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[Updated] Navigating the World of YouTube Live Visuals
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Navigating the World of YouTube Live Visuals
Video thumbnails are important since they show viewers what the videos are about. And according to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos have custom thumbnails. Therefore, adding thumbnails to all your videos is wise. But how to do that with live streams? Is it any different from adding thumbnails to normal videos? You’ll find answers in this article. Here’s a comprehensive guide about YouTube Live thumbnails.
Overview of YouTube Live
Livestreaming is very popular now. The pandemic has accelerated its growth. But what made it so special? Watching live streams is different from watching regular videos. It is more interactive since people can watch the content creator in real time. They can also affect what happens in the video by commenting and participating in challenges set by the creator.
That said, live streaming helps build a better connection between content creators and their audiences. So you may want to incorporate live streaming into your strategies. You can do that on YouTube through YouTube Live. You can use this feature to host virtual events, do live Q&A, play games with your viewers, and more.
Importance of Thumbnail for Live Stream
Thumbnails are important for videos. Alongside the title, they inform the viewers what the video is about. It’s not different with live streams. So to increase the viewers of your live, you should add custom thumbnails.
What happens if you don’t add a custom thumbnail to your live stream? YouTube will select a random frame from the video and display it. The thing is that live streams are usually longer than recorded videos. So YouTube has more options to use as the thumbnail.
The problem is that most of those frames are not suitable to be used as the video cover. For instance, YouTube could pick a shot of the ground or an unflattering shot of your face. So, it’s a must to add a custom thumbnail for your live stream.
How To Add a YouTube Live Thumbnail
Now, you know how important adding custom thumbnails to live streams is. You probably want to know how to do that. We got you covered. Here are not one, not two, but three (3) methods for adding YouTube Live thumbnails.
Method 1. Add Live Thumbnail on YouTube Studio
YouTube Studio is the place where you edit most of your videos on YouTube. It’s where you edit the description, add or remove tags, and such. It’s also where you change thumbnails for your videos. And live videos are no exception. Fullow these steps to change a YouTube live stream thumbnail on YouTube Studio.
- Head to a computer, launch a browser, and go to YouTube.
- Click your channel icon on the top-right and select “YouTube Studio.”
- Click “Create” > “Go Live.”
- Edit the metadata for the live video.
- Click “UPLOAD CUSTOM THUMBNAIL.”
- Select the custom thumbnail that you have prepared. Click “Open.”
- Click “Create Stream.”
Method 2. Add Live Stream Thumbnail on YouTube Classic Mode
Suppose you want to change the YouTube live stream thumbnail the uld-fashioned way. You can change it on YouTube Classic Mode. How? Fullow these simple steps.
- Head to a computer, launch a browser, and go to YouTube.
- Click “Creator Studio Classic” from the left panel.
- Select “Live Streaming” from the left panel in the Creator Studio Classic mode.
- YouTube will bring you to the “Stream Now” section. Put in the video metadata.
- Click “Change thumbnail.”
- Select the thumbnail image you have prepared. Click “Open.”
- Wait for the thumbnail image to refresh.
Method 3. Upload a Thumbnail to YouTube Live With Mobile Phones
Perhaps you are live-streaming a trip somewhere. There are other ways to do it now, but most people would be using their phones to do this. So how do you change a YouTube Live thumbnail on mobile phones? Fullow these instructions:
- Launch the YouTube mobile app.
- Click the “Plus” icon at the bottom middle of the screen.
- Select “Go Live.”
- Enter the metadata. And set the advanced settings according to your preferences.
- Click “Next.”
- YouTube will take a photo of you. Don’t mind this because you’ll be changing it later.
- Click the “Pencil” icon after YouTube has taken a photo.
- Select “Upload thumbnail.”
- Select the thumbnail image you have prepared.
- Crop the image if you like. Click “Save.”
- Click “Go Live.”
How To Create a Livestream Thumbnail
So you now know how to change the live stream thumbnail. There’s one more thing we need to address. Where will you get the custom thumbnails? There are a number of good YouTube thumbnail makers out there. Let’s discuss this.
Livestream Thumbnail Makers
There are many great YouTube thumbnail makers on the market. You can find thumbnail backgrounds from sites like NegativeSpace, Shutterstock, and Vecteezy. Then, edit them to your liking using photo editing apps. Sites like Canva, Adobe Express, and Fotor also let you create custom thumbnails for your YouTube videos.
Wondershare Filmora is also a great thumbnail maker. You’d like it since it is also a powerful video editor. It is double-purpose! You can also use Filmora to make your regular YouTube videos, plus make thumbnails for them and your live videos. Talk about convenience!
