In recent years, “thumbnails” have become more common in a variety of places, including smartphones, computers, SNS, and video sites. Many people would like to know more about what kind of “thumbnail images that attract users” have excellent design and visibility.
In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand way the key points to keep in mind when creating thumbnails, from the meaning of thumbnails to the importance of selecting images and checking the size.
What is a thumbnail?
A thumbnail is a small-sized image that is displayed when using a smartphone, computer, SNS such as Instagram, or video site such as YouTube.
Thumbnails are images that are smaller than the actual size so that you can instantly understand the content without having to click to see the contents. Check out the meaning and summary below.
Meaning of thumbnail
Thumbnail is a word that means “thumbnail” in English. It is an image about the size of a thumbnail, and is used as an index, preview, or sample because it allows you to check the contents without opening the original data.
Thumbnails are useful reduced samples that are used on all kinds of sites because they take less time to load and are less burdensome than posting large images, and they can list a large amount of file data at the same time.
In addition, “thumbnail”, which is often heard in recent years, is an abbreviation for thumbnail. It is similar to calling “profile” abbreviated as “profile”, and it is important to understand that the words basically have the same meaning.
Example of thumbnail image
A specific example of a thumbnail image is shown below.
Role of thumbnail
Thumbnails are not just images; they have the following roles:
Improved visibility of content
Thumbnails display a list of contents on a website, and have the role of letting users easily understand what kind of content is on the web page. We make it easy to understand the content at a glance without having to go to the link and check the content.
This is especially essential for
e-commerce
sites such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! Shopping, and if you do not use thumbnails, your website will have poor usability.
Improved usability
Sorting thumbnails into categories and displaying them in an orderly manner also improves usability. Users can see at a glance what kind of information and content is available and where, and can browse the content one after another.
A website with good usability like this makes the site more comfortable for users, which leads to improved site navigation rates and increased time spent on the site.
Increase the likelihood that your content will actually be seen
Attractive and attention-grabbing thumbnails increase the chances that users will click through to view your content. In fact, research has shown that on video sites such as YouTube, thumbnails have a causal relationship to the number of views depending on factors such as font, background color, and layout.
Source: Kyushu Branch Federation Conference of Electrical and Information Related Societies (
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jceeek/2020/0/2020_323/_pdf/-char/ja
)
(
https://cir.nii.ac.jp/crid/1390286981376865408
)
Being creative with thumbnails is a very important point in improving the number of clicks.
Difference between thumbnail and icon or eye catch
“Icons” and “eye-catches” are examples of objects similar to thumbnails. Both words are often confused with thumbnail, but each has a different meaning, so be careful.
An icon is a symbolic mark that is also used as a profile image, and represents its contents as a small-sized image or design. The contents of files and programs are also expressed on the displays of smartphones and computers using symbolic diagrams and marks.
On the other hand, eye-catching is a Japanese-English term that refers to an image or video that attracts the user’s attention, and is displayed to draw interest in the information being sent. The size of the eye catch varies depending on the SNS or website, but a thumbnail is a reduced size image of the eye catch, and is a reduced sample that serves as a marker of the content.
However, in recent years, profile images, icon images, and images attached to articles used on SNS are sometimes referred to as thumbnails. In order to be flexible, please understand that all images on SNS may be collectively referred to as thumbnails.
How to choose thumbnail images
It is important to choose the thumbnail image that users see first on blogs and video sites such as YouTube. Choose images that will help you understand the content, content, and meaning of the article or video at first glance. It is also important to choose thumbnail images that stand out and have an impact.
It depends on the atmosphere of the site, but in general, if you use bright, eye-catching text and place words that attract attention where they can be easily seen, you may be able to increase the number of views and accesses. Probably.
In order to stand out among the many articles and videos, you need to come up with a way to instantly grab users’ interest. Keeping in mind that thumbnails are only
indexes
, previews, and reduced samples, choose images that will differentiate you from others while keeping in mind the ease of understanding and viewing the content.
