Create professional thumbnails for livestreams

When it comes to livestreaming, an appealing thumbnail is crucial to attract your viewers. Thumbnails are the first impression potential viewers get of your content, and they can determine whether someone clicks on your video or not. In this guide, I'll show you how to create an effective and appealing thumbnail for your livestream video. We will be using the helpful tool Canva, which offers you many design options.

Key Takeaways

• Keep the thumbnail simple and clear to achieve a high Click-Through-Rate (CTR).
• Use readable and eye-catching fonts with minimal text.
• Utilize Canva to create professional thumbnails with various templates and customization options.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Inspiration

First, think about how you want your thumbnail to look. Consider the imagery you want to use and which elements are important. In my case, I often use an image of myself and a clear statement of what viewers can expect. You can also look at examples from other successful streamers to gather ideas.

Step 2: Access Canva

Visit the Canva website and log in or create a new account if you don't have one yet. Canva is a very user-friendly design tool that offers a wide range of templates for various purposes.

Step 3: Choose a Template

Type "YouTube Thumbnail" in the search bar and hit Enter. You will receive a variety of templates to choose from. Select a template that you like and that fits your vision. I prefer simpler designs that clearly express the essence.

Step 4: Remove Element

Click on the image in the template and delete it to make room for your own image. This way, you can start with a template and customize it to your liking.

Step 5: Upload Photo

Go to the uploads on the left side and upload a photo of yourself. Drag the image onto the stage and resize it to fit well with the template.

Step 6: Remove Background

To remove the background of your photo, click on the image, then on "Edit Image" and select "Background Remover." This may take a few seconds to remove the background, but the result is usually very good.

Step 7: Add Glow Effect

Once the background is removed, you can add a glow effect to give your image more depth. Click on "Edit Image," then on "Shadows," and finally on "Glow." Here, you can adjust the transparency, blur, and color of the glow.

Step 8: Add Text

Now it's time to add clear text. Ensure that the text is large and easily readable. Formulate concise statements such as "Earn money live" or "Questions and answers." Position the text strategically so that it is clearly visible.

Step 9: Adjust Background

If you want to change the background, you can do so under the "Background" tab. Choose a color or pattern that complements your design well and supports the readability of the text.

Step 10: Download Design

Once your thumbnail is ready, click on "Share" in the top right corner, then click on "Download". Choose the best quality for your thumbnail. Make sure the dimensions match the 1280 x 720 pixels required by YouTube.

Step 11: Upload to YouTube

Go to your YouTube channel, create a new livestream event, and upload the thumbnail. Go to "Upload Thumbnail" and select the file from your computer.

Summary

Creating an appealing thumbnail for your livestream is not just an art but also a technique. By following these steps, you can ensure that your thumbnail has a high CTR and is inviting to viewers. Remember to keep your design simple and clear for the best results.