Is It Worth Adding New Thumbnails To Old Videos?
The thumbnail is the first impression a potential viewer has of your video. It's a crucial element that can significantly impact your video's performance.
In this blog, we’ll explore how updating thumbnails can revitalize video engagement, using Ryan Trahan’s “I Fixed 100 Famous Logos” video as a case study.
The thumbnail is the first thing a potential viewer sees, making it a crucial element in the decision to click or scroll past a video. When a video’s view count starts to plateau, revisiting the thumbnail design can often boost the viewership of an old video. Ryan Trahan took advantage of this with his “I Fixed 100 Famous Logos” video.
Let's Dive In
The Thought Process
The initial thumbnail didn't fully capture the video's essence, leading to stagnant performance. However, after redesigning the thumbnail, the video experienced a significant surge in views, demonstrating the power of a well-crafted thumbnail.
He then tested a new thumbnail about a week after uploading. However, this new design still didn’t deliver the desired results. He realized that it wasn’t effectively conveying the premise of his video - changing iconic logos.
After analyzing the performance of the previous thumbnails, Ryan decided to take a different approach. He created a new thumbnail that featured a collage of iconic logos, each with a subtle error or modification. This design immediately caught the viewer’s eye and clearly communicated the video’s content.
The new thumbnail proved to be a game-changer. Within a short period, the video experienced a significant surge in views and engagement. This success highlights the importance of a well-designed thumbnail in driving video performance.
By following Ryan Trahan's example, you can significantly improve the performance of your YouTube videos. Experiment with different thumbnail designs, test what works best for your audience, and continue to refine your approach. Remember, a strong thumbnail is the key to attracting viewers and driving clicks.
One month later, he took a more strategic approach by implementing A/B testing to measure which thumbnail best conveyed the idea of the video. He tested two different thumbnail designs: one with a car as the focal point and another with a collage of logos. By comparing the performance of these two thumbnails, Ryan could identify which design was more effective in attracting viewers.
He also included a third thumbnail to help show whether it was the idea of a car that was not intriguing to viewers when conveying the premise of the video. This third thumbnail featured a different image but still highlighted the concept of modifying logos. By testing this additional thumbnail, Ryan could gain valuable insights into what elements of the thumbnail were most important to viewers.
Through this A/B testing process, Ryan was able to identify the most effective thumbnail design and optimize his video's performance. This demonstrates the importance of testing and experimentation in creating successful YouTube content.
One month later, he changed the thumbnail to the one that led to the most views during the A/B testing period - which is the thumbnail we see on his channel today!
This change resulted in a significant boost in views and engagement for the video. Leveraging data-driven insights meant Ryan was able to optimize his content and maximize its impact.
This example highlights the importance of testing and refining your thumbnail strategy. Continuously experimenting and analyzing the results allow you to create thumbnails that resonate with your audience and drive more views.
The following day, he did another A/B test to have more data on which of the three thumbnails performed the best. This allowed him to gather more insights into viewer preferences and make a more informed decision about the final thumbnail choice.
The test ultimately showed that the Starbucks thumbnail performed the best, so he continued to include that one. By using A/B testing, Ryan was able to refine his strategy and ensure that his video reached the widest possible audience.
Another example of a different video is in the following video, where the thumbnail was changed on April 6th, which led to the video picking up a while after. And then was developed in an A/B test in May - just as seen in the purple graph below.
This demonstrates how a well-timed thumbnail change can significantly impact a video's performance, even weeks after its initial release. Continuously monitoring and optimizing your thumbnails means you can maximize the reach and impact of your content.
Remember, the thumbnail is the first impression your video makes. It should be visually appealing, concise and accurately represent the content of your video. By experimenting with different designs, A/B testing, and data-driven insights, you can optimise your thumbnails and maximise your video’s viewership.
So, the next time you’re creating a new video or looking to revitalize an old one, don’t underestimate the power of a great thumbnail. Following these tips and learning from successful creators like Ryan Trahan means you can elevate your YouTube content and achieve greater success.