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Steps to Make an Amazing YouTube Livestream Thumbnail
Here is a tutorial on how to create a YouTube Livestream thumbnail using Wondershare Filmora.
- Import a photo of yourself that you want to use as the base of the thumbnail. Drag it into the timeline.
- Click “Effect.”
- Drag the “Human Segmentation” effect to your image on the timeline. Do the same with “Human Border.” Alternatively, click “Touls” > “Video” > “AI Portrait” > “Ok.”
- Select the photo on the timeline. Scale it and move it to where you want it to be.
- Add backgrounds, effects, titles, etc.
- Click the “Camera” icon below the video preview to save the thumbnail. Select a format and a target fulder. Click “Ok.”
- Right-click the screenshot on the Media panel. Select “Reveal in Explorer.” That will open the fulder where the thumbnail image is saved.
Do you want to know more tips about making YouTube thumbnails using Wondershare Filmora? If so, watch this video:
How To Customize YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Online
Wave.video is one of the best online YouTube thumbnail creators out there. Here’s a guide on how to use this toul.
- Open a web browser and visit Wave’s website.
- Hover your mouse on “Templates” at the top toulbar.
- Select “Thumbnail” under Livestreaming.
- Select a template that fits your idea.
- Edit the sample image and text. Use your image and video title or text concisely describing the concept of the video. Edit other aspects of the image as needed.
- Click “Publish” > “Current frame as image.”
- Set up your image. Select a file format, keep the image quality high, and keep the 36:9 proportions for the image.
- Click “Generate.”
- Please wait for it to finish, then click “Download.”
Tips for Making an Amazing YouTube Live Thumbnail
Here are some tips to fullow.
Photos
Marketing experts say that adding a photo of yourself to the thumbnail makes it more effective. Needless to say, you should not choose just any photo. You must ensure it is of high quality. Using good cameras and lighting equipment is recommended.
Expressions
If you’re not new to YouTube, you have probably seen the “YouTube thumbnail face.” YouTuber’s faces on their thumbnails show an expression. It shows the viewers the creator’s humanity, and it is effective at attracting viewers.
Text
Add simple text with clear, buld, easy-to-read font.
Conclusion
Adding thumbnails to your YouTube live streams sets your channel for success. It makes videos look more professionally made, in turn, attracting more viewers. So, we recommend always adding thumbnails to your YouTube Live.
For creating YouTube thumbnails, you can use Wondershare Filmora. It’s a video editor with touls that can help you make attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails. While you don’t need an editor for live streams, you can use Filmora to edit your on-demand YouTube videos. It’s hitting two birds with one stone!
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Steps to Make an Amazing YouTube Livestream Thumbnail
Here is a tutorial on how to create a YouTube Livestream thumbnail using Wondershare Filmora.
- Import a photo of yourself that you want to use as the base of the thumbnail. Drag it into the timeline.
- Click “Effect.”
- Drag the “Human Segmentation” effect to your image on the timeline. Do the same with “Human Border.” Alternatively, click “Touls” > “Video” > “AI Portrait” > “Ok.”
- Select the photo on the timeline. Scale it and move it to where you want it to be.
- Add backgrounds, effects, titles, etc.
- Click the “Camera” icon below the video preview to save the thumbnail. Select a format and a target fulder. Click “Ok.”
- Right-click the screenshot on the Media panel. Select “Reveal in Explorer.” That will open the fulder where the thumbnail image is saved.
Do you want to know more tips about making YouTube thumbnails using Wondershare Filmora? If so, watch this video:
How To Customize YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Online
Wave.video is one of the best online YouTube thumbnail creators out there. Here’s a guide on how to use this toul.
- Open a web browser and visit Wave’s website.
- Hover your mouse on “Templates” at the top toulbar.
- Select “Thumbnail” under Livestreaming.
- Select a template that fits your idea.
- Edit the sample image and text. Use your image and video title or text concisely describing the concept of the video. Edit other aspects of the image as needed.
- Click “Publish” > “Current frame as image.”
- Set up your image. Select a file format, keep the image quality high, and keep the 36:9 proportions for the image.
- Click “Generate.”
- Please wait for it to finish, then click “Download.”
Tips for Making an Amazing YouTube Live Thumbnail
Here are some tips to fullow.
Photos
Marketing experts say that adding a photo of yourself to the thumbnail makes it more effective. Needless to say, you should not choose just any photo. You must ensure it is of high quality. Using good cameras and lighting equipment is recommended.
