Google Creator Playbook Version 4 - Manual (Page 36)

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Thumbnail Optimization
Thumbnails show up in different sizes and formats all
across the platform, and outside of it. Make sure
you’ve got a strong, vibrant image that pops no
matter what size it is.
Visual Guidelines
• Clear, in-focus, hi-resolution (640px x 360px min.,
16:9 aspect ratio)
• Bright, high-contrast
• Close-ups of faces
• Visually compelling imagery
• Well-framed, good composition
• Foreground stands out from background
• Looks great at both small and large sizes
• Accurately represents the content
General Guidelines
• When shooting a video, take shots that will make
great thumbnails
• Always upload custom thumbnails with the
video file
• Make sure the thumbnail is not overly sexually
provocative
• Design thumbnails that reinforce your videos’ titles
- make sure that together they tell a cohesive story.
Upload high-resolution thumbnails so
they appear crisp and clear wherever viewers happen
to see them.