Steal These Thumbnail Tips From YouTube’s Best Creators

As a content creator, have you ever wondered why some YouTube thumbnails just demand to be clicked? You’re uploading your latest video, hoping for that traffic spike, and then – bam! You notice – a thumbnail practically jumps off the screen.

It's no accident. The biggest YouTubers like MrBeast, TLDR News, Unbox Therapy, Marques Brownlee, and Economics Explained are all masters of the thumbnail game. They know the tricks to create visuals that scream, "You HAVE to watch this!"

In this blog, we’re revealing how these giants do it. Get ready to steal their best-kept thumbnail secrets and use them to skyrocket your click-through rate. Let’s dive in!

Why These YouTubers Have Mastered the Video Thumbnails

We carefully selected these five creators – each one is a YouTube thumbnail genius in their own right. They’ve mastered the art of creating visuals that not only stand out but practically demand attention. Here’s why they’re at the top of their game:

MrBeast: If there’s one person who knows how to make you stop mid-scroll, it’s MrBeast. His thumbnails are the ultimate blend of curiosity, shock, and gotta-click-this-right-now energy.
TLDR News: When it comes to breaking down complex political and global issues, TLDR News makes its thumbnails approachable and eye-catching. It’s nailed the art of visual storytelling, turning serious topics into clickable gems.
Unbox Therapy: Lou from Unbox Therapy knows simplicity is the key to a great tech thumbnail. His minimalist approach makes his products the star of the show while still packing a punch that tech lovers can’t resist.
Marques Brownlee: The tech king himself, Marques’ thumbnails are sleek, professional, and filled with sharp visuals. His style screams “quality,” and it’s no surprise his thumbnails reflect the high standards of his content.
Economics Explained: Economics may not seem the most exciting subject, but you wouldn’t know it from their thumbnails. Economics Explained uses clean design, bold fonts, and clever imagery to make even the most complex financial topics feel like a must-watch.

These YouTubers weren’t just chosen for their subscriber counts or views – it’s their ability to craft thumbnails that hook you instantly. They each have their unique style, and we’re about to break down exactly what makes their thumbnails irresistible.

Channel Insights of YouTube's Top Creators

Before we dive into the thumbnail magic, let’s look at what sets these top YouTube channels apart. Each creator not only excels in engaging content but also boasts massive audiences thanks to consistent uploads and billions of views. Here’s an overview of their channels:


YouTuber	Subscribers	Videos	Total Views	Joined
MrBeast	316M	815	59B	Feb 20, 2012
TLDR News	812K	1,001	176M	May 31, 2017
Unbox Therapy	24.7M	2,270	4.7B	Dec 21, 2010
Marques Brownlee	19.5M	1,682	4.5B	Mar 21, 2008
Economics Explained	2.61M	365	311M	Sep 9, 2012

Thumbnail Strategies from YouTube's Top Creators

Get ready to dive into the thumbnail playbook of YouTube's biggest stars! We’ll break down the clever tricks and eye-catching designs that make their custom thumbnail images impossible to resist. These insider tips are your ticket to creating YouTube video thumbnails that grab attention and skyrocket your views.

MrBeast

When it comes to YouTube success, MrBeast stands tall among giants, and his thumbnails are a huge part of that achievement. With hundreds of millions of views per video, his eye-catching designs set the standard for engaging thumbnails. Let’s break down what makes MrBeast’s thumbnails not just good but spectacular.

The Magic of Hyper-Realistic Composite Imagery

MrBeast has taken thumbnail design to new heights with hyper-realistic composite imagery. Using advanced photo manipulation, he creates striking visuals that capture extreme scenarios, triggering a curiosity gap that makes viewers say, “I need to see this!” Here’s a closer look at how this strategy drives engagement:

Juxtaposition: Placing MrBeast in outrageous scenarios captures attention and stirs curiosity.

Visual Impact: These thumbnails often go viral, contributing to his mind-blowing 300 million views on some videos.

YouTube Thumbnail Best Practices from MrBeast

MrBeast exemplifies how to effectively use thumbnail design principles. Here’s how his approach aligns with Google's tips for creating engaging thumbnails:


Design Principle	MrBeast’s Approach
Balanced Image	Centralizes himself or key content, creating a strong focal point that draws viewers in.
Contrast	Utilizes vibrant colors and stark contrasts to ensure visibility, even on smaller screens.
Emotion	Captures expressive faces and dramatic poses that resonate emotionally, boosting click rates.
Fewer Words, More Impact	Keeps text short and punchy, often just a few impactful words, making it easy for viewers to grasp quickly.
Strategic Use of Empty Space	Skillfully incorporates negative space to reduce clutter, guiding the viewer's eye to important elements.

