3 Reasons Why People Put Arrows in YouTube Thumbnails

When it comes to creating a successful YouTube channel, there are many things you need to get right. The thumbnail is one of the most critical aspects, as it is the first thing people see when deciding whether to click on your video. That’s why many YouTubers use arrows in their thumbnails – they know that these graphics can help increase clicks!

In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why people use arrows in their thumbnails and how you can do the same for your own videos!

1. To Draw Viewers Attention

One of the top reasons YouTubers use arrows in YouTube thumbnails is because they help to direct the viewer’s attention. When someone sees an arrow pointing towards the video title or the person in the thumbnail, their eyes are immediately drawn to that area.

This can be a great way to make sure that your title and/or face are seen by potential viewers, which can help increase clicks!

2. To Make the Thumbnail More Eye-Catching

Let’s face it. We are drawn to visually appealing things. If someone sees a thumbnail with an arrow and it’s well-designed, chances are they will be more likely to click on it.

It’s a simple way to make your thumbnail stand out. For this reason, many YouTubers use arrows in their thumbnails, even if it’s just a small one.

3. To Help Viewers Understand What the Video Is About

If you have a confusing thumbnail or doesn’t give viewers an idea of what your video is about, adding an arrow (or some other form of annotation) can help point viewers in the right direction.

This is especially helpful if your thumbnail is a bit busy or a lot is going on in it. By adding an arrow, you can help viewers focus on the essential part of the image.

Are Arrows on YouTube Thumbnails Clickbait?

The term “clickbait” is often used to describe anything designed to get people to click on it, regardless of whether or not the content is worth viewing.

While it’s true that arrows can be used as a form of clickbait, they don’t always have to be. For example, if your thumbnail is genuinely exciting and informative, then adding an arrow can be a way to help viewers find the content they’re looking for.

However, if you use thumbnails as clickbait, consider this a short-term solution. While your video will get numerous views, your audience will quickly catch on to your tactics and will likely stop watching your videos altogether.

So, if you’re going to use arrows in your thumbnails, make sure that the content is worth viewing!

Simple Rules for Using Arrows in Your YouTube Thumbnails

So, how can you effectively use arrows in your YouTube thumbnails? Here are a few simple rules to follow:

  • Use arrows sparingly. If every thumbnail you create has an arrow, it’ll quickly become tiresome for viewers, even if the content is relevant. Instead, use arrows only when it makes sense and will add value for viewers.
  • Make the arrow relevant to the video. For example, the arrow should point to something specific in the video that viewers will find interesting, such as a critical scene or plot twist.
  • Don’t make the arrow too big or intrusive. You want the arrow to be noticeable but not so big. Ensure the arrow doesn’t obscure any critical elements in the thumbnail image.
  • Rely on your content. Even when you decide to use arrows, remember that the most important thing is the content of your video. Of course, the thumbnail and title should be attention-grabbing, but the quality of your content will keep viewers coming back for more.
  • Rely on other tactics. Clickbait thumbnails won’t work forever. Sooner or later, your viewers will catch on, and they’ll be turned off by it. That’s why it’s essential to have other tactics in your arsenal, such as a strong title, an engaging description, and high-quality tags.
  • Use clickbait short-term. If you have no option but to use clickbait, then do so but only for a short period. Then, once you’ve built up a strong viewer base, you can start to rely on other tactics to keep them coming back.

It’s also good to analyze your competition and see how they’re using arrows in their thumbnails. If everyone in your niche is doing something, there’s probably a good reason.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your arrows are effective and help you get more views on your YouTube videos.

Does YouTube Allow Clickbait?

The idea of content creators providing false information to viewers to get them to click on their videos seems wrong on all levels. However, it’s not “illegal”. While YouTube doesn’t encourage clickbait, they don’t have any penalties for doing it.

Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean you should use clickbait. At the end of the day, such tactics only do more harm than good. You may find that you get numerous viewers after using clickbait thumbnails, but most of them will quickly leave your channel once they realize they’ve been tricked.

It’s not worth it to anger and disappoint your viewers just to get a few more views. Instead, play it fair and square – your audience will appreciate it in the long run!

Source: All Free Mockups

Wrapping Up

If you were curious why some YouTubers add arrows to their thumbnails, now you know. To recap, YouTubers use arrows to make their thumbnails attractive, draw viewers’ attention, and help viewers understand what the video is about.

However, the success of this approach solely depends on your end goal. If you’re doing it for clickbait purposes, most of your viewers will be upset once they realize they’ve been tricked.

Therefore, if you’re going to use arrows in your YouTube thumbnails, it’s best to be upfront about why you’re doing it, provide valuable content and use them sparingly. Excessive use will only turn viewers away and give your channel a bad reputation.

Consider browsing YouTube thumbnail templates to get ideas of great designs and layouts. You may find inspiration for your own thumbnail creation, or even find a template that works perfectly for your video!