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Did you know that 90% of the best-performing YouTube videos have custom thumbnails? Yeah, it's that serious! Thumbnails are the first thing viewers see when they come across your live stream, and a great thumbnail could be the difference between someone clicking or scrolling away.
Crafting an eye-catching thumbnail may seem like a small task, but it's the gateway to more views, more engagement, and a stronger audience.
If you’re streaming live content, this is even more crucial. People want to know right away what your livestream is about. A well-made thumbnail gives them that instant impression, even before your stream starts.
Ready to get into it? Let’s break down 10 steps that will help you create the perfect YouTube thumbnail for your livestream!
What Are Livestream Thumbnails, and Why Are They Important?
A live stream thumbnail is a visual preview of your live content on YouTube. Think of it as the "cover" that represents your video to potential viewers before they decide to click. Since live streams don't always have the luxury of pre-recorded content to curate, having a standout thumbnail is essential for pulling in an audience before you go live. Thumbnails set the stage for what your stream is about, providing the first clue to your viewers whether your content is worth watching.
Imagine you're browsing through YouTube, and you come across two livestreams: one has a blurry, generic image, and the other has a bright, engaging thumbnail that shows exactly what the stream is about. Which one are you more likely to click on? Probably the one with the better thumbnail.
Why Livestream Thumbnails Are So Important
- First Impressions Matter: When viewers are deciding whether to join your live stream, they only have a few seconds to make that choice. An eye-catching thumbnail can be the hook that grabs their attention. It should instantly communicate what the stream is about, whether it's a game, a tutorial, a Q&A, or a live event.
- Sets Expectations: A good thumbnail gives your audience a taste of the content they’re about to watch. It helps them know what to expect, and viewers appreciate it when thumbnails accurately represent the live stream. Misleading thumbnails can frustrate viewers and may even lead to fewer clicks in the future.
- Increases Click-Through Rate (CTR): Your thumbnail is often the deciding factor for whether someone clicks on your livestream or not. When it stands out, people are more likely to click, which means a higher CTR and more views on your stream. This can also help with YouTube’s algorithm, making your livestream more likely to be recommended to others.
- Creates Consistency: Having consistent, branded thumbnails for your live streams helps with channel identity. Your loyal viewers will start recognizing your style, making it easier for them to find and click on your content every time you go live. This is why adding elements like your logo or watermark can make a huge difference in building familiarity with your audience.
- Works Across All Devices: Since most people are watching YouTube on their mobile devices, your thumbnail needs to be effective on small screens as well. This is why a well-designed thumbnail can work across different devices and still grab attention.
Steps to Create a Killer Livestream Thumbnail
1. Start with a Strong Image
Your thumbnail’s main element is always the image. Whether it's a close-up of your face (if your content is personal) or a still from your stream, the image should grab attention. Think of it like the "book cover" for your video. Blurry or low-quality pictures won't cut it.
To make it easier, take high-quality screenshots from your livestream footage. You can also use tools like Canva or Photoshop to adjust brightness, contrast, or sharpness. If you're streaming a game, for instance, grab a screenshot of the most intense action.
2. Keep the Focus Clear
Your thumbnail shouldn’t be overcrowded. Stick to one clear focal point. Whether it’s you, a product, or an in-game character, make sure it stands out. Adding too many elements will confuse viewers and make the thumbnail hard to understand.
Keep it simple. Less is often more. Zoom in on your subject to ensure it’s the main focus.
3. Use Bold and Readable Text
Your text must be readable, even on a small screen. YouTube thumbnails are often viewed on phones, so use large, bold fonts. Keep your text to a minimum—just enough to give context. For example, “Live Now,” “Gameplay,” or “Tutorial” can do wonders when paired with an engaging image.
Consider using contrasting colors for your text to make it pop against the background. Bright colors work best, but make sure it still looks clean and professional.
4. Use Contrasting Colors
Speaking of colors, always think about contrast. You want your thumbnail to stand out, not blend into the sea of other videos. Use colors that contrast well with each other. If your image is dark, go for light-colored text, and vice versa.
You don’t have to go crazy with neon colors, but a little pop of brightness never hurts. Use tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to find great color combinations if you're stuck.
