YouTube creators often try different thumbnails in their videos. It is usually a process of trial and error until they find the ideal one. However, the platform will facilitate the process thanks to a new thumbnail testing tool intended for YouTube channel owners.
The correct choice of thumbnail is essential since it can determine the success or failure of a video. Content creators usually experiment until they get a thumbnail style that attracts the audience they are looking for. This involves constantly checking the stats panel while testing different images. That said, the new tool will help automate the process.
YouTube creators will receive a thumbnail-testing tool soon
Officially called “Thumbnail Test & Compare,” the tool will allow content creators to upload multiple thumbnails at once. According to the company, YouTube will test them “uniformly” among viewers. Next, the system will collect data on key parameters related to video engagement. The parameters considered include the number of viewers and the video viewing time, among others.
After analyzing the data, the tool will recommend a particular thumbnail. If one gets much more favorable engagement results than the others, the tool will set it for the entire audience. On the other hand, if there is parity in the results between the uploaded options, the tool will tell you which one had the best performance, but you can choose which set.
The YouTube team warns that analysis may take “a few days or up to two weeks.” So, the testing time will not always be the same for each video. They also add that, in some cases, the tool will not return a “winner” thumbnail. In those cases, the video will keep the first thumbnail you uploaded.
YouTube’s thumbnail testing tool will be available “in the coming weeks.” This suggests that the rollout will be gradual. Therefore, you may have to wait a while before you can use it.
