A thumbnail is often the first contact a user has with content. The success of getting people to click on your links is directly related to this term.
Check out our article to understand what a thumbnail is, its relevance in digital content, and tips on how to create your own.
What is a thumbnail?
Thumbnail is a term composed of two words, “thumb” and “nail.” When used together in a single word, they give rise to a new meaning.
Very popular on the internet, thumbnails are a visual representation of a larger piece of content in miniature. They can be images, video covers, article covers, etc.
They are used to contextualize this content and, above all, to attract the audience’s attention so that they click and consume that media.
In other words, it is a “miniature” summary of your content in a single image.
What is a thumbnail for?
The main function of thumbnails is to bring information to users in a quick and attractive way, encouraging them to click on a video, article, or ad.
That’s why these files need to be light enough to have a high loading speed.
This structure allows websites to display all available thumbnails on a single page at a glance, without losing performance, so that the user can choose which one to use.
Where are thumbnails used?
You can use a thumbnail on several channels. Check out the main platforms that allow this functionality below.
YouTube and other video platforms
One of the most popular examples of thumbnail use, which you have most likely seen, is on YouTube.
When we load the site’s home page, several videos will be recommended through these thumbnail images.
Within these platforms, when we are interested in an item and hover the mouse over a video, a series of moments from that video will be displayed so that the user can preview its content.
Other video platforms such as Vimeo, Vine, Dailymotion, and even Twitch have this option.
In addition, creating a good thumbnail is an essential part of the content product strategy for these platforms.
It is common for owners of large, optimized channels to test different thumbnail variations when they release their videos to ensure that they will optimize the number of views on their videos.
Image banks
People who access image banks are usually looking for high-resolution files.
However, these images are very large. For this reason, this type of platform adds thumbnails to be loaded in advance, and if the user is interested in clicking on them, the complete file will be loaded.
Some examples are Flickr, Shutterstock, Freepik, Pixabay, and even Google Images results.
Photo galleries and file folders
Devices themselves use this feature to maximize the use of their resources.
When browsing a folder or photo gallery, computers and cell phones will load a preview of the images, making it easier for users to access them.
Online stores
This strategy is also applied in online stores, allowing more products to be presented to a user at once.
This allows you to add more offers to your pages without compromising loading speed, contributing to your SEO optimization.
Social networks
Social networks need to present thousands of images to their users at all times.
One way to optimize your results and navigation is to use thumbnails.
This feature is usually present in photo albums on Instagram and Facebook, publications, Pinterest feeds, etc.
GIF sites
Because they are composed of several images, GIFs weigh more than ordinary static images.
One way to ensure that these files load quickly for any type of user is to apply thumbnails that show the content.
After clicking on a GIF, the user will have access to the content in higher definition.
Blogs, websites, and portals
It is very common for websites with articles or news to add images associated with the titles in their content.
This is important because when this content is shared via a link, in addition to the title, it will be possible to preview the image that was used as a thumbnail.
What makes up a thumbnail?
1. Text
Text is a very common element in thumbnails for video platforms.
YouTube content needs to have a title that helps optimize the material in its search engines.
Websites, blogs, and online stores, on the other hand, rarely add text to their previews.
Finally, it is important to use interesting text that catches the attention of users, choosing a good font for your image.
2. Colors
Colors are also an integral part of your content and what you want to express through it.
In the case of image banks, blogs, and websites, they are usually involved with technical aspects of photography.
But it is also important to apply color psychology and convey a message through them.
An interesting tip is to try to maintain a visual identity, whether for your website, blog, store, or channel on a video platform.
That way, when users see your thumbnail, they will already associate the colors and elements with your channel.
3. Image
Although one of the main characteristics of thumbnails is that they are lightweight and made with smaller files, the images still need to be high quality and easy to understand.
Articles need to use images directly related to the idea of their content, while online stores need images that are as close to reality as possible.
It is important to understand your platform and user behavior to know which image is right for your thumbnails.
4. Visual Identity
All of the above makes up the visual identity of a thumbnail.
Although many people associate this term only with the logo and visual components used directly in the brand, these other elements also need to have their own identity.
Your image can express something from the choice of font to the composition of elements and the choice of colors.
Therefore, seek to find an identity for your brand and apply it when creating your thumbnails. This will allow you to attract your audience and generate brand recognition simultaneously.
5. Correct size
Creating images with the correct size is also essential for them to be presented properly to users.
Check out examples of sizes for major platforms:
- YouTube: 1280 x 720 pixels
- WordPress: 1200 x 600 pixels
6. Variable elements
There is no rule for what types of elements should be used in your thumbnails.
The creativity of your images is up to you to use icons, emojis, and memes related to your content.
7. Face
Using your face in thumbnails is a very important and relevant practice for content producers.
This allows your channel to build its authority and gives the content a more personal tone.
This way, you can become a reference in your field by showing your face and being recognized by the public.
Although it is not a mandatory practice, it is a great way to generate empathy and optimize results.
Tips on how to create a thumbnail
Here are some tips on how to create an interesting thumbnail for your content:
- Use high-quality images: even though your final file needs to be lightweight and load quickly, it is important to ensure that the image has good resolution even at small sizes.
- Maintain readability: it is essential that anyone be able to read and understand the text in your images, even at a reduced size. Use clear fonts of an appropriate size and avoid adding too many elements.
- Think about the background: the thumbnail background is also very important. One tip is to use a solid color that contrasts sharply with the image in the foreground. Blurring the background of your scene is also an interesting strategy.
- Use the rule of thirds: this is a rule of photography that aims to draw two vertical and horizontal lines in your image and add the main elements at the intersection of these lines. This creates more interesting images than with perfectly aligned objects.
Remember that just creating thumbnails is only part of your strategy, regardless of the type of business you are looking to develop, which is why many people seek out digital marketing companies to develop strategies and gain more visibility.
Best tools for creating thumbnails
Check out our recommendations for tools to create your thumbnails below.
Kittl
Kittl is an easy-to-use online editing tool with a huge collection of ready-made templates for creating your designs.
The platform has AI features to assist your creations, such as background remover, image generator, vector generator, and more.
The service also has countless elements, text effects, mockups, and various fonts.
Shutterstock: Creative Flow
Creative Flow is a tool from Shutterstock, one of the largest image banks on the market.
The platform works as a set of creative flow applications, with AI technology applied to improve your creative process.
In just a few clicks, you can customize your images, change colors, add text, backgrounds, and much more.
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop is the most widely used professional image editing tool in the world.
Those interested in greater freedom in their creative process and in creating highly detailed thumbnails can opt for this application.
However, as it is a professional tool, it requires a little more knowledge from its users to master its features and generate files in the correct size.
Now you know what a thumbnail is and how to create one?
We hope our article has helped you understand what a thumbnail is and provided tips on how to create your own.