This post was originally written Dec 08, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

Choosing the right thumbnail can make or break your video’s success, which is why YouTube offers a built-in thumbnail test that lets creators compare designs using real viewer behavior.

With YouTube’s thumbnail tester, you can upload multiple thumbnails for the same video and let YouTube automatically figure out which one performs best. It’s called 

, and it’s one of the most effective tools for optimizing click-through rates and watch time.

The watch time share for three thumbnails being tested on YouTube

YouTube’s Test & Compare tool allows creators to upload up to 3 thumbnails per video and run a native A/B test inside YouTube Studio.

Each thumbnail is shown to a portion of your audience, and YouTube tracks which one performs best based on a metric called watch time share. After the test concludes, the highest-performing thumbnail is applied automatically.


Why Upload Multiple Thumbnails on YouTube?

Understand what actually resonates with your audience

The best thumbnails don’t just look good, they drive views and watch time. That’s what this tool helps creators uncover.

YouTube’s built-in thumbnail tester makes it easy to run a thumbnail test directly inside YouTube Studio.

Upload your video as usual in YouTube Studio.

When you get to the thumbnail step, choose the 

YouTube will automatically rotate the thumbnails to different viewer groups.

After collecting enough data, the platform will set the winning thumbnail for you.

Note: This tool works for long-form videos, completed livestreams, and podcasts. Some content types, such as made-for-kids videos, livestreams, or age-restricted uploads, are not eligible for testing.

Test and compare menu option when uploading a thumbnail

Does ‘Test and Compare’ Work for all Content Types?

For now, you can test and compare thumbnails on long-form videos, completed 

. Shorts and certain types of content, like those aimed at kids or mature audiences, are excluded from using this tool.

Measuring Performance of YouTube Thumbnail Testing

”, as its benchmark of choice. That’s not to be confused with average view duration, which is the average amount of time viewers spend watching a video.

From a testing perspective, the share of watch time each thumbnail earns is what YouTube describes as watch time share. For example, if you test and compare two thumbnails, thumbnail A might accumulate 60% of the watch time, while thumbnail B collects 40%. In this case, thumbnail A is the winner and most likely to boost your views.

But why is YouTube using watch time to test thumbnail performance instead of clicks? After all, the 

 measures how attractive a video is on search pages and other display areas.

It turns out that click appeal isn’t enough. In the YouTube Studio, the platform explains why watch time is a better predictor of satisfaction than clicks, and how thumbnails reinforce that.

Screenshot of a tool tip in the YouTube studio explaining what watch time share is

“Great thumbnails don’t just get viewers to click,” YouTube states. “They also help viewers understand what the video is about, so that they can make informed decisions about what to watch.”

Real-World Example of YouTube A/B Thumbnail Testing

We ran a YouTube thumbnail A/B testing experiment for 

this video about new AI developments on YouTube.

three vastly different youtube thumbnails

One version, a simple image of an AI robot, gradually pulled ahead.

After eliminating the lowest performer and continuing the test, the robot thumbnail earned a 59.7% share of total watch time.

After switching to the top performer permanently, the video earned nearly 3x the usual views.

One image beats another in a thumbnail test

Testing works, especially when you focus on designs that align with the video’s emotion, topic, and audience expectations.

Views going up on a line graph for a video that underwent a thumbnail test

New to A/B Thumbnail Testing? A Word of Advice

YouTube’s thumbnail tester is a major step up when you want to optimize your video’s appeal. At the same time, not everyone has the time or resources to create two or three thumbnails per video. If that’s your situation, do small tests instead of large, time-consuming experiments. Make tiny design shifts, like testing different fonts, colors, or simple backgrounds. Even those small tweaks can make a difference in your viewer’s eyes.

This video has more details and advice, so give it a quick watch to cement your knowledge.

But even without a thumbnail test, are you designing images your viewers can’t resist? 

Here are 12 thumbnail styles that people love on YouTube!

Quick Tips for Using YouTube’s Thumbnail Tester

You don’t have to design three completely different thumbnails every time. Try testing small variations:

These micro-changes can reveal valuable insights during your thumbnail tests and save time in your creative process.

 helps you create bold, clickable designs in minutes, no graphic design experience required.

