With increasing levels of YouTube content being uploaded every day, picking a clickable lead image (e.g. the image that appears before you click ‘play’) is the single best strategy to maximise the number of clicks the video gets. The intrigue of discovering what lies behind the lead image should entice viewers to click on, watch and share the video!
YouTube automatically generate three representative video thumbnails once you have uploaded your content, from which you can choose the most appropriate as the lead image. When editing your video, make sure that the frame within the middle of the video is interesting and engaging as this will be the prime thumbnail. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can also optimise all three thumbnails allowing the lead image to change every few hours which is an interesting way to keep the video fresh! VAN recommend the following rules when choosing a lead image:
1. The image should include a face or at least a person.
Displaying a face/person in the lead image will engage viewers by providing facial interaction.
2. The image should be clear suggesting high video quality.
Higher quality images help the viewer become more informed. If the image is of poor quality, viewers will be less likely to click on it and may assume that the video content will also be unclear.
3. The image should be relevant to the communities in which you are targeting.
When targeting a specific audience/community, the image should reflect the interests of the relevant group.
4. The image and the video title should work together to tell an engaging story.
The title and image of the video need to be compatible in order to deliver a cohesive message and engaging story.
