TikTok now allows creators to upload custom thumbnail images for their clips, either by selecting a video frame or uploading an image. This feature aims to help creators attract more attention in search results and on their profiles with standout visuals.
Custom thumbnails can significantly boost viewer engagement. For instance, YouTube star MrBeast spends substantial effort and money on thumbnails to maximize viewership. While TikTok's main feed might limit the impact compared to YouTube, this tool still offers creators a way to potentially increase engagement.
Similar features are available on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. The actual impact on TikTok will depend on user experimentation and engagement stats. TikTok is expected to provide more details on this rollout soon.
Discussion (2)
I don't think this will make that much of a difference in the tiktok world. Most people are finding video through their fyp, not really scrolling through thumbnails, like on youtube.
It probably wont affect discovery that much, but it will likely help in two scenarios
1) someone is on your page and looking through our videos, and your thumbnail could get them to watch more
2) someone is looking through search results and your thumbnail makes them click in