How to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Canva

by | May 12, 2024 | YouTube

When it comes to YouTube, Thumbnails are key to getting your videos found as they promote your video across the YouTube platform.

If you have not watched my video on what to put on your thumbnail (and what NOT to put on your thumbnail)  then you should watch that first.  👇

Thumbnails for YouTube  – Netflix Research Algorithm Analytics

 Did you watch it? Now you are ready to dig in.

💎 Most successful YouTubers put just as much time and planning into making the thumbnail as they do the video!

In this video, I show you exactly how I make thumbnails using Canva.

I usually take screen shots from my original video and then I import them into Canva. Then I find a background that I like, and once I do that, I will take my screen shot and put it into my thumbnail.

The next step is removing the background, adding a filter and then adding a white halo around my image. (It’s all the rage on YouTube now!)

After that,  I add the text. Remember less is more.  You want everything to pop out and keep it relevant to your video.

And last of all, I created a layered image and I show you exactly what I am doing using Loom so you can follow me every step of the way.

And if you are interested in signing up for Canva – here is a link. I highly recommend getting the paid version. There are so many extras that it is totally worth it!

In this video you will learn:

 

  • How to use Canva to make Thumbnails
  • Why you don’t want to use the stock thumbnails on Canva 
  • How to upload your pictures into Canva
  • How to erase the background and edit images.
  • How to create a glow around your image
  • How to create text effects
  • How to make custom images for your thumbnails

And the great thing about Canva, it is an online program and you can save your images and create your own templates.

It’s a huge time save!

 I would love to see your thumbnails!

 Send me an email with links to your Thumbnail & video, now that you’ve seen mine. 🙂

Until next time,

Thumbnails for YouTube – Netflix Research Algorithm Analytics

by | May 12, 2024 | YouTube

Are you struggling to get more views and subscribers? 

It could be that your Thumbnails are not enticing enough to win the click. And if you are not using custom thumbnails at all, it will be hard to grow your channel.

Back in the day, the YouTube generated thumbnail was all you needed. Now times have changed and the Thumbnail is key to getting your videos found.

Many beginning YouTubers are so focused on making content that they neglect one of the most important pieces for getting their videos found and clicked on. It’s the Thumbnail.

The thumbnail is like a little advertisement for your video. Back in the day, custom thumbnails weren’t that important but now, it is absolutely required if you want to grow your channel.

When YouTube features your video after uploading, it shows your video thumbnail across the platform. If your thumbnail isn’t enticing, you won’t get very many new views.

Recently, Netflix did research on their Thumbnails and how people browsing Netflix chose videos. The Netflix research algorithm analytics showed which thumbnails were most likely to be clicked.

The concepts they discovered apply to YouTube as well.

It’s best to understand the theories of how to design a click worth thumbnail and once you get the concept, the design is easy using a program like Canva, Photoshop and many others.

In this video you will learn:

  • Why thumbnails are so important
  • How less is more when designing a thumbnail
  • Why smiling faces or extreme emotion win the click
  • Only three point of focus on your thumbnail
  • Use big, high contrast text
  • Make sure your thumbnails show what your video is about
  • Why you should NOT put your business or channel name on your thumbnail
  • Why you should limit your text to six words or less on your thumbnail

To be completely honest, most successful YouTubers put just as much thought and care into designing their thumbnails as they do their actual content!

It’s that important!

Do you have any questions regarding anything YouTube?

Send me an email at vocalsplendor@gmail.com and let me know!

I would love to hear from you!

See? The more you learn, the easier it gets!

 

Any questions you need an answer to?

Send me an email at vocalsplendor@gmail.com