Thumbnail Tricks from TLDR News That You Need to Know

What makes someone stop and click on a YouTube video? It’s not just about having a great title or an exciting intro; it’s the YouTube thumbnail that really grabs attention. TLDR News is a prime example of a channel that nails it every time, boasting over 814K subscriber and 177 million views across their videos.

Consider this blog your go-to guide for creating thumbnails that are as eye-catching as a viral meme. Whether your audience is browsing on desktop or mobile devices, mastering the right YouTube thumbnail approach can make all the difference in driving those clicks.

Ready to take your thumbnails to the next level? Let’s look into how to make a thumbnail for YouTube that makes your content pop and get those views rolling in!

The Evolution of TLDR’s Thumbnail Style

Let’s break down the different thumbnail styles TLDR News used over time. Think of this as the thumbnail Hall of Fame; each type had its moment in the spotlight, and they all taught us something about what makes a YouTube thumbnail truly click-worthy.

(Source: TLDR News)

From clean designs to bold, text-heavy layouts, every style served its purpose. Each YouTube thumbnail not only captured attention but also made their YouTube videos stand out, whether viewed on a desktop or mobile device.

Type 1: The Classic Text-Based Style

The Liberal Democrat Manifesto Explained (2019 Election) (Source: TLDR News )

TLDR News kicked off with blue text on dark backgrounds and white text below, using graphics instead of people. This style worked well for grabbing attention in search results, and the images and icons were easy to spot in a sea of other content.


Pros Cons
Clear, professional, easy to read Lacked emotional impact, felt impersonal

Animated Twist: Type 2 - No People, Just Vibes

Could No Deal be Good For The UK? (Source: TLDR News )

TLDR kept the text color the same as their type 1 thumbnail but added a playful touch with animated or cartoon images. This shift to more creative visuals allowed them to create a distinct look for their YouTube channel while keeping things simple with uploading and customizing the final template.


Pros Cons
Clear, professional, easy to read Lacked emotional impact, felt impersonal

Soft and Modern: Type 3 - TLDR Explains Light Blue

Has Sunak Been Lying? (Source: TLDR News )

Switching to a light blue background, TLDR News softened its text to create a modern, friendly look. The use of lighter tones helped their pictures and photos stand out against the backdrop of other videos in the YouTube search results. 


Pros Cons
Clear, professional, easy to read Lacked emotional impact, felt impersonal

Face to Face: Type 4 - People Over Pixels

The Reform Manifesto Explained (Source: TLDR News )

Introducing real people’s faces changed the game. These thumbnails created instant emotional connections but required more effort to find the perfect photo or file. However, this powerful tool helped them build trust with their channel audience.

TLDR News - Type 1_ The Classic Text-Based Style (5).csv
Pros Cons
Clear, professional, easy to read Lacked emotional impact, felt impersonal

Bold and Bright: Type 5 - The Current Best

Why Starmer Gave Up The Chagos Islands (Source: TLDR News )

Light backgrounds with bold text and a single word highlighted in bright red became TLDR’s go-to. High contrast and clarity make these thumbnails universally appealing, whether viewed on a mobile device or desktop. Their template allowed for quick uploading, making the process more efficient while maintaining quality.


Pros Cons
Clear, professional, easy to read Lacked emotional impact, felt impersonal

The Subtle Shift: Type 6-8 - TLDR Experiments

Why HS2 Is Failing (Source: TLDR News )

TLDR played with grey or blue backgrounds and smaller text for a less “salesy” feel. While more subtle, these designs were often harder to read and less engaging, but they allowed for more flexibility in customizing their approach. For example, they experimented with different icons and file formats to improve readability and visual appeal.


Pros Cons
Clear, professional, easy to read Lacked emotional impact, felt impersonal

Thumbnail Tips From TLDR News

A man with a giant wrench fixing the cogs.

After all that experimenting, TLDR News found its sweet spot. So, what makes their current thumbnail design so effective? Let’s break it down:

Bold and Clear Text

They use bold, easy-to-read fonts. One word is often highlighted in bright red to make it pop. It’s like saying, “Yo, pay attention to this!” Their YouTube thumbnail ideas clearly work in grabbing attention.

Contrast is King

High contrast between the background and text ensures nothing gets lost. TLDR’s YouTube thumbnails are basically neon signs in a sea of grey, making them stand out whether on a desktop or mobile device.

Keep it Simple

No clutter, no chaos. The design is clean, which makes it easy for viewers to instantly understand what the video is about. It’s one of their stunning thumbnail strategies that ensures their YouTube videos stand out in search results.

Emotion Matters

Adding faces brought more emotional connection. People click on things that make them feel something. When we see a human face in a YouTube thumbnail, it’s like an instant connection—like looking into a digital mirror. This strategy has been a powerful tool for TLDR News to improve engagement.

Consistency Builds Trust

TLDR’s consistent use of thumbnail templates helps with brand recognition. When people see a template they recognize, they instantly know it’s a TLDR video. It’s like recognizing a friend in a crowded room, whether it’s on a desktop or mobile device. This approach to thumbnail design makes their channel easy to spot.

With these elements combined, TLDR News has mastered the art of YouTube thumbnails, using templates and graphics effectively to always deliver a clickable image for their audience.

Get Creative. Get Clicks. Join Rizzle!

Rizzle - Optimizing topics is made easy with Rizzle

Why blend in when you can stand out? TLDR News cracked the code to killer YouTube thumbnails, and now it’s your turn. Ready to make your YouTube videos the ones everyone’s talking about? Whether you want to add that perfect pop of color, find the right face for the vibe, or master the art of contrast, Rizzle’s got your back.

What’s in it for you?

A man in suit in stashes of gold coins.

Thumbnails that WOW:

Learn the tricks to grab attention and never let go. Whether you're creating for a desktop or mobile device, you can customize your thumbnail templates and stunning thumbnails that work on any platform.

Insider Tips:

Get the lowdown from pros who’ve been there, done that, and got the clicks in search results. Learn how to make a thumbnail for YouTube that resonates with your audience and makes your videos stand out.

Tools of the Trade:

Access the best tools to make your thumbnails shine. Whether it’s adding the right images or creating a clean template, Rizzle helps you create thumbnails that pop on both desktop and mobile devices.

Don’t just make content; create a vibe. Click the link, join Rizzle, and let’s get those clicks rolling!

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