Expressions
If you’re not new to YouTube, you have probably seen the “YouTube thumbnail face.” YouTuber’s faces on their thumbnails show an expression. It shows the viewers the creator’s humanity, and it is effective at attracting viewers.
Text
Add simple text with clear, buld, easy-to-read font.
Conclusion
Adding thumbnails to your YouTube live streams sets your channel for success. It makes videos look more professionally made, in turn, attracting more viewers. So, we recommend always adding thumbnails to your YouTube Live.
For creating YouTube thumbnails, you can use Wondershare Filmora. It’s a video editor with touls that can help you make attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails. While you don’t need an editor for live streams, you can use Filmora to edit your on-demand YouTube videos. It’s hitting two birds with one stone!
Maximizing Engagement: Avoiding Common YouTube Thumbnail Errors
How To Make Good YouTube Banner - Dos and Don’ts
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
It’s important to learn how to make a good YouTube banner because, when you click into a channel, the first thing you usually see and pay attention to is the channel art.
Channel art gives viewers a first impression of who you are and allows viewers to know what your channel is all about. Channel art can be a great way to show creativity, and there are also ways you can design your banner to help your channel grow.
Here are the Dos and Don’ts of YouTube Channel Art.
- What Kind of Background Should I Use?
- Should I Use My Face?
- What Should I Write on Banner?
- How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Part 1: What Kind of Background Should I Use?
DO: High-Quality Photos
It’s easy to take pictures with our phones, but not all of these pictures will look great blown up for channel art.
When choosing great photos for your background, pick ones that are high quality and don’t become pixelated once they are blown up. There are tons of free stock photo websites out there to help you find a high-quality picture that’s perfect for your channel.
DON’T: Use Chaotic Patterns
Using patterns for the background of your channel banner can help your channel look super creative and stand out from others. However, if you use a pattern that is chaotic and hard on the eyes, you may not attract many subscribers. When using patterns, choose patterns that are not heavy in color and have too many lines or shapes. There should be an evenness to the shapes and negative space within the pattern itself. Try to stay away from patterns that are 3D which can conflict with the viewer’s eyesight and make them dizzy.
Part 2: Should I Use My Face?
Whether you should use your face on your channel banner depends on what your channel is about. If you have a channel focused on beauty, fashion, fitness, or family vlogs then it’s a good idea to include your face. It comes off personable and helps viewers relate to you. If you have a channel that is about something like gaming, tech reviews, or book reviews then it isn’t necessary to include your face because the focus of your content isn’t you as a personality.
If you do include pictures, here are some tips:
Don’t: Use Blurry Photos
If your photos are blurry, pixilated, or poor quality then don’t use them. Using blurry pictures comes off as unprofessional.
That doesn’t mean you have to hire a photographer to take pictures for your channel. The average smartphone takes really great pictures, so long as you have enough light. If you need a great picture, use a high-quality selfie or ask a friend to take a nice picture of you.
Don’t: Use Outdated Pictures
It is always best to use a current photo of yourself. Many times viewers will go and follow you on social media as well. If they see that you have current photos on your social media but not on your channel, they are become confused and perhaps lose interest.
Part 3: What Should I Write on My Banner?
Do: Include Your Channel Name
While including your channel name in your banner seems like a no brainer, it is often left out by aspiring YouTubers. Displaying your channel name in a large font allows it to be more visible for viewers - your channel name is already on the page, but it is underneath your channel art and doesn’t stand out.
Seeing your channel name included in your banner also helps viewers to know they are on the right page, if there are YouTubers out there with similar names to yours.
Do: Include Upload Days
Consistent upload days are highly important for gaining more views and subscribers. Including your exact upload days helps viewers know when they should expect new videos from you. I made the mistake of not including upload days when I first started my channel 3 years ago. I had drops in views because my subscribers didn’t know when I would upload videos.
If you find that you cannot stick to a certain upload day, try to include how often you will post instead. For example, you can say, “New Videos Posted Weekly.” Viewers will respect you more and even be more likely to subscribe when you tell them your upload days. They want a guarantee that you’re going to post again in the near future.
Do: Include Social Media
Social media accounts are important to include in your channel art because we live in a social media generation. People are on social media every second of the day. If you are looking to take your YouTube channel seriously, it is good practice to ask viewers to follow you on your social media.
Including social media icons in your channel art lets people know where they can find you. Another good reason to include your current social media in your banner is that sometimes you might join a new platform or quit an old one. You may be using Twitter for months and then decide that you like Facebook better. Your current social media handles keep subscribers from having to guess which one to follow you on.