Decorating thumbnail images with text characters is also a necessary method to attract attention from users. Placing text on thumbnails is effective when you want to convey information or meaning that cannot be covered by images alone, or when you want to enhance the visual image or design.
In order to improve the readability of text, contrast and balance with the background are important. Create more attractive thumbnail images by changing the type, size, and position of the fonts you use.
In today’s age where we are overflowing with information, it is said that “thumbnails” determine whether a video is played or an article is clicked. On the other hand, once you learn how to create attractive thumbnails, you can consistently achieve high results with your own content.
When learning how to make thumbnails, the key points are to learn how to choose effective images and how to create text that matches the image.
Thumbnail image size
When learning how to create thumbnail images, the first thing to keep in mind is the optimal display size.
Thumbnails are positioned as indexes, previews, and reduced samples, so they are basically images that have been made smaller by compressing or lowering the resolution of the original data. The size of thumbnail images varies depending on each medium, and if the uploaded thumbnail size does not match, the background and text may be cut off.
First, check the actual size and aspect ratio (aspect ratio: height and width length, screen ratio) of the website, SNS, YouTube video, etc. that the thumbnail will be displayed on. For example, the recommended thumbnail size for YouTube videos is “1280 x 720” (unit: pixels), and the aspect ratio is “16:9”. (*As of October 2021)
It is important to carefully check whether the content, meaning, and theme of the thumbnail images are easy to understand, and whether there are any problems with the visibility of the design or text.
How to make thumbnails and key points
Once you understand the basics such as the meaning of thumbnails, image selection, and matching the size, let’s actually create a thumbnail image.
There are various ways to create thumbnails, but you can also create them using image processing software such as Photoshop, Canva, and Adobe Spark Post, or iOS (iPhone/iPod) apps. Use methods and methods that suit you and your work environment.
Tips on how to create thumbnails for video sites
Using photo processing and editing software, we create images that can be understood immediately by looking at the thumbnail without having to look at the video’s description.
For example, in Photoshop, you can create a new image and set the size from the beginning, or drag and drop the image and then adjust the size. You can also adjust by selecting “Free Transform” from “Edit”.
Once you have decided on the size, use “Layer Mask” to erase the background of the original image to create a more prominent background, or select “Text” from “Window”, open the Text panel and place text to add text to the image. Let’s start decorating.
If you place text directly on top of the background, the text and image may overlap and be difficult to read. In that case, try to make the thumbnail easy to see and effective, such as by blurring the entire background image or making the text bold and semi-transparent underneath.
Another effective method is to use split thumbnail images that display two different scenes at the same time to arouse the user’s curiosity.
How to make thumbnails for SNS/Points
The process of creating thumbnail images for SNS is basically the same as for videos, but the recommended size is different for each place on SNS, such as profile images, images posted to feeds, shared images, advertising images, etc. requires caution.
For example, Twitter’s aspect ratio is 16:9, and the recommended profile image size is 400 x 400. The recommended size for the header image is “1500 x 500”. (As of October 2021)
On SNS, when you upload an image or video, the size is often automatically adjusted, and if the size is not the recommended size, parts of the photo or text may be cut off. No matter how attractive your thumbnail is, if the part you want the user to see or emphasize is not displayed, it may not be able to convey the meaning or content as much as you expected.
The key to learning how to create optimal thumbnails is checking the recommended size. Be sure to check in advance what size will be displayed.
Profile images and icon images, also known as SNS thumbnails, are particularly important because they represent the user. Considering that the first impression and image of an account is determined by the way you choose images, we recommend creating original thumbnails that are unique and easy to remember.
First, let’s take a look at the key points and create thumbnail images that comply with each site’s policies and guidelines.
Points to note when creating thumbnails
In most cases, it is not illegal to display something different in the thumbnail of the content. However, in media where revenue is generated such as YouTube, your account may be suspended for violating the terms of use.