Why MrBeast’s Thumbnails Work

Curiosity Gap: By presenting extreme scenarios, MrBeast’s thumbnails create a sense of mystery that compels viewers to click.
Emotional Connection: The expressive imagery resonates with audiences, making them feel like part of the adventure.
Clarity and Impact: Simple, bold text combined with vibrant visuals ensures that his thumbnails stand out in crowded feeds.

TLDR News

When it comes to grabbing attention in the fast-paced world of YouTube news, TLDR News nails it with its expertly crafted thumbnails. Their approach not only ensures clarity but also makes news content visually compelling. Let’s dive into the thumbnail strategies that set them apart from the crowd!

The Power of a Clean, Bold Design

TLDR News thrives on a straightforward yet impactful template. Here’s what makes their thumbnails so effective:

Light Backgrounds: The use of light backgrounds provides a refreshing and inviting look, allowing text and images to pop.

Bold Typography: All text is presented in bold letters, making it easily readable from a distance. The occasional use of bright red to highlight keywords creates a sense of urgency and draws the eye.

Design Principles from TLDR News Thumbnails

Let’s see how TLDR News stands up against key thumbnail design principles:


Design Principle	TLDR News Approach
Image Balance	Excellent balance with a clear division between text and image, adhering to the rule of thirds when possible.
Color Contrast	High contrast with vibrant colors, ensuring thumbnails are visually appealing and easily distinguishable.
Visual Clarity	Crystal clear and clean designs that enhance viewer understanding at a glance.
Emotional Engagement	Captures moderate emotional responses through expressive imagery, often featuring political figures.
Word Impact	High impact with strong highlights, effectively conveying the video’s message.
Typography	Utilizes varied font sizes to differentiate key information, maintaining readability.
Readability	Every word is clear and legible, ensuring viewers can quickly grasp the thumbnail's content.
Flexibility	Templates are adaptable, making them suitable for various content types while retaining consistency.

Why TLDR News’s Thumbnails Shine

Clarity and Impact: Their thumbnails are designed for quick easy understanding, making complex news topics accessible and exciting.
Effective Use of Color: The bright red highlights and bold colors create an eye-catching contrast that demands attention.
Consistent Branding: TLDR News has developed a recognizable style that maintains viewer familiarity and trust.

Unbox Therapy

When it comes to unboxing and tech reviews, Unbox Therapy has mastered the art of thumbnail design. Their eye-catching visuals not only showcase products but also entice viewers to click and watch. Let’s explore the key elements that make their thumbnails stand out in a crowded space!

The Allure of Product-Centric Design

Unbox Therapy’s thumbnails are all about showcasing the latest tech in a way that grabs attention. Here’s how they achieve this:

Bold Product Focus: Each thumbnail prominently features the product.

Dynamic Angles: Various angles highlight product details.

Design Principles from Unbox Therapy Thumbnails

Let’s see how Unbox Therapy’s approach aligns with effective thumbnail design principles:


Design Principle	Unbox Therapy Approach
Image Balance	Creates a harmonious balance between product imagery and text, ensuring nothing feels overcrowded.
Color Contrast	Uses a mix of vibrant colors that complement the product, making thumbnails pop.
Visual Clarity	Clean designs that focus on the product, enhancing viewer understanding at a glance.
Emotional Engagement	Often includes expressive reactions from host Lewis Hilsenteger, connecting viewers emotionally.
Word Impact	Typically incorporates minimal text, emphasizing key phrases or product names for quick comprehension.
Typography	Uses bold, modern fonts that align with the tech theme, enhancing overall appeal.
Readability	Maintains high readability by using contrasting colors and clear layouts.
Flexibility	Adapts designs to fit a variety of products while retaining a consistent branding style.

Why Unbox Therapy’s Thumbnails Work

Instant Recognition: The product-first approach allows viewers to instantly recognize what the video is about, driving clicks.
Visual Storytelling: By showcasing products in dynamic ways, Unbox Therapy tells a story that excites tech enthusiasts.
Engagement Factor: The inclusion of expressive reactions adds a human element that resonates with viewers, making them more likely to click.

Marques Brownlee

When it comes to tech reviews and high-quality content, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) sets the bar with his stunning thumbnails. His approach to visual design not only showcases the latest gadgets but also conveys professionalism and creativity. Let’s delve into the key elements that make his thumbnails so effective!

The Art of Clean and Professional Design

Marques Brownlee’s thumbnails are crafted to reflect his brand’s commitment to quality. Here’s how he achieves that:

Sleek Product Focus: Each thumbnail prominently features the tech product in question, often with a clean background that enhances visibility.

Polished Aesthetics: The use of professional lighting and angles creates visually striking images that captivate viewers’ attention.