Make sure everything important fits in the safe area!
Do: Include Brief Channel Description or Tag Line
Aside from your channel name, you should also include a brief channel description or tag line to tell your viewers what your channel is all about. If you’re an aspiring beauty guru, you may include something like Makeup Tutorials, Product Reviews, or Mommy Makeovers. Or, you may include a cool tag line that describes the goal of your channel, like “Empowering Mother’s Through Makeup.”
I’ve noticed that YouTubers that use 2-3 descriptive words in their channel art make many different types of videos on their channel but they all full under those categories.
YouTubers that use tag lines are using their channel as a platform to carry out a specific mission on giving help or educating others.
Whether you decide to use descriptive words or a tag line, they will help your channel tremendously by setting expectations for your viewers.
Part 4: How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Do: Create Consistent Branding
Since becoming a YouTuber myself, I’ve come to learn that paying attention to your branding is very important. Focus attention to what colors and fonts you use. The colors you use for your channel can influence your audience to feel a certain way. For example, using yellow can show that you’re happy and upbeat while using blue can show you’re more calm and relaxed. Whatever color you choose, make sure it’s a true representation of who you are.
Using the right font can also be important to your channel. There are many different fonts available now. When choosing a font, choose one that goes with your channel that is easy to read. You might choose a very pretty cursive font, but if your viewers can’t read it, it can be useless.
Don’t: Include Images That Have Nothing to Do with Your Channel
This simple mistake can cost you many subscribers. For example, if your channel is about Beauty videos, then your channel art shouldn’t include pictures of food or you eating a burger. Your channel art is the first thing that viewers see when clicking on your page. You want them to instantly know what your channel is all about without having to find it in the description box. If your channel is about a few different things, then include all of those images in the channel art so they still know what your channel about. Just don’t confuse your viewers as to what your channel is really about.
Don’t: Have Images and Text That Cut Off
YouTube helps YouTubers by giving them a free channel art template to use as a guide when creating channel art. The template includes 3 different perspectives on how your channel art will be viewed by people looking at mobile devices, computer screens, and TVs. Many people make the mistake of creating art on the TV perspective which then cuts off images and text for the mobile and computer views. To save you the trouble of having images that cut off, it’s best to create your channel in the mobile dimensions that way it will be seen in the computer and TV dimensions with no problem.
Joshelle is a YouTuber from Atlanta, GA. She has a YouTube channel called ElleToshea where she shows viewers how to improve their homes and spaces on an affordable budget through DIY home decor. ElleToshea features minimalist home decor styles based off popular stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
Now that you know how to make a good YouTube banner, what will you do next?
Touch Up YouTube Videos with Filmora
Wondershare Filmora features lots of utilities for both video and audio editing. You can change the video speed or change the aspect ratio easily. Besides, there are plentiful filters, elements, effects and overlays built, so you can use them without costing any extra fee.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
It’s important to learn how to make a good YouTube banner because, when you click into a channel, the first thing you usually see and pay attention to is the channel art.
Channel art gives viewers a first impression of who you are and allows viewers to know what your channel is all about. Channel art can be a great way to show creativity, and there are also ways you can design your banner to help your channel grow.
Here are the Dos and Don’ts of YouTube Channel Art.
- What Kind of Background Should I Use?
- Should I Use My Face?
- What Should I Write on Banner?
- How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Part 1: What Kind of Background Should I Use?
DO: High-Quality Photos
It’s easy to take pictures with our phones, but not all of these pictures will look great blown up for channel art.
When choosing great photos for your background, pick ones that are high quality and don’t become pixelated once they are blown up. There are tons of free stock photo websites out there to help you find a high-quality picture that’s perfect for your channel.
DON’T: Use Chaotic Patterns
Using patterns for the background of your channel banner can help your channel look super creative and stand out from others. However, if you use a pattern that is chaotic and hard on the eyes, you may not attract many subscribers. When using patterns, choose patterns that are not heavy in color and have too many lines or shapes. There should be an evenness to the shapes and negative space within the pattern itself. Try to stay away from patterns that are 3D which can conflict with the viewer’s eyesight and make them dizzy.
Part 2: Should I Use My Face?
Whether you should use your face on your channel banner depends on what your channel is about. If you have a channel focused on beauty, fashion, fitness, or family vlogs then it’s a good idea to include your face. It comes off personable and helps viewers relate to you. If you have a channel that is about something like gaming, tech reviews, or book reviews then it isn’t necessary to include your face because the focus of your content isn’t you as a personality.