5. Add Branding Elements
Branding is key. If you want to build recognition, always include your logo or any other unique branding element. This could be a specific color scheme, a watermark, or your logo in the corner. These small touches help viewers recognize your content at a glance.
Pro tip: Rizzle makes it super easy to add your logo or watermark automatically when creating thumbnails. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it helps you stay consistent with your branding!
6. Incorporate Emotions
People are drawn to emotions. Whether it's excitement, surprise, or suspense, adding a face with a strong expression can boost your thumbnail's clickability. Human faces, in particular, create an instant connection.
For example, if you're streaming a reaction video, include a screenshot of your most extreme expression. Your audience will be curious to see what made you react that way!
7. Create Thumbnails that Match Your Content
Your thumbnail should be a preview of what’s inside your video. Don’t mislead your audience with something that looks exciting but has nothing to do with the stream. If your livestream is a cooking tutorial, show the finished dish, not a picture of fireworks.
Matching your thumbnail with your content builds trust. Viewers will be more likely to watch future streams when they know your thumbnails deliver what they promise. Check these different thumbnail layouts in this blog!
8. Use the Right Thumbnail Size
YouTube recommends a thumbnail size of 1280 x 720 pixels with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Stick to the 16:9 aspect ratio for the best results. Also, make sure the image is under 2MB in size, and save it in formats like .jpg or .png.
If you’re worried about sizing, most design tools have templates ready to go, so you don’t have to start from scratch. This ensures that your thumbnail displays correctly across all devices.
Thumbnail Size Guide
1280 x 720 pixels
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
File Size: Max 2MB
9. Test and Compare Your YouTube Thumbnails
Not sure which thumbnail will perform better? You can upload and compare up to 3 types of thumbnails on YouTube's Test and Compare and check how each performs, so it becomes easier to choose the better performing one.
Here are the eligibility requirements for using Test and Compare
- This feature is currently only available on computers through YouTube Studio.
- You need to enable advanced features to be eligible. Learn about the different YouTube tools and features and how to unlock access to advanced features.
- You can test thumbnails on public long-form videos or on podcast episodes. Premiere videos are also eligible once the Premiere ends and the video converts to a long-form video.
- You cannot test thumbnails on videos that are set for Made for Kids, mature audiences, or are private. Learn how to change your video settings.
With over 70% of YouTube watch time coming from mobile devices, you can't afford to ignore this audience. Before finalizing your thumbnail, check how it looks on a mobile screen. Is the text still readable? Does the image hold up when it's scaled down?
If your thumbnail works well on a small screen, you're good to go!
Creating YouTube thumbnails on top of managing the streaming process sounds like an additional task that sounds tiring, so to get efficiency and results easily, some might turn to an online YouTube thumbnail maker and create free YouTube thumbnails, which may lack in quality.
It is necessary to incorporate YouTube thumbnail best practices to get the best possible YouTube Thumbnail images. Check this blog to see what different thumbnails are used by YouTubers!
YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Made Easy with Rizzle
Now that you know the ins and outs of creating epic YouTube video thumbnails for your live stream, why not make the process even smoother with Rizzle?
Rizzle’s all-in-one platform offers custom YouTube thumbnail templates that help you create thumbnails effortlessly. With just a few clicks, you can add your logo and captions and even highlight key parts of your live stream.
Rizzle's intuitive interface makes it easy to try out different designs without any hassle. Plus, you can combine your livestream highlights into teasers or shorts, complete with a stunning YouTube thumbnail template. Whether you’re an experienced content creator or just starting, Rizzle helps you take your thumbnails (and your videos) to the next level.
Ready, Set, Livestream Thumbnail!
Creating the perfect thumbnail for your YouTube livestream doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these 10 steps, you’ll craft thumbnails that grab attention, boost clicks, and accurately represent your content.
From using bold text and strong images to A/B testing and ensuring mobile optimization, it’s all about making your stream and custom YouTube Thumbnails stand out in a crowded space. And hey, if you want to make the process even easier, check out Rizzle. With its custom templates and easy branding features, creating eye-catching thumbnails has never been simpler. So, get started, create YouTube thumbnails, and watch your livestreams and YouTube Channel thrive!
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