January 30, 2025

How to Create YouTube Thumbnails That Get Clicks (Tips From an Expert)

Every great YouTube video starts with one thing: a click. And that click? It’s driven by the thumbnail.

At the 1 Billion Followers Summit, we had the privilege of hosting Jamie Whiffen, a seasoned YouTube strategist and thumbnail expert, for an exclusive workshop.

Jamie shared some strategies that help creators/YouTubers turn thumbnails into ‘view magnets’ - the kind that grab attention and drive engagement.

He also broke down the psychology behind what makes people click and how creators can use this to their advantage.

The workshop space was filled with creators, coaches, and creator economy enthusiast from all over the world - and people were even sitting on the floor!

Who Is Jamie Whiffen?

Jamie Whiffen is a YouTube producer, strategist, and thumbnail designer with over a decade of experience in online content creation and channel management. He started his journey in 2006 as a creator himself, growing his YouTube channel to nearly 100,000 subscribers and crafting videos that resonated with millions of viewers.

Later, Jamie joined Ali Abdaal’s team as a YouTube Producer, where he oversaw more than 50 videos that collectively amassed 66 million views in under a year.

In 2022, he also launched his own YouTube consulting business, working with creators like Davie Fogarty, to help them grow their YouTube channels & businesses.

Key Takeaways from Jamie’s Workshop

Here are the key talking points from Jamie’s workshop that had every creator in the room taking notes:

1. Understand Your Audience Beyond Just Demographics

It’s not enough to know your audience’s age or location. Jamie emphasized the importance of diving deeper into psychographics, aka the emotions, behaviours, and desires of your viewers.

Example -> if your channel targets fitness enthusiasts, ask yourself why they want to work out. Is it for confidence, weight loss, or simply feeling good? These emotional triggers are the key to creating thumbnails that speak to their deepest motivations.

2. Use Emotion to Drive Clicks

Jamie explained that thumbnails and titles should work together to make a promise to the viewer. But that promise shouldn’t just encompass the content - it should also capture the emotion behind it.

For instance, a travel channel thumbnail featuring a generic beach photo is forgettable. Replace that with a dramatic shot of someone cliff-jumping into crystal-clear water with the title “The Hidden Paradise You’ll Never Forget,” and suddenly, you’ve got people intrigued.

The key here? Emotions like curiosity, excitement, or exclusivity will always drive clicks. Speak to what your audience feels, not just what the video covers.

3. Repeat What Works

Jamie stressed the importance of analyzing what works and doubling down on it. When one of your videos outperforms the rest, don’t just celebrate - study it. Which emotions, colors, or phrases resonated with your audience?

Once you figure out the pattern, you can create a repeatable format.

Jamie’s 2 Quick Tips for Killer Thumbnails

  • Keep It Simple: Don’t clutter your thumbnail with too much information. A single, clear focal point works best.

  • Avoid Repetition: Your thumbnail text should add value, not repeat your title. Think of it as a teaser.

Why Thumbnails Matter More Than Ever

Jamie reminded everyone that thumbnails are often the first interaction someone has with your content. Essentially, they’re your YouTube channels first impression.

Want to Grow Your Channel? Hire Jamie Whiffen

If you’re tired of guessing what works and want to turn your Thumbnails and YouTube channel into a view magnet, Jamie Whiffen is the expert you need.

His strategies are rooted in psychology, data, and years of hands-on experience.

Hire Jamie Whiffen on Roster today to transform your channel with thumbnails that get clicks and views.

Let Jamie help you create content that grabs attention, keeps viewers engaged, and turns casual watchers into loyal fans, who, in turn, buy your products or services.

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