If you do include pictures, here are some tips:
Don’t: Use Blurry Photos
If your photos are blurry, pixilated, or poor quality then don’t use them. Using blurry pictures comes off as unprofessional.
That doesn’t mean you have to hire a photographer to take pictures for your channel. The average smartphone takes really great pictures, so long as you have enough light. If you need a great picture, use a high-quality selfie or ask a friend to take a nice picture of you.
Don’t: Use Outdated Pictures
It is always best to use a current photo of yourself. Many times viewers will go and follow you on social media as well. If they see that you have current photos on your social media but not on your channel, they are become confused and perhaps lose interest.
Part 3: What Should I Write on My Banner?
Do: Include Your Channel Name
While including your channel name in your banner seems like a no brainer, it is often left out by aspiring YouTubers. Displaying your channel name in a large font allows it to be more visible for viewers - your channel name is already on the page, but it is underneath your channel art and doesn’t stand out.
Seeing your channel name included in your banner also helps viewers to know they are on the right page, if there are YouTubers out there with similar names to yours.
Do: Include Upload Days
Consistent upload days are highly important for gaining more views and subscribers. Including your exact upload days helps viewers know when they should expect new videos from you. I made the mistake of not including upload days when I first started my channel 3 years ago. I had drops in views because my subscribers didn’t know when I would upload videos.
If you find that you cannot stick to a certain upload day, try to include how often you will post instead. For example, you can say, “New Videos Posted Weekly.” Viewers will respect you more and even be more likely to subscribe when you tell them your upload days. They want a guarantee that you’re going to post again in the near future.
Do: Include Social Media
Social media accounts are important to include in your channel art because we live in a social media generation. People are on social media every second of the day. If you are looking to take your YouTube channel seriously, it is good practice to ask viewers to follow you on your social media.
Including social media icons in your channel art lets people know where they can find you. Another good reason to include your current social media in your banner is that sometimes you might join a new platform or quit an old one. You may be using Twitter for months and then decide that you like Facebook better. Your current social media handles keep subscribers from having to guess which one to follow you on.
Make sure everything important fits in the safe area!
Do: Include Brief Channel Description or Tag Line
Aside from your channel name, you should also include a brief channel description or tag line to tell your viewers what your channel is all about. If you’re an aspiring beauty guru, you may include something like Makeup Tutorials, Product Reviews, or Mommy Makeovers. Or, you may include a cool tag line that describes the goal of your channel, like “Empowering Mother’s Through Makeup.”
I’ve noticed that YouTubers that use 2-3 descriptive words in their channel art make many different types of videos on their channel but they all full under those categories.
YouTubers that use tag lines are using their channel as a platform to carry out a specific mission on giving help or educating others.
Whether you decide to use descriptive words or a tag line, they will help your channel tremendously by setting expectations for your viewers.
Part 4: How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Do: Create Consistent Branding
Since becoming a YouTuber myself, I’ve come to learn that paying attention to your branding is very important. Focus attention to what colors and fonts you use. The colors you use for your channel can influence your audience to feel a certain way. For example, using yellow can show that you’re happy and upbeat while using blue can show you’re more calm and relaxed. Whatever color you choose, make sure it’s a true representation of who you are.
Using the right font can also be important to your channel. There are many different fonts available now. When choosing a font, choose one that goes with your channel that is easy to read. You might choose a very pretty cursive font, but if your viewers can’t read it, it can be useless.
Don’t: Include Images That Have Nothing to Do with Your Channel
This simple mistake can cost you many subscribers. For example, if your channel is about Beauty videos, then your channel art shouldn’t include pictures of food or you eating a burger. Your channel art is the first thing that viewers see when clicking on your page. You want them to instantly know what your channel is all about without having to find it in the description box. If your channel is about a few different things, then include all of those images in the channel art so they still know what your channel about. Just don’t confuse your viewers as to what your channel is really about.
Don’t: Have Images and Text That Cut Off
YouTube helps YouTubers by giving them a free channel art template to use as a guide when creating channel art. The template includes 3 different perspectives on how your channel art will be viewed by people looking at mobile devices, computer screens, and TVs. Many people make the mistake of creating art on the TV perspective which then cuts off images and text for the mobile and computer views. To save you the trouble of having images that cut off, it’s best to create your channel in the mobile dimensions that way it will be seen in the computer and TV dimensions with no problem.
Joshelle is a YouTuber from Atlanta, GA. She has a YouTube channel called ElleToshea where she shows viewers how to improve their homes and spaces on an affordable budget through DIY home decor. ElleToshea features minimalist home decor styles based off popular stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
Now that you know how to make a good YouTube banner, what will you do next?
