Once I figured this out, I was able to get way more views, and it's annoyingly obvious once you realise it. I've achieved millions of views on YouTube, this is an incredibly important idea to get your head around, if you want to do well on the platform. So, what's the big groundbreaking revelation? Assume the viewer does not know who you are. This is incredibly important. A video that does well for you inherently has to reach new audiences. Not just the ones who already get your inside jokes and know you. That’s why inside references on a YouTube thumbnail is risky. Take this All-In Summit thumbnail with JD Vance. The title is topic first: AI, fraud, Iran. Clear for a stranger scrolling past, I'm okay with this title, that's not to say there's no room for improvement BUT The biggest words on the thumb are “THE BESTIES.” If you already watch All-In, you know that means the hosts. If you don’t, it’s a nickname with no meaning. You’ve used the biggest text on the pack for people who already know you. These are also the easiest people to get to click on your video. You probably could have written anything there, and they would have clicked with such a big guest. But new new audiences won’t understand it. And if the thumbnail packaging only makes sense for existing fans, it’s less accessible to strangers. That usually means it’s less likely to get pushed as far, so your video won't get as many views. Don’t spend the biggest thumbnail words on an inside reference. Make the packaging accessible for someone who has never heard of you, this will help you get more views.