Are 'shocked face' YouTube thumbnails finally over?

YouTube thumbnails
(Image credit: Future)

If the YouTube homepage is anything to go by, most content creators exist in a permanent state of shock. Eyes wide and jaws open, they simply can't BELIEVE what happens in the video they just spent hours writing, filming, editing and uploading. Shocked face YouTube thumbnails are among the most shameless clickbait tactics around – but is the shock finally about to die down?

You've seen them. Thumbnails in which the 'influencer' looks gobsmacked at the camera, usually surrounded by giant words such as "wow", and random objects in the background circled as though they're of some vital significance. But an experiment by Mr Beast, YouTube's highest paid creator, suggests less shocked expressions pull in more views. (Need to create your own thumbnail? Check out out guide on how to download Photoshop.) 

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Design Editor

Daniel John is Design Editor at Creative Bloq. He reports on the worlds of art, design, branding and lifestyle tech (which often translates to tech made by Apple). He joined in 2020 after working in copywriting and digital marketing with brands including ITV, NBC, Channel 4 and more.

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