Top Formats in 2024

Hi there!
I’ll get straight to the point: copying successful outlier thumbnails doesn’t mean
failure.
Copying the wrong ones does.
Simply put, viewers are tired of seeing the same MrBeast (or other popular
formats) thumbnails, again and again.
When we see similar things repeatedly, our brain automatically starts to ignore
them.
And on Youtube, getting ignored equals failure.
Which is why your next thumbnail, and the one after that, and the one after that,
should look unique.
So, in this doc, I’ve collected top thumbnail formats which went viral in 2024, BUT
which remain fresh enough to work in 2025.
I explain:
● Why each format works
● The types of videos it’s most suitable for
● How to execute it
Let’s get to it!

1. This is not [X]
Why does it work?

Out of every format on this list, this creates the most curiosity.
Works best for videos like:

- Video essays
- Reviews
How to execute it:

1. Ask: Is there something in my video which subverts commonly-held
perceptions? That’s your X
For example, the “this is not a dog” thumbnail is for a video on dog evolution.
People usually consider a pug a dog, but dogs evolved from wolves, which most
viewers won’t know. That was our X. So, pairing the cute dog picture with “this is
not a dog” makes the viewer double-take (and click on the video)
2. Pick a high-contrast background color (red, yellow, green)
3. Place a visual of X at the centre or on the left, on your thumbnail.

4. Place the text “This is not [X]” above the visual or on the right
5. That’s all!
Remember:
The placement of the visual & text is important, because we read from left to
right. Viewers will:
- Read the text
- Look at the visual
- Read the title
- Click on the video
NOTE
I ideated+created both these thumbnails from scratch, and I explain the process
in detail in this Twitter thread.
2. Pinboard
Why does it work?

- Great for visual storytelling
- Creates drama=curiosity

- Exposes
- Business strategy
- Video commentary
How to execute it:

1. Ask: Who’s the main subject of my video? This is X, and it should be a person,
not an object
2. Place a picture of this person, X, at the centre of the thumbnail.
3. Then ask: What are the important elements in this story? This is stuff like
brand logos, shocking stats or text, newspaper clippings and maps.
4. Place visuals of these elements around X. Make sure that these visuals are
smaller relative to X’s picture, so that the viewer’s eyes are focused on X.
5. Place one SHOCKING word about X (“wanted”, “abused”, or a big number)

under X’s picture. Use a high-contrast color for this (red, yellow, green)
6. Connect X’s picture to the other elements with strings
And, that’s it!
NOTE
Dill Toma has a great tutorial on Youtube for this format!
3. 3D
Why does it work?

- Unique design
- Great for visual storytelling
- Looks premium

- Video essays
How to execute it:
1. Ask: What’s the most unique/shocking aspect of my video’s topic? This is X
2. Then, ask: How can I visualise X with just 3-5 elements? Resist the temptation
to overfill the thumbnail. Viewers will get confused!
3. Use Sketchfab or another 3D-model platform to find the necessary models

4. Use Blender to render your models. Play around with lighting and effects to get
a realistic look
5. Import your models to Photoshop to add a background and text
6. Ask: Are there elements that need to be pointed out? Use text boxes to do
this, but remember, keep the text at a minimum.
That’s all!
4. Vexian Style
Why does it work?

- Easy to execute
- Works across a huge variety of niches

- Talking head
- Video documentary
- Commentary
How to execute it:

1. Ask: What’s the main topic of my video? This is X, and it can be literally
anything. Famous cartoon character, iconic logo or a celebrity.
2. Pick a high-contrast background color (red, yellow, green)
3. Place a visual of X on the right side of your thumbnail .
4. Then, ask yourself: What is the most shocking aspect of my topic? The answer
should be between 3-5 words. The less, the better.
5. Place this text on the left side of the thumbnail. Highlight the 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 shocking
word in the text in a high-contrast color so it pops out
NOTE
The format’s named after Vexian, the Youtube strategist who initiated it!
5. Reviews
Why does it work?

- Creates drama due to negative reviews
- Easy to design

- Bad product reviews
How to execute it:

1. Pick a background which contrasts well with your face
2. Place yourself holding the product, on the right side of the thumbnail
4. Ask yourself: What’s the worst part of this product? The answer should be
max. 3 words
3. Your answer should go into a text box which also has 4 white stars and 1
colored.
Don’t forget to color-correct the face!
Youtube creators:
It's hard to figure out which format will work for your video.
Unless you’ve had a ton of experience designing thumbnails across niches.
I’m Mostafa, and I’ve been making thumbnails for the past 3 years, working with
top creators like
● @VinceVintage
● @MaxFosh
● @Arab
● @Daniel Bitten
My thumbnails have gotten millions of views on NEW channels, like this one:
In short, I know which thumbnails work on Youtube, and which don’t.
Are you struggling for views on your channel? 1 out of 2 times, it’s due to bad
thumbnails.
Which is where I can help you.
Drop me a DM, and let’s talk!

Top Formats in 2024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Top Formats in 2024

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Top Formats in 2024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Hi there!

Copying the wrong ones does.

And on Youtube, getting ignored equals failure.

Let’s get to it!

Why does it work?

Works best for videos like:

How to execute it:

2. Pick a high-contrast background color (red, yellow, green)

3. Place a visual of X at the centre or on the left, on your thumbnail.

Why does it work?

Works best for videos like:

How to execute it:

2. Place a picture of this person, X, at the centre of the thumbnail.

5. Place one SHOCKING word about X (“wanted”, “abused”, or a big number)

6. Connect X’s picture to the other elements with strings

And, that’s it!

Why does it work?

Works best for videos like:

How to execute it:

1. Ask: What’s the most unique/shocking aspect of my video’s topic? This is X

3. Use Sketchfab or another 3D-model platform to find the necessary models

5. Import your models to Photoshop to add a background and text

Why does it work?

Works best for videos like:

How to execute it:

2. Pick a high-contrast background color (red, yellow, green)

3. Place a visual of X on the right side of your thumbnail .

Why does it work?

Works best for videos like:

How to execute it:

Unless you’ve had a ton of experience designing thumbnails across niches.

In short, I know which thumbnails work on Youtube, and which don’t.

Which is where I can help you.

Drop me a DM, and let’s talk!

You might also like