106 · Become a YouTube thumbnail creator

You want to become a YouTube thumnail creator? It’s a freelance activity that is not guaranteed to make you rich, unless you have extraordinary talent for it, but it can enable you to earn enough money to make a living from it, or at least guarantee a side income. Even though it requires some design skills, learning the basics is enough to get you started. I’ll explain it all in 4 steps in this article, tell you about the free tools you can use, give you some tips on how to be effective, and provide some other useful information.

• Here's the program
• What is a YouTube thumbnail creator?
• The fundamentals of YouTube thumbnail design
• How to develop thumbnail design skills
• 4 steps to becoming a freelance thumbnail designer
  • 1. Create a convincing portfolio
  • 2. Set your rates
  • 3. Find customers
  • 4. Offer a quality service
• How do you get started in this business if you have no experience?
• Tips and tricks for success
• Conclusion
• EcoTips
• Pros and Cons
• Information recap

What is a YouTube thumbnail creator?

YouTube content creators need to take particular care with a key element of every video they publish: the thumbnail. These little images act like elegant billboards, and it’s in that micro-moment, when the eye decides to linger or move on, that the immense power of a well-designed thumbnail lies. These precious seconds of attention are digital gold, and a captivating thumbnail is therefore the best way to convert a glance into engagement.

Many Youtubers, but not all of them, take the initiative of creating the illustrative image for their video by themselves. Some don’t have the time or skills, or simply don’t want to do it, so they prefer to entrust the task to talented freelancers.

And that’s where you come in, as you have a great opportunity to turn your passion for design into a source of income. Whether you’re a seasoned designer looking to expand your portfolio of services, or a beginner with an artistic eye keen to explore the world of freelancing.

Your task will be to provide your clients with attractive thumbnails that effectively summarize the content of their videos while prompting them to take action. This involves a thorough understanding of design principles, color psychology, and current trends on YouTube. But let’s take a closer look.

The fundamentals of YouTube thumbnail design

Successful YouTube thumbnail design is based on a clear understanding of what grabs viewers’ attention and what encourages them to click. An impactful thumbnail is more than just an attractive image; it’s the result of strategic thinking that combines aesthetics and functionality. To master this art, it’s essential to look at the fundamental elements that characterize an effective thumbnail.

• Clarity and conciseness: The first golden rule is simplicity. A thumbnail must convey the essence of the video at a glance. This means opting for clear visuals and short titles that summarize the subject without cluttering up the visual space. Information overload can drown out the main message and dilute the viewer’s interest.
• Brand consistency: For regular designers, if visual consistency is maintained across thumbnails, brand recognition is reinforced. Use consistent color palettes, fonts and graphic styles so that viewers immediately associate the thumbnail with the YouTube channel.
• Strategic use of color: Bright, contrasting colors are eye-catching, but their use must be judicious. Color combinations should complement the image without being overwhelming. The aim is to make the thumbnail visible and attractive, even in the small YouTube preview window.
• Image quality: A high-quality image is essential. It should be sharp and well-lit, with a clear focus on the main subject. A blurred or low-quality image can give the impression that the video itself is of mediocre quality.
• Faces and emotions: Thumbnails or images that include human faces, especially those expressing strong emotions, tend to be more engaging. Facial expressions can immediately communicate the tone of the video, whether it’s surprise, happiness, fear or astonishment, creating an emotional connection with the potential viewer. Don’t hesitate to suggest this to your customer.
• Caption or impactful text: If you choose to add text to your thumbnail, make sure it is legible and to the point. The text should complement the image, not compete with it. Choose bold fonts and sizes that are large enough to be read easily, even on small screens.
• Originality: Finally, to stand out from the crowd, it’s crucial to be innovative. Viewers are overwhelmed with similar content; an original and creative thumbnail can be the key to attracting their attention. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unique formats, angles or compositions to create something truly memorable.

