YouTube has created a ‘Test & Compare’ feature; one of
the platform’s most-requested tools, that is meant to help creators in their
decision to pick thumbnails for their videos. The feature is currently in its
initial phase of testing, hence available to a small number of creators.
The way Test & Compare works is that a creator uploads
up to three thumbnails for a single video and the tool works with the thumbnail
options using an A/B testing functionality. Following the completion of the
test, the tool shows the user which thumbnail has more potential in terms of
performance, based on its watch time.
A thumbnail plays a crucial role in making a video stand out
within the algorithm and influences the video’s overall performance. It is therefore
important to creators to make their thumbnails appear as appealing as possible.
Test & Compare is likely to make this process easier and take away the
burden of spending hours deciding and choosing a thumbnail. A glimpse in
advance into your thumbnail’s potential watch time would also make you feel
more confident once your video is up on YouTube.
YouTube has confirmed that a beta version of Test & Compare
will be released in the coming months to more creators, followed by a full
launch next year.
