We researched the top thumbnail formats so you don’t have to...

Hi Friend! Mario Joos here - I’m a strategist for creators like Mr. Beast, The Stokes twins, and more…

Thumbnails are one of the most important elements for grabbing someone’s attention initially. They can create a promise, set a tone, or even give additional context that the title cannot provide.

So my team and I analyzed thousands of thumbnails, grouping them by similarity. 

We found more than 75+ viral formats that are used consistently among top creators.

There’s no reason to keep what we found secret, so below you’ll find the top 15 thumbnail formats you can confidently use…

Reminder: This week only, you can join Million View Club for only $1! The discount expires tomorrow, so don’t miss out!

1. Title Head

This is a very straightforward composition with a face on one side and simple text on the other. The goal is to establish a familiar face or authority figure, while adding context through text.



2. Dramatic Face

With the dramatic face, emotion is the main message. The goal is to be intentionally vague about what the video is about. It usually relies on familiarity with the person to draw attention.



3. A Affects B

This thumbnail composition is very common and used in many viral videos. It shows one person or object clearly about to manipulate or target the other.



4. Conversation Question
In this thumbnail composition, we show two people with a question in the middle, as if one person is asking the other. The curiosity comes from wanting to see how people respond.



5. 3-Panel Progress

This composition shows the same object or subject changing over time or moving through different stages. From left to right, we show clear stages and promise change.



6. Problem state

This is any image used to indicate that there is a problem. No solution is shown yet, we simply highlight that a problem exists.



7. Contrast

This is another common viral composition where we highlight a difference between two things. The idea is to place two states side by side within the same frame.



8. Don’t do this
This thumbnail shows an action that is clearly wrong. We signal that it’s wrong using a red X or simple text like “don’t do this.”



9. Eliminators

This thumbnail shows the main rule of the video. The rule itself is strong enough to be placed in the thumbnail and sets a clear expectation fast.



10. Motion Arrow

In this thumbnail composition, movement is implied while the outcome stays hidden. The movement is shown through arrows or pointers.



11. Conflict

This shows two objects approaching or interacting with each other with no clear resolution. The tension comes from not knowing what the impact will be.



12. Mid Progression

This composition shows that the story is already happening. There’s no clear beginning or end, but progress is guaranteed.



13. Comment / Post

Reaction channels or interviews often show comments in the thumbnail so viewers know what kind of video to expect.



14. Accusation

In this thumbnail, the viewer feels directly targeted. We point at them or provoke disagreement by playing on their emotions.



15. Review

This thumbnail shows a scenario or object with a clear quality signal. The rating does the talking, the opinion is implied.



If you found this email helpful, you should check out our platform, Million View Club.

MVC is something I built to share the strategies and lessons I’ve picked up from working closely with creators like MrBeast, The Stokes Twins, and others over the years, the stuff that usually only lives behind the scenes. And this week only, you can join for only $1 for your first two weeks!

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