Should I put my face in my thumbnail?
Should I put my face in my thumbnail?
By Noa Saxton May 20, 2023 11:48
YouTube is a platform that has revolutionized the way we consume content. With its vast user base, it has become a hub for creators to showcase their talent and engage with their audience. One of the key elements that attract viewers to a video is the thumbnail. A thumbnail is a small image that represents the video. It plays a significant role in determining whether a viewer clicks on a video or not. Many creators face a dilemma when it comes to creating thumbnails - whether or not to put their face in the thumbnail. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of putting your face in the thumbnail and help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of Putting Your Face in the Thumbnail
One of the most significant benefits of putting your face in the thumbnail is that it establishes a personal connection with the viewers. By putting your face in the thumbnail, you are giving the viewers a glimpse of the person behind the content. This creates a sense of familiarity and trust, which can lead to better engagement and more loyal subscribers.
Another advantage of putting your face in the thumbnail is that it can increase the click-through rate (CTR) of your video. According to a study by Tubular Insights, videos with faces in the thumbnail had a 30% higher CTR than those without faces. This is because our brains are wired to recognize and respond to human faces. By including your face in the thumbnail, you are making it easier for viewers to connect with your content.
Drawbacks of Putting Your Face in the Thumbnail
While there are several benefits of putting your face in the thumbnail, there are also some drawbacks that you should consider. One of the main concerns is that it can limit the scope of your content. If you put your face in the thumbnail, viewers may assume that the video is only about you and your experiences. This can be a problem if you want to create content that is more diverse or covers a range of topics.
Another potential issue with putting your face in the thumbnail is that it can lead to criticism and trolling. When you put your face in the thumbnail, you are putting yourself out there, and unfortunately, not everyone on the internet is kind. You may receive negative comments or even hate speech directed towards you. This can be especially difficult if you are a new or vulnerable creator.
Alternatives to Putting Your Face in the Thumbnail
If you are not comfortable putting your face in the thumbnail or if you want to explore other options, there are several alternatives that you can consider. One option is to use images of the destination or subject of the video. For example, if you are creating a travel vlog, you can use an image of the place you are visiting as the thumbnail. This can attract viewers who are interested in that particular location.
Another alternative is to use text in the thumbnail to convey a message. This can be particularly effective if you are creating educational or informative content. By including a clear and concise message in the thumbnail, you are giving viewers a preview of what they can expect from the video.
Testing Different Versions of Thumbnails
Regardless of whether you decide to put your face in the thumbnail or not, it is important to test different versions of thumbnails to see which performs best. A/B testing is a method where you create two versions of the thumbnail and show them to a small group of viewers. You can then compare the performance of each version to see which one has a higher click-through rate.
When testing different versions of thumbnails, it is important to keep the following factors in mind:
Contrasting Colors: Using contrasting colors can make a thumbnail stand out and attract more viewers. Make sure to use colors that complement each other and do not clash.
Simplicity: A cluttered thumbnail can be overwhelming and turn viewers away. Keep the thumbnail simple and easy to understand.
Relevance: Make sure that the thumbnail accurately represents the content of the video. Misleading thumbnails can lead to negative feedback and a loss of trust from viewers.
In conclusion, whether or not to put your face in the thumbnail is a personal decision that depends on your goals and comfort level. While there are several benefits of putting your face in the thumbnail, there are also some drawbacks that you should consider. If you decide not to put your face in the thumbnail, there are several alternatives that you can explore. Regardless of your decision, it is important to test different versions of thumbnails to see what works best for your content. By creating effective thumbnails, you can increase your views, engagement, and ultimately, grow your channel.
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