And if you need inspiration, check out these 

 that consistently grab attention and drive watch time.

An image with the words "this is thumbnail A"

Man with serious expression and text "This is YouTube thumbnail A" on black background.

Learn how to use YouTube’s thumbnail A/B testing to upload multiple designs, compare their performance, and grow your views with data-backed decisions.

How to Use the YouTube Thumbnail Tester to Boost Views

This post was originally written May 10, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

You can’t have a thriving YouTube channel without 

. Most creators know this, so they work extra hard to make images that encourage more video clicks.

But if you’re trying to stay consistent on YouTube, you also need speed.

So how do you make YouTube thumbnails fast and easy?

Let’s face it, there’s no faster way to make thumbnails than working with AI tools.

 you can generate a full YouTube thumbnail in seconds, just by entering a simple prompt. Want something bold, dramatic, clean, or colorful? Describe the look you're going for, and AI will take care of the layout, colors, imagery, and text.

From there, all you have to do is tweak it. Adjust a word. Swap a color. Change a pose.

AI is a game-changer for speed, but for creators who still prefer full control, these six strategies will help you create thumbnails faster.

If your thumbnails include your face, try this shortcut: batch a set of emotional headshots in one sitting. Capture a variety of expressions and save them in a folder for future use.

This gives you an instant photo library to work with, so you’re never scrambling for the right facial expression.


For example, YouTuber-in-residence Rob Wilson uses the same 

 to create thumbnails like this for the vidIQ channel:

Youtube Thumbnail with the creator looking confused

2. Build a Go-To Library of Thumbnail Backgrounds

Creating a few background styles is another way to make YouTube thumbnails faster. After all, who wants to spend hours designing a thumbnail because they’re always starting from scratch? 

Instead, build a thumbnail background library that you can reuse and remix across multiple videos.

Start with 5–10 high-quality visuals that reflect your niche or style:

Color gradients for tutorials or educational content

Lifestyle backdrops for vlogs or interviews

Bold, minimal textures for gaming or challenge videos

You can source these from royalty-free sites like 

, or even snap your own photos for a unique touch. If you use design tools like 

, save your favorite backgrounds as brand assets to access them instantly.

3. Pose for a Thumbnail While You’re Filming

, you may need images that are more relaxed and down-to-Earth. Some creators pull this off by making the thumbnail for their video while filming that content.

For this time-saving hack, you’ll keep the camera rolling but stop to pose for a thumbnail in the middle of your video. It’s up to you whether you keep this "segment" in your final upload. Sometimes it’s endearing and lets people know you have a lighthearted personality on YouTube!

While editing the video, take a screenshot of your “posing” clip. Send it to Canva or Photoshop, where you can spice up the image with text, emojis, and other visual elements. 

For example, here’s how you could transform a selfie into a YouTube thumbnail.

Of all the methods out there, this is probably the fastest. It’s typically used by people who shoot vlogs, pranks, challenges, and storytime content.

4. Use High-Performing Thumbnail  Templates

Templates save time. But smart creators don’t just recycle, they refine.

Not just any template will do. Identify which thumbnails on your channel drive the most clicks, then build templates based on 

. Whether it’s the color scheme, text layout, or facial expression, study what’s working and systematize it.

More than likely, these images are high-quality, attention-grabbing, and have consistent branding.

Sometimes, it’s better to make a bunch of thumbnails simultaneously instead of one at a time. That’s because recording a video, editing the footage, and making a thumbnail within the same day is tiring. You'll be happier (and more energetic) when that list becomes a bit shorter!

. Create multiple designs at once, especially if you’re planning a content sprint. It’s more efficient, and lets you enter a design mindset instead of constantly shifting gears.

Lastly, the fastest way to make thumbnails is to never, ever make them. If you're thinking, 

 let us explain.

If someone can do a task faster than you (and you have a little cash to spend), why not outsource that job to an expert? In the case of YouTube, you could hire a thumbnail designer to make images that take your channel to the next level.

Fiver and Upwork are good places to look for these creatives. Many thumbnail designers work on a freelance or contractual basis, so you’ll find strong candidates on those sites. Another place to look is 

, a website with plenty of thumbnail designers for hire.

