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how to make a killer youtube thumbnail (to blow up your channel)
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@AprilynneAlter·614.1K views

how to make a killer youtube thumbnail (to blow up your channel)

2y ago

Here's how to make a killer YouTube thumbnail to blow up your channel. FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF VERSION https://aprilynne.gumroad.com/l/killerthumbnail TOOLS MENTIONED (aff. links) ClickPilot: https://clickpilot.app/?aff=Wbbjo ThumbnailTest: https://thumbnailtest.com/?via=aprilynne IDEATION VIDEO how to come up with a killer youtube idea (to blow up your channel) https://youtu.be/BSx1r5kj_OE 90 DAY BREAKTHROUGH 📈 Growing on YouTube is hard, so I made 90 Day Breakthrough to help make it a little easier It's a 12-week, action-oriented coaching program designed to help you level up your YouTube channel, and it features lessons, live sessions with me & my team, personalized feedback, and more all centered around the exercises and activities that *actually* drive results If that sounds like your jam, you can learn more & sign up for the Fall Cohort waitlist here: https://90dbt.com SHOUTOUTS I learned from A LOT of people during my research process to make this video possible. I wanted to take a moment to shout them out and give them some love - thank you for sharing your knowledge for the rest of us to grow from! @paddygalloway8780 @ColinandSamir @youshaei @MrBeast @ryan @jay @JonDorman @jaygdesign @FilmBooth @TylerF @thejayalto @ChannelMakers @PandaDoesDesign (and @tkgpsd on Twitter) TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - Part 1: Killer Time Allocation 01:55 - Part 2: Killer Psychology 03:00 - Curiosity Gaps 06:58 - Scroll Stoppers 11:56 - Part 3: Killer Design 12:47 - Contents 14:29 - Composition 17:58 - Contrast 23:15 - Part 4: Killer Analysis 25:33 - Wait... 25:48 - Variations 28:08 - Some Encouragement WATCH NEXT: how to make a killer youtube intro (to blow up your channel) https://youtu.be/TOHQXdCAo5k COME SAY HI! Twitter: https://twitter.com/AprilynneAlter Instagram: https://instagram.com/aprilynnealter SHOP EQUIPMENT: Sony ZV -E10 Camera: https://amzn.to/4pMGirP Sony E 15mm F1.4 Wide-Angle Lens: https://amzn.to/46vpq12 Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4cjFNRC LED Accent Light: https://amzn.to/4bj268Z Flexible LED Light Panels: https://amzn.to/3iYAwCo Tripod: https://amzn.to/47mdQFk White Umbrellas: https://amzn.to/40K8uh1 Brackets: https://amzn.to/3ACr549

💭 Brainstorm🎬 Steal now
Analyzing with Claude…
Pulling pattern + writing 3 variants in your voice. Stays on this page when ready.

What worked

Not analyzed yet. Claude will break down the pattern and write 3 variants in your voice.

How to steal it

setting · outdoor city
  1. 01
    Hook (0-2s)

    Open cold on outdoor city. Sound on. Visual question in the first frame.

    Brickell · Roll camera before you arrive at Brickell Ave at golden hour or Biscayne Blvd south of 5th. The reveal IS the hook.

  2. 02
    Set the frame (2-4s)

    Establish outdoor city with your hero prop. Wide on the 16mm so the GT3 RS sells the scale.

    Brickell · Keep the prop count to 1. More props = more cuts = lower retention.

  3. 03
    Payoff (4-9s)

    Use direct to camera rant to deliver the rewatch moment. One idea, one take.

    Brickell · Cut on the reaction, not the line. If it's a price reveal, hold the number on screen for 1.5s.

  4. 04
    Reaction / proof (9-13s)

    Show the consequence. Bystander head-turn, valet face, on-screen receipt — whatever makes the payoff feel real.

    Brickell · Casa Tua and Komodo valets are cinematic. E11even paddock for nightlife crowd. Hard Rock paddock during F1 weekend = prebuilt audience.

Your version

Alex-voiced hooks0/3

Claude will write 3 hook + angle combos in your voice you can queue as today's film.

Open this in brainstorm →
🎬 Steal now
TodayReplicateLibraryBrainstormMore
05
CTA / outro (13-15s)

Implicit beats explicit. Let the caption + pinned comment ask. End on the asset, not your face.

Brickell · Tag @imalexgunnar in the caption. Pin the objection comment within 60s of posting.

Where in Miami
  • Gas station · Shell SW 8th + Brickell Ave (24/7, premium pump, clean lighting).
  • Valet · Casa Tua, Komodo, E11even — pull-up + handoff is the cinematic moment.
  • Penthouse · Flow Brickell roof or your unit. Skyline backdrop reads premium.
  • Track / paddock · Hard Rock paddock during F1 weekend = pre-built audience.
  • Cold start · Brickell Ave south of 8th at 6:30am — empty street, hard light.