Creator Resources

Should You Put Text On A Thumbnail

Thumbnail text can help, but only when it makes the idea clearer. Too much text can make a thumbnail harder to read on mobile.

Use Text For The Hook

Thumbnail text should highlight the strongest idea, not explain the whole video.

One to four strong words are often easier to read than a full sentence.

Use the thumbnail text to create curiosity and the title to add context.

If the text is not readable when the thumbnail is small, remove words or increase size.

Some thumbnails work better with no text if the face, object or result already tells the story.

See whether your thumbnail text is readable, clear and working with your title.