Touch Up YouTube Videos with Filmora
Wondershare Filmora features lots of utilities for both video and audio editing. You can change the video speed or change the aspect ratio easily. Besides, there are plentiful filters, elements, effects and overlays built, so you can use them without costing any extra fee.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
It’s important to learn how to make a good YouTube banner because, when you click into a channel, the first thing you usually see and pay attention to is the channel art.
Channel art gives viewers a first impression of who you are and allows viewers to know what your channel is all about. Channel art can be a great way to show creativity, and there are also ways you can design your banner to help your channel grow.
Here are the Dos and Don’ts of YouTube Channel Art.
- What Kind of Background Should I Use?
- Should I Use My Face?
- What Should I Write on Banner?
- How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Part 1: What Kind of Background Should I Use?
DO: High-Quality Photos
It’s easy to take pictures with our phones, but not all of these pictures will look great blown up for channel art.
When choosing great photos for your background, pick ones that are high quality and don’t become pixelated once they are blown up. There are tons of free stock photo websites out there to help you find a high-quality picture that’s perfect for your channel.
DON’T: Use Chaotic Patterns
Using patterns for the background of your channel banner can help your channel look super creative and stand out from others. However, if you use a pattern that is chaotic and hard on the eyes, you may not attract many subscribers. When using patterns, choose patterns that are not heavy in color and have too many lines or shapes. There should be an evenness to the shapes and negative space within the pattern itself. Try to stay away from patterns that are 3D which can conflict with the viewer’s eyesight and make them dizzy.
Part 2: Should I Use My Face?
Whether you should use your face on your channel banner depends on what your channel is about. If you have a channel focused on beauty, fashion, fitness, or family vlogs then it’s a good idea to include your face. It comes off personable and helps viewers relate to you. If you have a channel that is about something like gaming, tech reviews, or book reviews then it isn’t necessary to include your face because the focus of your content isn’t you as a personality.
If you do include pictures, here are some tips:
Don’t: Use Blurry Photos
If your photos are blurry, pixilated, or poor quality then don’t use them. Using blurry pictures comes off as unprofessional.
That doesn’t mean you have to hire a photographer to take pictures for your channel. The average smartphone takes really great pictures, so long as you have enough light. If you need a great picture, use a high-quality selfie or ask a friend to take a nice picture of you.
Don’t: Use Outdated Pictures
It is always best to use a current photo of yourself. Many times viewers will go and follow you on social media as well. If they see that you have current photos on your social media but not on your channel, they are become confused and perhaps lose interest.
Part 3: What Should I Write on My Banner?
Do: Include Your Channel Name
While including your channel name in your banner seems like a no brainer, it is often left out by aspiring YouTubers. Displaying your channel name in a large font allows it to be more visible for viewers - your channel name is already on the page, but it is underneath your channel art and doesn’t stand out.
Seeing your channel name included in your banner also helps viewers to know they are on the right page, if there are YouTubers out there with similar names to yours.
Do: Include Upload Days
Consistent upload days are highly important for gaining more views and subscribers. Including your exact upload days helps viewers know when they should expect new videos from you. I made the mistake of not including upload days when I first started my channel 3 years ago. I had drops in views because my subscribers didn’t know when I would upload videos.
If you find that you cannot stick to a certain upload day, try to include how often you will post instead. For example, you can say, “New Videos Posted Weekly.” Viewers will respect you more and even be more likely to subscribe when you tell them your upload days. They want a guarantee that you’re going to post again in the near future.
Do: Include Social Media
Social media accounts are important to include in your channel art because we live in a social media generation. People are on social media every second of the day. If you are looking to take your YouTube channel seriously, it is good practice to ask viewers to follow you on your social media.
Including social media icons in your channel art lets people know where they can find you. Another good reason to include your current social media in your banner is that sometimes you might join a new platform or quit an old one. You may be using Twitter for months and then decide that you like Facebook better. Your current social media handles keep subscribers from having to guess which one to follow you on.
Make sure everything important fits in the safe area!
Do: Include Brief Channel Description or Tag Line
Aside from your channel name, you should also include a brief channel description or tag line to tell your viewers what your channel is all about. If you’re an aspiring beauty guru, you may include something like Makeup Tutorials, Product Reviews, or Mommy Makeovers. Or, you may include a cool tag line that describes the goal of your channel, like “Empowering Mother’s Through Makeup.”
I’ve noticed that YouTubers that use 2-3 descriptive words in their channel art make many different types of videos on their channel but they all full under those categories.
