising or misleading viewers can damage your brand's credibility.

Ensure that the thumbnail and title accurately represent the content of the video.

  • Thumbnail and Title Alignment:

Ensure that your thumbnail and title align with the video's actual content. If viewers click on your video expecting one thing and receive something different, they may be disappointed and unlikely to return.

  • Mobile-Friendly Design:

Keep in mind that a significant portion of video views comes from mobile devices. Ensure that your thumbnails and titles are legible and visually appealing on smaller screens.

  • Monitor Performance:

Regularly review the performance of your thumbnails and titles using analytics tools provided by platforms like YouTube. Identify which combinations generate the most clicks and adjust your strategy accordingly.


Crafting engaging thumbnails and titles is a critical aspect of video marketing. It's your opportunity to entice viewers to explore your content further. By investing time and effort into designing visually appealing thumbnails and writing compelling titles, you'll increase the chances of your videos being discovered and clicked on by your target audience, ultimately contributing to the success of your brand on video platforms.


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