CustomThumbnails.com Founders Share Their #1 Rule for YouTube Thumbnail Text

If you want viewers to actually click and watch your YouTube videos, the text you put on thumbnails is crucial. But cramming a lengthy headline and description often backfires. Through extensive testing on client channels, we’ve found a simple thumbnail text rule works wonders.

At CustomThumbnails.com, our founders follow one core principle for thumbnail text:

If you need text in your thumbnail, limit it to 1-4 impactful words. Yes, there exceptions to every rule… this one included.

For example, “Shocking Talent Reveal”, “She Actually Said Yes!”, “I Cried”. Short, emotional phrases in active voice hook attention best. This gives enough keywords and excitement to entice clicks while leaving room for compelling visuals.

We understand the temptation to overload thumbnails with more text instead of white space. However, our experience optimizing custom designs taught us restraint focuses a persuasive message for higher click-through rates. We’ve distilled some of our other top tips for choosing words and phrases that get results below.

Tease Excitement and Drama

Think tabloid headlines and get creative with teasers around shocking moments, surprises, disbelief, hilarity. For example “Wait for the Twist!”, “Epic Prank Gone Wrong!”, “Cutest Reveal Ever”. Promise viewers reactions and events that excite.

Speak Directly to Your Audience

Understand the language your niche uses and craft text with their preferences in mind. Gamers want intensity – “Insane Combo!”. Parents look for moments – “Her First Steps!”. Tap into community shorthand and psychographics.

Numbers and Lists Work Well

Stats make statements more concrete. Specify quantities related to your content for better click appeal. “$1000 Room Makeover”, “Rating Disney Princesses”, “8 Ways to be Happier”. Lists also invite curiosity on exact takeaways.

Highlight What Makes Your Video Unique

In a sea of buried videos, help yours stand out by spotlighting your differentiator upfront. Show why viewers should pick you over competitors. “World’s Biggest Waterslide”, “I Worked Out Like LeBron James”, “Weirdest Japanese Snacks”. Position value clearly.

Optimize Keywords Strategically

Study your niche and top viewed videos for frequently searched phrases to organically work into text. But don’t overstuff or force – stay natural. Useful supporting terms like “Incredible”, “Ultimate”, “Epic” signal excitement.

Contrast Text Against Busy Backgrounds

Ensure important words are legible against layered imagery through strategic color, size, and font weight manipulation. We suggest bright complementary hues – yellow/violet, cyan/red. Also make primary text larger (42 pt+ at minimum) than secondary descriptors for visual hierarchy.

Getting thumbnail text right is crucial, yet challenging. Limiting to 1-4 words centered around emotions, audiences, statistics, differentiation, and strategic keywords aligned to visuals can significantly increase impressions and engagement. Want custom designs built just for your channel? See how we make viewers click at CustomThumbnails.com!