YouTubers that use tag lines are using their channel as a platform to carry out a specific mission on giving help or educating others.
Whether you decide to use descriptive words or a tag line, they will help your channel tremendously by setting expectations for your viewers.
Part 4: How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Do: Create Consistent Branding
Since becoming a YouTuber myself, I’ve come to learn that paying attention to your branding is very important. Focus attention to what colors and fonts you use. The colors you use for your channel can influence your audience to feel a certain way. For example, using yellow can show that you’re happy and upbeat while using blue can show you’re more calm and relaxed. Whatever color you choose, make sure it’s a true representation of who you are.
Using the right font can also be important to your channel. There are many different fonts available now. When choosing a font, choose one that goes with your channel that is easy to read. You might choose a very pretty cursive font, but if your viewers can’t read it, it can be useless.
Don’t: Include Images That Have Nothing to Do with Your Channel
This simple mistake can cost you many subscribers. For example, if your channel is about Beauty videos, then your channel art shouldn’t include pictures of food or you eating a burger. Your channel art is the first thing that viewers see when clicking on your page. You want them to instantly know what your channel is all about without having to find it in the description box. If your channel is about a few different things, then include all of those images in the channel art so they still know what your channel about. Just don’t confuse your viewers as to what your channel is really about.
Don’t: Have Images and Text That Cut Off
YouTube helps YouTubers by giving them a free channel art template to use as a guide when creating channel art. The template includes 3 different perspectives on how your channel art will be viewed by people looking at mobile devices, computer screens, and TVs. Many people make the mistake of creating art on the TV perspective which then cuts off images and text for the mobile and computer views. To save you the trouble of having images that cut off, it’s best to create your channel in the mobile dimensions that way it will be seen in the computer and TV dimensions with no problem.
Joshelle is a YouTuber from Atlanta, GA. She has a YouTube channel called ElleToshea where she shows viewers how to improve their homes and spaces on an affordable budget through DIY home decor. ElleToshea features minimalist home decor styles based off popular stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
Now that you know how to make a good YouTube banner, what will you do next?
Touch Up YouTube Videos with Filmora
Wondershare Filmora features lots of utilities for both video and audio editing. You can change the video speed or change the aspect ratio easily. Besides, there are plentiful filters, elements, effects and overlays built, so you can use them without costing any extra fee.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
It’s important to learn how to make a good YouTube banner because, when you click into a channel, the first thing you usually see and pay attention to is the channel art.
Channel art gives viewers a first impression of who you are and allows viewers to know what your channel is all about. Channel art can be a great way to show creativity, and there are also ways you can design your banner to help your channel grow.
Here are the Dos and Don’ts of YouTube Channel Art.
- What Kind of Background Should I Use?
- Should I Use My Face?
- What Should I Write on Banner?
- How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Part 1: What Kind of Background Should I Use?
DO: High-Quality Photos
It’s easy to take pictures with our phones, but not all of these pictures will look great blown up for channel art.
When choosing great photos for your background, pick ones that are high quality and don’t become pixelated once they are blown up. There are tons of free stock photo websites out there to help you find a high-quality picture that’s perfect for your channel.
DON’T: Use Chaotic Patterns
Using patterns for the background of your channel banner can help your channel look super creative and stand out from others. However, if you use a pattern that is chaotic and hard on the eyes, you may not attract many subscribers. When using patterns, choose patterns that are not heavy in color and have too many lines or shapes. There should be an evenness to the shapes and negative space within the pattern itself. Try to stay away from patterns that are 3D which can conflict with the viewer’s eyesight and make them dizzy.
Part 2: Should I Use My Face?
Whether you should use your face on your channel banner depends on what your channel is about. If you have a channel focused on beauty, fashion, fitness, or family vlogs then it’s a good idea to include your face. It comes off personable and helps viewers relate to you. If you have a channel that is about something like gaming, tech reviews, or book reviews then it isn’t necessary to include your face because the focus of your content isn’t you as a personality.
If you do include pictures, here are some tips:
Don’t: Use Blurry Photos
If your photos are blurry, pixilated, or poor quality then don’t use them. Using blurry pictures comes off as unprofessional.
That doesn’t mean you have to hire a photographer to take pictures for your channel. The average smartphone takes really great pictures, so long as you have enough light. If you need a great picture, use a high-quality selfie or ask a friend to take a nice picture of you.
Don’t: Use Outdated Pictures
It is always best to use a current photo of yourself. Many times viewers will go and follow you on social media as well. If they see that you have current photos on your social media but not on your channel, they are become confused and perhaps lose interest.
