It’s true - Simplistic thumbnails aren't always better.
One of the most common thumbnail rules you'll hear is to "Simplify your thumbnail."
That can be good advice, but it’s not quite that simple. (Simply simplifying isn’t simple - ha!)
I've seen people simplify thumbnails too much, to where they accidentally remove key elements that help build up the story or the scene in the thumbnail. The goal isn’t necessarily to make your thumbnail as clean as possible, it’s to make it as intriguing as possible.
Sometimes that can include simplistic imagery, but other times it means we have to go against these common rules and principles, and perhaps even make the thumbnails a bit, dare I say… busy.
Let’s look at this example below titled: “The Brutal Reality of Owning a Toy Store”
At first glance, the toy store example feels incredibly busy:
- The entire background is made up of storage bins
- Each storage bin is completely full of random toys
- There’s not one clear wall to help break up the background
In general, the entire scene feels too cluttered - but that’s the point.
If we look at the title: "The Brutal Reality of Owning a Toy Store"
And the quote: “My family thinks I’m crazy…"
All of the visual clutter starts to make sense, and really strengthens the concept that this creator was trying to achieve.
Now imagine a more simplistic version of this thumbnail:
The left image was the alternative B concept at the time, and the right image is an AI-generated image I recently created to show a more organized, simplistic room in this store.
From a design perspective, these versions are a bit more simplistic and "clean”, especially the AI-generated one - But they tell a much weaker story.
Without seeing shelves packed floor-to-ceiling with toys in storage bins, it suddenly doesn’t feel all that “crazy” or “brutal” to own and operate this toy store.
The overflowing, cluttered storage room is what convinces you he actually might be “crazy”.
The clutter isn’t too busy or distracting - it’s intentional and needed to create an intriguing concept.
Let’s now look at this other example titled: “Her Half-Pound Eggrolls Bring In $1.8M/Year”
The thumbnail on the left is the original thumbnail, and the thumbnail on the right is a version I created to have a simplistic blue wall background.
At first glance, the kitchen background looks busy. Between that and the dozens of eggrolls in the foreground, there's a lot of “clutter”.
But without the kitchen background, the thumbnail loses that clear piece of context that shows viewers that she’s producing these eggrolls at a real commercial scale, not just out of her home.
Just like the toy store, the busy background is very intentional - it strengthens and clarifies the concept.
The takeaway:
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people prioritizing simplicity and a “good looking” image over intriguing storytelling.
Simplicity is a great principle, but it shouldn't become the goal. Your job isn't to create the cleanest image, your job is to tell the strongest story.
Even if that means breaking a few common thumbnail "rules”!
Thank you for reading! ツ
Updates:
I am almost at the finish line with The Thumbnail Blueprint! I’m just going through and making more edits, but every time I do, I want to add more and more, because I genuinely believe the information will be so helpful, and so I just can’t stop adding to it lol!! Okay everyone settle down.
As always, continue to keep your eye on your inbox for future thumbnail insights & updates on The Thumbnail Blueprint.
I hope you guys have an incredible week!!!☀️
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