Design Principles from Marques Brownlee Thumbnails

Let’s explore how Marques’s approach aligns with effective thumbnail design principles:


Design Principle	Marques Brownlee Approach
Image Balance	Maintains excellent balance between product imagery and any accompanying text, ensuring a polished look.
Color Contrast	Employs vibrant colors that make the thumbnails pop, often using brand colors for consistency.
Visual Clarity	Clean and uncluttered designs that highlight the product, enhancing viewer comprehension.
Emotional Engagement	Incorporates his expressive face, often showing genuine reactions, which adds a relatable touch.
Word Impact	Utilizes concise and impactful text that conveys the essence of the video without overwhelming the image.
Typography	Uses modern, sans-serif fonts that are easy to read and align with the tech-savvy audience.
Readability	Ensures high readability through contrasting colors and clear layouts that are easy to understand.
Flexibility	Adapts designs to fit various tech products while maintaining a consistent and recognizable style.

Why Marques Brownlee’s Thumbnails Stand Out

Professionalism: The high-quality visuals reflect Marques’s commitment to producing top-notch content, attracting savvy viewers.
Instant Appeal: The clean design and striking product displays make it easy for viewers to understand what the video is about at a glance.
Relatable Presence: His facial expressions add a personal touch, making viewers feel more connected to the content.

Economics Explained

Economics Explained has mastered the art of creating thumbnails that make complex topics approachable and engaging. Their thoughtful design choices ensure that viewers are not only intrigued but also understand the content at a glance. Let’s explore the strategies that set their thumbnails apart!

The Art of Simplifying Complexity

Economics Explained utilizes key design elements to clarify complex subjects while attracting viewers. Here’s how they do it:

Visual Storytelling: Each thumbnail tells a story, often using maps or relevant imagery that immediately communicates the topic.

Cohesive Color Schemes: They consistently use specific color palettes that reinforce their branding and enhance visual appeal.

Key Design Principles for Economics Explained Thumbnails

Let’s break down how Economics Explained effectively uses design principles in their thumbnails:


Design Principle	Economics Explained Approach
Image Balance	Maintains a clear division between images and text, ensuring neither overshadows the other.
Color Contrast	Uses high-contrast colors, particularly black and yellow, to make elements pop and draw attention.
Visual Clarity	Simple and clear designs that focus on essential elements, making complex topics easier to digest.
Emotional Engagement	Thumbnails often feature relevant imagery that evokes curiosity, fostering emotional connections with viewers.
Word Impact	Employs concise, impactful text that highlights key topics, often using larger fonts for visibility.
Typography	Utilizes a mix of bold and standard fonts to emphasize critical information while maintaining readability.
Readability	Prioritizes clarity with easy-to-read fonts and contrasting colors to ensure all text is legible.
Flexibility	Adapts thumbnail designs to fit various topics, maintaining a consistent aesthetic throughout.

Why Economics Explained’s Thumbnails Stand Out

Clarity Over Clutter: By using simple images and clear messaging, Economics Explained ensures that viewers can easily grasp the topic, encouraging clicks.
Effective Use of Color: Their signature black and yellow color scheme not only enhances visibility but also reinforces brand identity.
Engaging Imagery: Incorporating relevant visuals and maps makes the thumbnails more relatable, helping to demystify economic concepts.

Create Thumbnails Like Top YouTubers with Rizzle

Now that you've learned valuable lessons from the best, it’s time to put those insights into practice. Creating standout thumbnails doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with Rizzle, a powerful platform designed to simplify the process!

Rizzle ai tools thumbnail maker with a picture feature with instantly recognizable YouTube thumbnail templates with image formats for YouTube channel

Why Choose Rizzle for Thumbnail Creation?

Rizzle offers features that make it an ideal choice for content creators looking to craft custom YouTube thumbnails. Here’s how Rizzle can help you level up your design game:

AI-Powered Design Tools: Generate stunning custom thumbnails effortlessly.
YouTube Thumbnail Templates: Explore professionally designed templates that allow for personalization while maintaining a cohesive look.
High-Quality Images: Access a library of stock images to enhance your thumbnails with top-notch graphics.
User-Friendly Interface: Create YouTube thumbnails without a steep learning curve.
Flexible Design Options: Experiment with colors, fonts, and layouts to reflect your unique brand.

Unlock Your YouTube Thumbnail Potential

Creating engaging thumbnails is key to standing out in a crowded digital space. By implementing the strategies we've explored—from emotional engagement to bold typography—you can capture viewers' attention and boost your click-through rates. Remember, a great thumbnail is often the first impression you make on potential viewers, so invest the time to perfect it.

With tools like Rizzle at your disposal, crafting eye-catching designs is more accessible than ever. Embrace your creativity, customize your thumbnails, and watch your channel thrive as you attract new viewers to your content. Start today and elevate your thumbnail game to new heights!