Design Thumbnails That Convert on Mobile
Most viewers will see your thumbnail on a tiny phone screen. Learn to design for mobile-first and watch your CTR climb.
Step-by-Step Guide
Design at full size, test at mobile size
Create at 1280x720 but constantly preview at mobile size (roughly 160x90 display pixels). What looks great on your monitor may be invisible on a phone.
Tip: Set up a second preview window at 25% zoom while designing.
Use larger text than you think
Thumbnail text needs to be at least 20-30% of the image height. If you think it is big enough, make it 20% bigger. Mobile viewers scroll quickly.
Simplify your composition
Remove anything that does not contribute to the main message. One subject, one text element, and one background -- that is often all you need.
Tip: If an element is not visible at mobile size, it should not be in the thumbnail.
Maximize subject size
Fill the frame with your subject. Faces should be large and clear. Objects should be prominent. Avoid small subjects with lots of empty space.
Test on your own phone
Send the thumbnail to your phone or view it on YouTube mobile before publishing. Check readability, clarity, and emotional impact at actual mobile viewing size.
Avoid fine details
Small text, thin lines, subtle gradients, and intricate patterns all disappear on mobile. Stick to bold shapes, thick fonts, and clear color blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of YouTube views are on mobile?
Over 70% of YouTube watch time comes from mobile devices. This means designing for mobile is not optional -- it should be your primary consideration.
How small do thumbnails appear on phones?
On most phones, thumbnails appear at roughly 160x90 to 320x180 pixels in feed view. That is tiny compared to the 1280x720 you design at.
Should I include text on mobile-optimized thumbnails?
Yes, but only 2-4 large, bold words. If text is not readable at phone-arm-distance size, either make it larger or remove it entirely.
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