Google YouTube Creator Playbook Guide Sports - Manual (Page 15)

15
Punctual Optimization
Thumbnails
Once you’ve optimized your metadata, you need to
compel users to click on your video. A successful
thumbnail does just that.
Here are a few sports specific strategies to keep in
mind when selecting your thumbnails.
• For action-based content, choose high contrast
close-ups of players, kicks, tackles, and fumbles.
• Think about what your audience is looking for.
Close-up shots are usually the best approach, but
some sports clips might be best optimized with a
full field shot.
• Avoid pixelated images.
• If you have a strong, well-known brand, add
subtle branding to the thumbnail so viewers
know it is your content.
• You have one chance to get the thumbnail right
from the initial upload. If you select a custom
thumbnail after the video has been published,
you have already missed out on traffic.
• /XTremeVideo (Branded Thumbnail)
• /figchannel • /NBA
The thumbnail should accurately represent the content included in your video and
should not be overly sexually provocative.