These tips apply to traditional YouTube videos, but Shorts need thumbnails too — especially if you want more control over how they appear on your channel. Need help? 

Here’s our full guide to custom Shorts thumbnails.

Whether you're using AI to generate a full thumbnail or applying time-saving tricks like batching and templates, the goal is the same: spend less time designing and more time creating.

Woman relaxing at desk in modern office with laptop and books, enjoying break

YouTube thumbnails are a big part of any channel, but sometimes they take forever to make. Design them faster and easier with these hacks!

6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

This post was originally written Apr 04, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

“What type of YouTube thumbnails should I make for my channel?”

That’s a question many creators ask, especially when thinking of ways to brand their content and stand out on YouTube. It’s a question that will 

90% of the top videos have custom thumbnails

So how do you build a thumbnail style that grabs attention 

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

In this guide, you'll learn how to build a thumbnail style that fits your channel, from defining your content goals to designing vibrant, clickable images.

Match Your Thumbnail Style to Your Content Goals

Your content type plays a massive role in building the right thumbnail strategy. So before jumping into design tools, think deeply about your content goals. 

Do I want to entertain, educate, or evoke emotion?

Each path leads to a different design approach.

 often benefit from warm, people-focused thumbnails that reflect personality and mood.

 usually perform best with clear visuals and focused text.

 tend to pop with bright colors, bold fonts, and expressive faces.

Here’s a little test: If you can say something like, “My channel is about bird watching, and my goal is to educate viewers on how to get started,” you’re ready for the next step.

Look to Competitors for YouTube Thumbnail Inspiration

Once you’ve defined your content’s purpose, it’s time to gather visual cues. One of the best ways to get YouTube thumbnail inspiration is by studying successful creators in your niche.

How to Find Your Biggest Competitors on YouTube

Start by identifying 5–10 channels that:

Then take notes on their thumbnail patterns

Now you have a list of visual elements to choose from. This will give you a rough idea of what your thumbnails 

Here's where many creators get stuck, trying to make thumbnails that “look good” instead of thumbnails that 

your viewers’ emotions and expectations

 in mind. Think about what excites them visually. What makes them pause the scroll?

Would a frame from the video work better than a custom design?

Is bold, clean text necessary, or does it distract?

Should I include my face, or keep it more object-focused?

Should I create bold, colorful designs or something simpler?

Keep in mind, You’re not trying to make the “best” thumbnail, you’re trying to make the 

Test Different Thumbnails and  Analyze the Results

By now, you likely have a few thumbnail ideas. The next step is to test them  and let the data speak.

 can help you create multiple versions quickly. Then, take advantage of 

YouTube’s built-in A/B thumbnail testing

. Are certain designs attracting a more engaged audience?

. Do your thumbnails set accurate expectations for what’s inside?

Over time, you’ll start to see patterns, and that’s when your true thumbnail style starts to emerge.


YouTube Thumbnail Inspiration from 3 Successful Creators

If you’re looking for more YouTube thumbnail inspiration, the creators below offer great examples of how to match design with content. Each one has developed a consistent style that fits their niche and earns clicks.

Minimalistic, people-focused, calm, joyful

Minimalistic thumbnail styles on ZoeSuggs YouTube channel

Zoe’s thumbnails are a great example of vlog thumbnail ideas that feel warm and inviting.

A simple, calming design matches the vibe of her down-to-earth vlogs.

Images of her family cater to the topic of lifestyle and parenting.

Facial expressions show warmth and joy, just like the energy within her vlogs.

Action-packed, people and object-focused, exciting, adventurous

The bold, adventurous thumbnail style of the JStu channel

JStu nails the high-energy, over-the-top look for challenge-based thumbnails

Bold text and bright colors reflect their adventurous, over-the-top challenges.

Dramatic facial expressions create the emotional thrill of adventure.

A “busy” design matches the intensity of their content.

Minimalistic, object-focused, mouthwatering, straightforward

The minimalistic thumbnail style on the Nino's Home channel

This is a strong example of simplicity and consistency with their ASMR thumbnails.

