YouTube Thumbnail Trends in 2024 [Strategies, Examples, and Tips]
YouTube Thumbnail Trends in 2024 [Strategies, Examples, and Tips]
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By ThumbnailSpot
Published: Jan 16, 2024
As we head into the third quarter of 2024, several new trends are taking shape as more that started earlier gain even more popularity. We have curated a list of top trends that you may find useful for your next thumbnail. We’ll explore these trends, provide examples from YouTube channels, and offer tips on how you can employ them to boost your channel’s performance.
1. Mystery
1. Mystery
A blurred, pixelated, or blacked out element tends to rise people's curiosity. What could that be? They will ask, and they will click to see what that is. The hinting is like a puzzle that can only be solved by watching the video. But of course, the content should be worth it — you want to raise their curiosity as high as you can and reward accordingly.
Implementation
Choose a minimal background for your mystery subject to stand out. Look at the example below by Levi Rozman. This was during the big chess cheating scandal. And he did one better, the fish covering the face of the "cheater" is the logo for the world's strongest chess engine, Stockfish. So, what does that mean? We are in for a big drama with this veteran cheater brandishing a formidable weapon in the face of his opponent.
Source: Gothamchess
If you have to, you may include phrases like "Guess What This Is?" or "Revealed Inside!". But make the text bold, contrast it with the background so it is easy to read.
2. Close-Up Shots and Emotional Faces
2. Close-Up Shots and Emotional Faces
Thumbnails that feature close-up shots of faces expressing strong emotions tend to attract more clicks. This human element has proven time and again to create an immediate connection with viewers. Emma Chamberlain often uses close-up shots of her face showing exaggerated emotions, which makes her thumbnails relatable and intriguing.
Source: Emma Chamberlain
Implementation
Use high-resolution images and ensure the expressions are clear and exaggerated enough to convey emotion even at smaller sizes. Here at Better Thumbnails, we use Photoshop and Canva to enhance facial features and expressions. With the inclusion of AI-aided functions in these tools, you should be able to manipulate your subject with little to no effort.
Pro Tip:
Use high resolution images with high contrast between elements. Blur out unnecessary parts.
For this approach to work well, go for a minimalist design (with clear, bold text). This ensures that the thumbnail is not cluttered and the message is easily understandable at a glance.
3. Bold, High-Contrast Colors
3. Bold, High-Contrast Colors
Using bold and vibrant colors in thumbnails has become increasingly popular. Colors such as Mosaic Blue, Venetian Red catch the viewer’s eye and stand out in the crowded YouTube feed. You want to balance them out with complementary ones to achieve the right harmony. For example, Isaac Verse's thumbnails are known for their bright and saturated reds and yellows. This strategy helps his videos grab attention quickly.
Implementation
Choose a warm color palette and complementary hues for your text. For example, Discord Green and Ivory White. Remember to apply glow effect to achieve high contrast with your highlights on text and background. If you have been on YouTube long enough you know that this trend has been in existence for a while now. And more creators are adapting it.
Source: Isaac Verse
Earlier Trends You Should Try
Earlier Trends You Should Try
Focal point
We have seen viral videos featuring an arrow or circle in the thumbnail. This directs the viewer’s attention to a specific point of interest. The subject the limelight is often exaggerated in size, shape, etc. Here is an example of such a thumbnail from Ryan Trahan video. This style also taps into the 'mystery' trend. The subject or object pointed at is often too small for one to decipher its identity.
Source: Ryan Trahan
Before and After
“Before and after” immediately promises (perceived) effort and results. Indicate a period between effort and results, or contrasting (exaggerated) images to show progress. Two elements have always been the meta, but we have seen some creators go for more and still get lots of clicks.
Source: Flipping Johannesburg
Note that not all trends will suit every channel. Select trends that align with your content and audience preferences. Continuously test different thumbnail designs to see which ones perform best. A/B testing can provide valuable data on what resonates most with your audience.
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