Best Practices for Creating Eye-Catching Video Thumbnails for Corporate Content

Have you ever scrolled through social media or visited a company’s website for the first time, when suddenly, a video caught your eye? 

What made you stop scrolling? More often than not, it was an enticing video thumbnail.

At Gillespie Productions, we believe that the right video thumbnail does more than just attract clicks; it sets the tone for your video content and can even reinforce your branding. 

Think of a video thumbnail as your “visual hook.” It ensures viewers are drawn in and encourages them to hit “play” on your content. With a well-designed thumbnail, you entice viewers into your story and invite them to explore your content. 

Let’s review best practices for creating great video thumbnails that capture attention and drive genuine engagement. 

The Importance of a Well-Designed Video Thumbnail for Corporate Content

A well-crafted video thumbnail can dramatically influence your click-through rates (CTR). Think of thumbnails as mini billboards; they must convey the essence of your video’s message at a glance. In a world where attention spans are increasingly fleeting, the role of an engaging thumbnail becomes even more critical. It’s your chance to stand out among the sea of content that is competing for clicks.

There are three primary best practices when it comes to great video thumbnails: 

1. The image or graphic should be clean and crisp. 
2. The design should be well-branded and, when possible, include your logo. 
3. The visual should lean into drama and action without creating “clickbait.”

In other words, a good thumbnail promises exactly what your video will deliver and showcases a dramatic, funny, or visually compelling moment from the video. 

How to Make Video Thumbnails Eye-Catching: Key Elements to Focus On

Your video thumbnail should pop off the screen, commanding attention from a consumer who likely has a short attention span. One strategy is to include a still from the video that showcases an expressive facial reaction, since this sparks an emotional reaction from the viewer. This is a technique that is based on our innate human tendency to seek out and respond to faces. 

Colors play a pivotal role, too. Using contrasting colors can make your thumbnail stand out, while maintaining consistency with your brand colors helps reinforce brand identity.

You can also consider using close-ups of key elements related to your content. These can be products, people, or significant visual cues that are relevant to your video’s message. By focusing on these elements, your thumbnails will be aesthetically pleasing and effective.

A/B Testing: Finding the Best Video Thumbnail for Your Corporate Content

When you’re not sure which way to go with your video thumbnails, remember that you don’t have to pick just one thumbnail. A/B testing is a powerful tool for fine-tuning your video thumbnails. 

This process involves creating two thumbnail versions to see which performs better in drawing in viewers. By analyzing viewer engagement and CTRs for each version, you can identify which design elements resonate most with your audience. 

This experimental approach allows you to refine your video marketing strategies by understanding viewer preferences more accurately. Testing helps you determine the subtle differences that make one thumbnail more effective than another, ensuring your corporate content consistently engages and converts viewers.

Tools and Resources for Creating Stunning Video Thumbnails

Creating professional video thumbnails is simple, as long as you have the right tools. 

Platforms such as Canva and Pic Monkey offer powerful, user-friendly options to design stunning visuals. Canva is a favorite among beginners and pros alike, with its easy-to-customize templates and a rich library of elements. Pic Monkey, too, is a versatile platform well-suited for creating thumbnails with its array of design features. Both tools allow for creativity without the need for extensive design experience. 

Utilizing a design tool on a consistent basis also helps you standardize your thumbnail designs across all the videos you produce, creating a cohesive look that enhances brand recognition. 

Of course, don’t overlook the value of expert input! Our team at Gillespie Productions can provide advice on thumbnails (from videos we’ve helped you create) that will captivate your audience.

Start Creating Stunning Video Thumbnails for Your Corporate Content Today

Incorporating effective thumbnails into your video content significantly boosts engagement and ensures your messages reach the intended audience. Thumbnails are your first impression and can make all the difference between a viewer diving into your content or scrolling past. 

‍Partner with Gillespie Productions when you’re ready to create video content that drives action and results. We’re here to help you with every detail, from messaging strategy to great thumbnails!