- YouTube's "Thumbnail Test & Compare" tool lets creators test up to three thumbnails to find the most effective one for attracting viewers.
- The tool provides results within days to weeks, updating the video with the winning thumbnail and offering labels like "Winner" and "Preferred" for top-performing options.
- Creators can manually choose their preferred thumbnail. The tool is available on YouTube Studio's desktop version for public long-form videos, archived live streams, and podcast episodes.
YouTube has announced the exciting rollout of a new tool called “Thumbnail Test & Compare” for all creators. This innovative feature allows creators to test up to three different thumbnails to determine which one performs best with viewers.
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How YouTube ‘Thumbnail Test & Compare’ Works
Creators can now upload three thumbnail options for their video content. YouTube will then display these thumbnails evenly to viewers, tracking which one generates the highest watch time-share. This process is designed to help creators identify the most effective thumbnail for attracting and engaging viewers on the platform.
Key Features
- Test Results: The results of the thumbnail test may take a few days to two weeks to gather. If a clear winner emerges, YouTube will automatically update the video thumbnail to the winning one. If no clear winner is determined, the first thumbnail will be selected.
- Labels: Creators will be able to see labels such as “Winner” for the top-performing thumbnail, “Preferred” for a likely top performer, or no label if no clear winner emerges from the test.
- Manual Selection: Despite the automated test results, creators will still have the option to manually select any thumbnail they prefer for their video content.
Additional Tips and FAQs
- Creators are encouraged to test thumbnails with significant differences to gain maximum insights from the comparison.
- The tool prioritizes watch time-share as the primary metric for optimization at the moment.
- While it is possible to use Thumbnail Test & Compare on older videos, creators should be aware that the results may vary based on the content.
Eligibility
To access the Thumbnail Test & Compare tool, creators must have access to advanced features on YouTube Studio via desktop. The tool is available for public long-form videos, archived live streams, and podcast episodes. It is not applicable for videos labeled for kids, mature audiences, or private videos.
Availability
YouTube is currently rolling out the Thumbnail Test & Compare tool to all eligible creators gradually. Creators who have access to the feature can find it within the desktop version of YouTube Studio. Eligibility and advanced feature settings can be managed through the channel settings in YouTube Studio.