Part 3: What Should I Write on My Banner?
Do: Include Your Channel Name
While including your channel name in your banner seems like a no brainer, it is often left out by aspiring YouTubers. Displaying your channel name in a large font allows it to be more visible for viewers - your channel name is already on the page, but it is underneath your channel art and doesn’t stand out.
Seeing your channel name included in your banner also helps viewers to know they are on the right page, if there are YouTubers out there with similar names to yours.
Do: Include Upload Days
Consistent upload days are highly important for gaining more views and subscribers. Including your exact upload days helps viewers know when they should expect new videos from you. I made the mistake of not including upload days when I first started my channel 3 years ago. I had drops in views because my subscribers didn’t know when I would upload videos.
If you find that you cannot stick to a certain upload day, try to include how often you will post instead. For example, you can say, “New Videos Posted Weekly.” Viewers will respect you more and even be more likely to subscribe when you tell them your upload days. They want a guarantee that you’re going to post again in the near future.
Do: Include Social Media
Social media accounts are important to include in your channel art because we live in a social media generation. People are on social media every second of the day. If you are looking to take your YouTube channel seriously, it is good practice to ask viewers to follow you on your social media.
Including social media icons in your channel art lets people know where they can find you. Another good reason to include your current social media in your banner is that sometimes you might join a new platform or quit an old one. You may be using Twitter for months and then decide that you like Facebook better. Your current social media handles keep subscribers from having to guess which one to follow you on.
Make sure everything important fits in the safe area!
Do: Include Brief Channel Description or Tag Line
Aside from your channel name, you should also include a brief channel description or tag line to tell your viewers what your channel is all about. If you’re an aspiring beauty guru, you may include something like Makeup Tutorials, Product Reviews, or Mommy Makeovers. Or, you may include a cool tag line that describes the goal of your channel, like “Empowering Mother’s Through Makeup.”
I’ve noticed that YouTubers that use 2-3 descriptive words in their channel art make many different types of videos on their channel but they all full under those categories.
YouTubers that use tag lines are using their channel as a platform to carry out a specific mission on giving help or educating others.
Whether you decide to use descriptive words or a tag line, they will help your channel tremendously by setting expectations for your viewers.
Part 4: How Can I Make My Channel Art Look Good?
Do: Create Consistent Branding
Since becoming a YouTuber myself, I’ve come to learn that paying attention to your branding is very important. Focus attention to what colors and fonts you use. The colors you use for your channel can influence your audience to feel a certain way. For example, using yellow can show that you’re happy and upbeat while using blue can show you’re more calm and relaxed. Whatever color you choose, make sure it’s a true representation of who you are.
Using the right font can also be important to your channel. There are many different fonts available now. When choosing a font, choose one that goes with your channel that is easy to read. You might choose a very pretty cursive font, but if your viewers can’t read it, it can be useless.
Don’t: Include Images That Have Nothing to Do with Your Channel
This simple mistake can cost you many subscribers. For example, if your channel is about Beauty videos, then your channel art shouldn’t include pictures of food or you eating a burger. Your channel art is the first thing that viewers see when clicking on your page. You want them to instantly know what your channel is all about without having to find it in the description box. If your channel is about a few different things, then include all of those images in the channel art so they still know what your channel about. Just don’t confuse your viewers as to what your channel is really about.
Don’t: Have Images and Text That Cut Off
YouTube helps YouTubers by giving them a free channel art template to use as a guide when creating channel art. The template includes 3 different perspectives on how your channel art will be viewed by people looking at mobile devices, computer screens, and TVs. Many people make the mistake of creating art on the TV perspective which then cuts off images and text for the mobile and computer views. To save you the trouble of having images that cut off, it’s best to create your channel in the mobile dimensions that way it will be seen in the computer and TV dimensions with no problem.
Joshelle is a YouTuber from Atlanta, GA. She has a YouTube channel called ElleToshea where she shows viewers how to improve their homes and spaces on an affordable budget through DIY home decor. ElleToshea features minimalist home decor styles based off popular stores such as Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters.
Now that you know how to make a good YouTube banner, what will you do next?
Touch Up YouTube Videos with Filmora
Wondershare Filmora features lots of utilities for both video and audio editing. You can change the video speed or change the aspect ratio easily. Besides, there are plentiful filters, elements, effects and overlays built, so you can use them without costing any extra fee.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
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- Link: https://facebook-video-footage.techidaily.com/updated-navigating-the-world-of-youtube-live-visuals/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.