By incorporating these fundamental elements into your design process, you greatly increase the chances of creating YouTube thumbnails that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly effective in generating clicks and audience engagement.

You’ll find plenty of sites offering ready-to-use, editable YouTube thumbnail templates. These include Freepik, Vecteezy or PSD.design (where I found this image). You can use it to practice, for example.

How to develop thumbnail design skills

Mastering some basic graphic design skills is essential to getting started in this business. This starts with understanding the fundamentals of design, such as visual hierarchy, contrast, alignment, repetition and proximity. I won’t be able to teach you all the details in this article, but you should know that there are various resources on the web that can help you learn these skills quickly.

For a start, there are online training platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, The Graphic Design School or Skillshare. These offer unparalleled learning flexibility and give you access to a wide range of courses that you can follow at your own pace — a perfect solution for developing new skills at a lower cost, and benefiting from the expertise of professionals from all over the world.

In my opinion, this is the best solution, especially if you want to learn web design quickly and in a structured way, but there are other free resources too. If you do a Google or YouTube search, you’ll find some very useful tutorials or blog posts.

Once you’ve got the basics down, the next step is to improve your style and creativity, which is why it’s important to always be curious and open to new trends. This means regularly exploring the work of other designers, taking part in workshops and practicing constantly. Experimenting with different styles, techniques and tools will help you develop a unique signature that sets you apart in the marketplace.

Keep in mind that creativity is a muscle that gets stronger with use; the more you design, the more innovative ways you’ll find to express visual ideas.

You can also improve your skills by seeking constructive feedback on your work. Whether it’s from clients, fellow designers or via online communities, criticism can give you valuable insights into what’s working well and what could be improved. This will go a long way in helping you to progress as a designer and to better understand market expectations.

Photoshop And Illustrator

These are the two main programmes you’ll need to master. Adobe Photoshop can be used to retouch images, while Adobe Illustrator can be used to create vector images, but both will be invaluable if you want to create your thumbnails professionally. There are, however, free alternatives such as Photopea, Canva or Inkscape, although they are not as powerful as the tools offered by Adobe.

You can start with Photoshop, which in my opinion is the most versatile tool, and whose monthly subscription costs just €11.99 in its “Creative Cloud for Photo” package (which also includes Lightroom). Otherwise, it’s perfectly possible to produce very decent thumbnails with online tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, Snappa or Figma. Perhaps one of these could be a choice to consider when you’re just starting out? The best thing is to try out these tools to see which one suits you best.

4 steps to becoming a freelance thumbnail designer

Becoming a freelance YouTube thumbnail designer is an idea with real potential, that opens the door to a unique creative and professional freedom. But it’s important to get off to a good start and achieve the success you’re looking for. Here I propose four key stages, each representing a fundamental pillar in the building of your freelance business. These steps are important to laying a solid foundation, attracting and retaining a satisfied clientele and, above all, fulfilling yourself in what you love to do.

1Create a convincing portfolio

The first step is to create a portfolio. This will be your professional shop window, showcasing your range of skills as well as your unique style and ability to respond to specific client needs. A well-constructed portfolio should highlight a variety of projects that demonstrate your expertise in creating eye-catching thumbnails for YouTube.

Be sure to include work that reflects different genres of content, from educational videos to entertainment clips, to show your versatility. Each project submitted should be accompanied by a brief description, outlining the initial client brief, your creative approach, and the end result. This provides a window into your thought process and highlights your ability to transform ideas into captivating visuals.

As well as showcasing your best work, your portfolio should be easily accessible and navigable. A professional website can serve as a showcase for your portfolio, allowing potential clients to discover your talent at first glance. Invest time and resources in designing this site, ensuring that it is aesthetically pleasing and reflects your brand identity.

Give it your full attention and creativity, and don’t forget to optimize it for mobile devices, as many customers are likely to first explore your work on their smartphone or tablet.

Sites such as Wix, Weebly or Squarespace make it easy to create a website to display your portfolio, but there are also platforms that specialize in creating portfolios, such as Journoportfolio, Adobe Portfolio or fabrik.io.

