YouTube has introduced a new feature called the "Test and Compare" tool in YouTube Studio. This tool allows content creators to conduct A/B testing on their video thumbnails, making it simpler to compare different variations and select the most effective thumbnail.
The test results of the thumbnail A/B testing will be based on "Watch Time," which is the primary measure used to determine the winning thumbnail in each comparison. Having an appealing thumbnail is crucial for grabbing viewer attention, which is why many thumbnails follow a similar format, featuring the creator with an exaggerated expression superimposed on a still image from the video.
This approach has proven successful, as top YouTube stars have been experimenting with their thumbnail formats for years. For instance, Mr Beast, one of the most prominent YouTube stars, has a team of six people dedicated to developing and testing his video thumbnails, often trying out as many as 20 variations for each of his videos.
It’s important to note that the Test & Compare feature is currently in the development phase, but it is expected to be made available to all creators next year. To access this feature, creators will need to visit the Video Manager page and navigate to the Thumbnail tab, where they will find a new option called Test & Compare.
Here are some key takeaways about the Test & Compare feature:
- Creators can simultaneously test up to three thumbnails.
- The experiment duration can range from 1 day to 30 days.
- Creators can monitor the click-through rate (CTR) of each thumbnail in the Video Manager.
- The Test & Compare feature will become available only next year.
Creators interested in participating in the beta version of the tool can register for the Creator Research program by signing up here.
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