The cover of a video is the first thing a viewer notices on YouTube. Only then his gaze moves to the title, the author and everything else. That is why it is so important to be able to create vivid preview pictures that will not only attract attention, but also encourage the viewer to quickly evaluate the content of the video.
In this article, we will reveal the main secrets of successful covers and tell you how to make a preview for a YouTube video using the thumbnail creator.
What to put on the cover for the video?
Preview is a creative process, and there is no universal formula for success. Some bloggers use photos or still frames from videos, others create original collages, others insert a catchy inscription or even one word that reflects the essence of the video. You are also free in your actions for experiments. The main thing is to follow a few general rules.
YouTube blocks content that contains sexual overtones and incites to violence, and also strictly treats “clickbait” videos, that is, those that intentionally use shocking and misleading titles. Therefore, we advise you to refrain from provocative pictures. Even if the site algorithm allows such content to pass, there may well be a user who sends a complaint, and the response will be to block the channel.
Place in the picture only what is directly related to the content of your video clip. Firstly, in this way you will protect yourself from a YouTube ban, and secondly, immediately make the cover attractive to the target audience.
Where to get photos?
Bloggers often set a freeze-frame from a video as the main picture. It is a universal option that helps to reveal the content, show the mood, lively emotions, etc. However, screenshots often turn out to be blurry, and graphics on the preview must be of high quality. It is very important.
If you are developing a personal brand and playing the role of a host in clips, we recommend making a badge for a YouTube video icon with your photo. You can choose a suitable photo from your collection or take a staged shot specifically for the cover.
Many are embarrassed to use their photos for previews, and they are reluctant to appear in the videos themselves. However, personal branding for a YouTube channel is useful because:
- viewers that you have hooked with your serve and charisma recognize your face and go to watch other content on the channel;
- previews with personal photos build trust and increase loyalty;
- video stands out from many others in the recommendations feed.
Another option is to make a collage of photos, combining different pictures in one frame, which together will best convey the essence of the video.
Text and Font
To make the YouTube preview as informative as possible, add a short title to the layout — 3-4 words. The inscription should be easy to read on the thumbnail and be visually attractive.
Now we will tell you how to make a cool clickable cover with your own hands. First, you need to choose and download a suitable program for creating previews for YouTube videos. VistaCreate is an example. The program is interesting because it supports all the main tools for high-quality design of covers, banners, posters and, accordingly, collages. At the same time, the software remains convenient and easy to learn.
The program will help you cope with the task in a few quick steps, and the resulting image will delight you with high quality. In addition, you can use it to make a header for a YouTube channel, which also affects attendance and the number of subscribers.