2Set your rates

The next step, setting your rates, can be tricky, as it involves striking a balance between fair payment for your work and attractive prices for your customers. To find this balance, start by assessing the market: find out what other freelancers with similar skills and experience are charging for comparable services.

Your level of expertise, the time invested in each project and the indirect costs associated with your freelance activity should be taken into consideration. The specific nature of each project is also worth considering, because some may require greater creativity and investment of time, justifying a higher rate.

Once you’ve established a basis for your rates, think about how you want to structure them: do you prefer an hourly rate, a project rate or perhaps a mix of the two? It is more beneficial to use project-based rates for work requiring a well-defined amount of time and effort, because this offers your customers total transparency as to the final cost.

Choose a method as long as you ensure that your rates reflect the quality of your work and the value you bring to each project. It’s essential to communicate your rates clearly and confidently at the outset of each collaboration, so you can lay the foundations for a respectful and mutually beneficial working relationship.

3Find customers

This stage requires a combination of effective marketing, networking and online presence strategies to attract the attention of potential customers. Start by optimizing your online presence. Social networks, especially visual ones such as Instagram and Pinterest, but also platforms aimed more specifically at designers such as Behance, Dribbble or 99 Designs, can be excellent showcases for your work.

Recent projects, case studies and testimonials from satisfied clients, when regularly shared, will help to showcase your expertise and the quality of your work. Using relevant hashtags can also help to increase the visibility of your publications among a targeted audience.

Popular freelance platforms such as Fiverr, UpWork, Toptal or PeoplePerHour are starting points for many freelancers. They can help you connect with clients from all over the world who are looking for your specific skills. Read this article if you want to learn how to succeed on Fiverr and similar platforms.

However, don’t limit yourself to these platforms. Networking, both online and offline, is also essential. Attending industry events, webinars and online forums can help you build valuable relationships. Don’t forget word of mouth either; encourage your satisfied customers to tell their network about you.

Every satisfied customer can become an ambassador for your brand, promoting your work thus leading to new opportunities. The key is to remain proactive, visible and engaged in your community, building strong and lasting relationships that will support your growth as a freelancer.

I’ve written a full article on the different ways to find customers, I invite you to read it, as you’ll find some very valuable information on this subject.

Fiverr is an excellent platform for getting started and finding your first customers.

4Offer a quality service

This fourth and final step to success as a freelance thumbnail designer is essential. Customer satisfaction is at the heart of your success; it’s not just about delivering visually appealing designs, but also encompasses the overall experience you offer, from first contact through to project completion.

Clear, responsive communication is fundamental. From the outset, set realistic expectations about turnaround times and always be transparent about your pricing and the creative process. This helps to build trust and avoid misunderstandings.

Beyond communication, commitment to delivering high-quality work every time is crucial. This means paying attention to detail, respecting the client’s brand guidelines and being open to feedback and revisions. Remember, your goal is to contribute to the success of your client’s video through an attention-grabbing thumbnail.

Once you’ve delivered the project, you should do a follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction. Doing this can also score valuable points in terms of customer service. Ultimately, offering a superior service is the best strategy for building customer loyalty and encouraging referrals, which is vital for the growth and sustainability of your freelance business.

How do you get started in this business if you have no experience?

Even though it may seem daunting initially to start this business with no experience, it is entirely possible to establish yourself and prosper in this field. You can achieve this by observing and learning from the professionals. Take the time to browse platforms such as Behance, Dribbble and YouTube. These sites are full of inspiring creations and detailed case studies that can give you an idea of current trends, effective design techniques and what makes a thumbnail engaging or not.

Intensive practice is also essential to hone your skills. Challenge yourself by trying to recreate or reimagine existing thumbnails, or by creating designs from scratch for fictional content. This will help you master various design tools, it will also help you develop your own style and gain an in-depth understanding of what works best in thumbnail design.

