The Thumbnail Strategy 99% of Beginners Get Wrong

Do you ever think about why some people go to the gym countless hours a day?

Or why car manufacturers are constantly changing the designs of their vehicles?

These phenomena take place for one simple reason…

Because presentation is important

Sadly, most beginners on YouTube have no idea how to package their videos for optimal appeal

This means that no matter how good their actual videos are

They will never receive the time and attention they deserve

Ultimately resulting in a ton of wasted time and money being allocated to the channel…

This is why my goal for my students inside Tube Academy is simple:

Minimize channel inputs that are required to maximize channel outputs

Well, if you want to get maximum traction on your videos

You need to know how to properly engage a prospective viewer with your thumbnails

And one channel that is succeeding in this regard is Niko

This channel pairs life advice with minecraft footage

And while their thumbnails are rather simple, they are highly effective

But why?

Let me explain…

Niko has mastered the art of using their thumbnails to complement video titles and topics

When I say “complement” I mean that they add extra value to what can already be gathered upon first sight

Take the following example:

This video touches on how people try and using dating as a crutch to solve many of their other life issues

In the video, the creator goes over why this is not an advisable strategy…

What’s important to focus on how is the thumbnail text pairs with the topic itself

Most beginner creators would add a thumbnail to this video with text saying something like:

- Won’t solve problems

- Dating 101

These are duplicative at best and vague at worst…

Which is why a seasoned creator like Niko wouldn’t use them

Instead, he uses text that sparks intrigue

For instance, common convention for guys is to get a girlfriend

Who can eventually turn into a fiancée, wife and mother of your children

So for a thumbnail to say “don’t get a girlfriend”

He is essentially going against the current

The same idea can be seen on his video “failing is important”

Growing up, we are punished when we fail

Whether it’s on a math test, music lessons or when taking on a sport

So being told that “you NEED to fail” is something you don’t hear every day

Nor is it something we have been programmed to believe…

Therefore, the text complements the video’s idea that failing is important

Making it an ingredient to success, not something that should be avoided like buying a shrimp ring at your local gas station

Therefore, if your videos are not generating the views you desire - you may have a packaging issue on your hands…

Before releasing your next video, think about how you can use your thumbnails to complement your video’s idea and title

So that it becomes another selling point that gets someone to click

Chat soon,

Adam