Design YouTube thumbnails that get clicked
The visual formula MrBeast, Ali Abdaal and Veritasium all use — adapted for any niche.
6 min read intermediateUpdated Apr 5, 2025
BI
Reviewed by the editorial team · Apr 5, 2025
Step by step
- 01
One focal subject
Face or product, large, centered or rule-of-thirds.
- 02
3 words max
Big, bold, high contrast.
- 03
Use color the algorithm rewards
High saturation. Avoid YouTube's red/white/black UI colors blending in.
- 04
Test at small size
Mobile users see them at 320px wide. Squint test.
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