Remember to take advantage of social networks to regularly publish your work. This helps to build your online presence and gather feedback. Use Instagram, Twitter/X, or LinkedIn to share your creations, encouraging your followers to give their feedback. Feedback, whether positive or negative, is invaluable to your progress. They give you an external perspective on your work, highlighting the strong points to be maintained and the areas for improvement.

Finally, perseverance is key. Success in thumbnail design, like any other creative freelance activity, doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of an ongoing commitment to learning, adapting and refining your craft.

Mr Beat is a very famous American YouTuber, renowned for the quality of his YouTube thumbnails.

Tips and tricks for success

Starting out as a freelance designer of YouTube thumbnails won’t necessarily be easy. To stand out in this competitive world, it’s essential to hone your technique, stay on top of trends and adopt an approach that maximizes your efficiency and creativity. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your goal.

• Plan your creations in advance: To stay organized and efficient, set up a creative calendar that aligns thumbnail projects with your clients’ deadlines. Using planning tools or digital calendars, such as Trello, Monday or Asana, can help you manage your workload and prioritize tasks, ensuring that each project gets the attention it needs without last-minute rush.
• Incorporate A/B testing into your process: Once you have an audience or regular customers, experiment with A/B testing by creating two versions of the same thumbnail to see which performs better. This can provide valuable information about your audience’s preferences and improve your ability to create effective thumbnails in the future.
• Master the keyboard shortcuts for design tools: Increase your efficiency by learning and using the keyboard shortcuts for the design software you use most often, such as Photoshop or Illustrator. This will enable you to work faster and more fluidly, reducing the time spent on each project.
• Start with predefined templates: Start with predefined thumbnail templates to save time and ensure consistency. Customizable templates can be adapted to reflect your unique style while maintaining a professional format.
• Master typography: The choice of fonts and their layout play a central role in the visual impact of your thumbnail. Experiment with different font combinations to highlight the video’s title or key message.
• Exploit the psychology of color: Colors don’t just make your design attractive; they can also evoke specific emotions and influence your audience’s perception. Choose color palettes according to the message or mood you want to convey.
• Optimize for visibility: Remember that thumbnails will often be displayed at a small size. Make sure that the key elements of your design are visible and legible even at reduced scale.
• Incorporate eye-catching visual elements: Use strong images or icons to attract attention. Relevant visual elements can considerably increase the appeal of your thumbnail.
• Play with composition: The arrangement of the elements in your thumbnail can influence the way the viewer’s eye scans the image. Use the rules of composition, such as the rule of thirds, to create balance and guide the eye towards the focal points.
• Test your designs: Before finalizing a thumbnail, test it by reducing it to the size displayed on YouTube to see if it remains effective. This can help you identify any adjustments needed to optimize visual impact. For information, the size of a thumbnail must be at least 1280 x 720px, and the display size is 168 x 94px.
• Ask for feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask other designers or your audience for their opinion on your designs. Constructive criticism can provide you with valuable insights into how to improve your work.
• Keep a record of your work: Document your creative process and design choices for each project. This can be useful for future revisions and for analyzing your progress as a designer.

Conclusion

By embarking on the world of YouTube thumbnail design as a freelancer, you are embarking on a creative and rewarding adventure, which should guarantee you at least a supplementary income when you start up.

Every step of the way in this article, from the first steps in design to managing client relationships, underlines the importance of a methodical and considered approach. Success in this field depends not only on your artistic talent, but also on your ability to understand and respond to market needs, set fair prices and communicate effectively with your customers.

The key elements that are essential to staying competitive and thriving as a freelancer include continuous learning, adaptability and good time management. By focusing on the quality of your work, optimizing your creative processes and building strong relationships with your clients, you’ll lay the foundations for a long and satisfying career.

Remember, every project is an opportunity to perfect your craft and strengthen your reputation. With determination and perseverance, you can turn your passion for design into a stable source of income.