A "no design" approach matches the simplistic nature of the content, which includes cooking sounds and no speaking.

A lack of text puts the focus on what matters most: the food.

Your Thumbnail Style Is Your Visual Brand

Your thumbnail is more than a visual, it’s a promise

 It tells viewers what to expect and why they should care.

Whether you’re refining your thumbnail strategy or testing bold new looks, the key is finding a repeatable system that aligns with 

, resonates with your audience, and drives more clicks over time.


 to quickly design and compare different styles.

These tips (and examples) will help you build the best thumbnail style for your channel.

here’s some advice for designing any type of thumbnail!

Graphic designer using a digital drawing tablet and color palette software on a desktop computer.

Looking for YouTube thumbnail inspiration?  Learn how to build a thumbnail style that matches your content and makes your channel stand out.

Find the Best YouTube Thumbnail Styles for Your Channel

This post was originally written Mar 08, 2022 and has been updated with newer information.

Which piece of content should you make first: the YouTube thumbnail or the YouTube video?

We pitched this question to creators on the YouTube Community tab back in early 2022. Out of 19,000 responses, 

 chose “YouTube videos” first. Only 2,660 said they begin with a thumbnail.

That’s a big gap, but we’re not surprised. Many creators treat thumbnails as something you do after everything else. You can’t upload a thumbnail without a video, so it naturally becomes an afterthought. Designing one first can feel strange, like designing the book cover before the book. 

But a lot has changed since we ran that survey. 

 now make it easier to visualize your video before you ever press record. Instead of staring at a blank page, you can generate a thumbnail concept in seconds. That one step might help you shape the entire video or inspire a new creative angle you hadn’t thought of.

More creators are rethinking their process, and here’s why starting with the thumbnail can actually boost your creativity and save time.

Without the Right Thumbnail, No One Clicks Your Video Anyway

Technically, viewers don’t know a good video when they see one. They might 

 the video has what they’re looking for, but people don’t know until they click and watch.

The quality of your thumbnail helps viewers decide what to do. If something on the graphic resonates with them, they’ll click and give your video a chance. If the thumbnail is unappealing, the video gets an abysmal number of views.

YouTube Thumbnail Guide - 9 Ways to Boost Click-Through Rate

That means you could post the best YouTube video ever, but it might never get seen if the thumbnail doesn't work. 

When you design the thumbnail first, you give yourself time to test ideas and make improvements. With an 

 maker, you can even create multiple versions quickly and get a feel for what looks most compelling. If none of them feel right, that might be a signal to rethink the topic before you spend hours filming and editing.

A Thumbnail Helps You Brainstorm Video Titles

Do you struggle to write titles for your videos? If you’ve tried every hack imaginable, the next step is to give up for a while. Yes, you read that right. Take a break from organizing your words and craft visual concepts instead.

It’s easier to describe something when you can see it in real-time.

 Take the best parts of your video idea – the emotions you want to convey, the value you want to give – and create a thumbnail portraying those qualities. This visual aid helps you describe your content and write a better video title.

9 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

Ask yourself: Which emotions should people feel while watching?

Create a draft thumbnail portraying those emotions.

Pull inspiration from the graphic to describe your video emotionally.

Turn the description into a click-worthy title.

Getting people to click your videos is the ultimate YouTube goal. This method of creating thumbnails first and connecting them to your title is one way of doing that.

There’s Less Work to Do After Recording and Editing

Creating a YouTube video takes a lot of energy. If you leave the thumbnail and title for the very end, it becomes a rushed process, not a creative one.

When we ran that survey in 2022, most creators weren’t thinking thumbnail first. But with today’s AI tools, that approach is much more accessible. You can quickly create visuals, explore concepts, and let your thumbnail guide your video idea instead of chasing it afterward.

If you want to save time, stay inspired, and increase your chances of getting clicks, try designing your thumbnail first. It just might change how you create videos.

 to create bold, click-worthy visuals in minutes.

Woman considering Making YouTube thumbnails before her video

Young woman in glasses working on laptop in cozy home office with natural light

Making a thumbnail before you record a video may seem odd, but the practice can spark creativity and improve your workflow. Here's how:

Lydia Sweatt

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