Additionally, on e-commerce sites, thumbnails that intentionally misrepresent or exaggerate the content may violate criminal law. When creating thumbnails, you should mainly pay attention to the following points.
Beware of copyright infringement
Copyright infringement is something that you are likely to commit without knowing it.
Even if you don’t notice it yourself, there are many cases where you only become aware of it when the person in question warns you or someone else points it out to you. Even if it’s not an exact copy, if it hasn’t been changed that much and the media it was referenced from is known, it could lead to a claim of copyright infringement.
You also need to be careful about reflections.
For example, if you intend to publish a photograph of a landscape such as a train station or an office area, it may be pointed out that the photograph violates copyright.
When someone else’s copyrighted work, such as a character drawn on a poster or signboard, is included in the photo, it is called “photography”. In such cases, it is necessary to first obtain confirmation from the author before publishing, or to erase or mosaic the copyrighted work using image editing software before publishing.
You also need to be careful about portrait rights.
If someone else, rather than the copyrighted work, appears in the photograph as described above, a violation of portrait rights may be cited. Portrait rights are rights that allow you to claim that your photos taken by others cannot be used or published without your permission.
As in the example above, there are cases where you intend to publish a landscape photo, but receive a warning from the person in the landscape photo. In this case, as above, the person will be erased or mosaiced before being published.
Be careful of discriminatory expressions and slander
When creating thumbnails, you also need to be careful about discriminatory expressions. Be extremely careful about expressions that discriminate against specific attributes such as nationality, race, or gender, physical appearance, or people with disabilities.
You also need to be careful about expressions that simply slander others. Not only is there the possibility of an uproar on SNS, but there is also the possibility of civil lawsuits for defamation. Furthermore, if charges of defamation or contempt are established, cases may even lead to arrest.
Be careful not to misrepresent or exaggerate the content.
Especially on video sites, such content is commonly referred to as “thumbnail fraud” or “fishing thumbnail”, such as thumbnails that are significantly different from the content, or completely unrelated, or overly exaggerated. .
They post content like this just to get views. In these cases, you may be subject to forfeiture of rewards or
account
suspension.
Additionally, on e-commerce sites, etc., there may be cases in which it violates the regulations on false representations under the Premiums and Representations Act, or a crime of fraud may be established. The Premiums and Representations Act prohibits “misleading superiority” and “advantageous misunderstanding” that mislead users into thinking that the product is “good” or “advantageous.”
If you intentionally display a false thumbnail or title in order to get someone to buy a product or service, you may be charged with fraud.
3 recommended tools to create thumbnails
Below, we will introduce some recommended tools for creating thumbnails.
Canva
Canva is a free graphic design
platform
from Australia. It was founded by CEO Melanie Perkins, COO Cliff Obrecht, and CPO Cameron Adams.
Choose from thousands of templates and content to quickly complete your design.
Photoshop
Photoshop is a high-performance bitmap image editing application software sold by Adobe inc.
It is a long-selling product that was first released in 1990 and will be in its 33rd year as of 2023. Initially, it was sold as a one-time purchase, but in 2011 we made a bold transition to a subscription model.
Image editing, such as compositing and blurring images, deleting unnecessary points, and converting black and white to color, can be done without any problems. Used by many design companies and industry professionals.
PhotoScape
PhotoScape is a free image editing software developed by MOOII Tech of the Republic of Korea.
The basic concept is “easy” and “fun”, and it was created with the idea that you can easily import the images you have taken and have fun editing them. It has most of the basic image editing functions such as resizing, cropping, and color adjustment, and you can do most image processing with just PhotoScape.
summary
In an age where we are overflowing with a variety of information, thumbnail images that instantly grab people’s attention are essential in order for many users to find the articles and videos we publish. Thumbnails with great attention to detail are expected to greatly increase the number of viewers and increase awareness of articles and content.
Understand the meaning of thumbnails, the key points on how to create them, and the importance of decorating images, and design the best thumbnails that comply with each site’s regulations.