Do you know how crucial YouTube thumbnails are to the success of a video? Andrew Armstrong reveals strategies to craft video thumbnails that grab attention and make people click Play!

Discover how the first impression provided by thumbnails can make or break your client's video's success, functioning as a gateway to garner viewers’ interest. Andrew shares how to leverage YouTube's built-in A/B testing tool to identify the most effective designs that keep audiences engaged.

The conversation also touches on how YouTube’s algorithm emphasizes search results based on watch time and audience behavior, shifting the focus from views to meaningful engagement.

• The fundamental role of thumbnails in stopping viewers’ scroll and encouraging video clicks
• How A/B testing tools on YouTube can optimize a video’s performance through effective thumbnail design
• The importance of analyzing watch time and audience behavior to refine thumbnail strategies for increased engagement

(00:00) "YouTube Thumbnails: What you need to know"

(03:18) Algorithm Reflects Audience Behavior

(07:28) Optimal Logo Placement Strategy

(10:07) Video Strategy: Success Elements

(14:14) Thumbnail Testing Strategy

(19:11) Assessing YouTube Channel Legitimacy

(22:57) Maximizing YouTube's Evergreen Potential

Andrew is a content creator, consultant, and storyteller passionate about helping individuals and businesses craft social media and digital content strategies.

He leverages his many years as a full-time YouTuber, and as an industry Social Media Strategist, to help content creators and companies better understand the platforms they work on, the best practices that lead to success, and the behaviors of their audiences.

His wife best describes him as "dangerously competent." For consultations, reach out to dawnforgedmedia@gmail.com

*Captivate.fm for media hosting

We use Captivate to host the audio episodes. Captivate offers amazing features for a low monthly price, including full control of dynamic insertion, embedded chapters, and Blocks/Shortcodes to quickly add content to show notes (either static or dynamically!)

*Use of the above affiliate links may earn us a commission, which is used to support the efforts of this show. Thank you in advance for your support!

*Riverside.fm to record audio and video

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. It probably saved me 30 minutes by giving me a summary to start with and a list of chapters (which helps with the body of the description). Click on the *link above to see how it works for yourself!

This episode has been brought to you by Podcast Editor Academy. We help individuals like you start and grow a business editing and producing podcasts. Find out more at

Apple recently changed the way they display artwork in their Podcasts app.

This is important to note because there can be some negative consequences if you're not following a consistent process or even unaware, as Steve was, about adding artwork to each upload to your clients' media host.

Mathew Passy shares the benefits of having good Show artwork (for the entire podcast), and if there is any value in having Episodic artwork (for each episode).

Key Takeaways:

• The Benefits of a good thumbnail
• Using the headshots in Show artwork
• What NOT to include in Show artwork
• Are there benefits for using EPISODE artwork?
• Getting into Apple's Featured section
• How Apple displays Episode artwork (or not)
• Uploaded Episode artwork doesn't change if rebranding a show
• What about artwork for other reasons (chapters/sponsors)
• Changing Show artwork periodically to highlight events, themes, etc.

BTW: We will also be releasing an episode soon about VIDEO thumbnails. Be sure you subscribe to our newsletter so you don't miss that one: https://www.PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

__________________________

About Mathew Passy:

Mathew has 15+ years of podcasting experience, starting with his first show at a NJ radio station. He spent 8 years as a podcast producer for The Wall Street Journal Radio Network and later founded ThePodcastConsultant.com, a successful podcast production and consulting agency, which he sold after 8 years.

Currently, Mathew runs Custom Podcast Solutions, focusing on comprehensive podcast support.

He also hosts Podcasting Tech and serves as a LibsynPro Customer Care Specialist at Libsyn.

Find him, and the cool NFT/beacons at https://conntap.com

*Riverside.fm to record

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. It probably saved me 30 minutes by giving me a summary to start with and a list of chapters (which helps with the body of the description). Click on the *link above to see how it works for yourself!

*Captivate.fm for media hosting

We use Captivate to host the audio episodes. Captivate offers amazing features for a low monthly price, including full control of dynamic insertion, embedded chapters, and Blocks/Shortcodes to quickly add content to show notes (either static or dynamically!)

*Use of the above affiliate links may earn us a commission, which is used to

support the efforts of this show. Thank you in advance for your support!

Mentioned in this episode:

Podcast Editors Club Newsletter

Stay in touch with events, live streams, and news that YOU want. Join the Podcast Editors Club Newsletter https://PodcastEditorAcademy.com/newsletter

They say "The💰💰💰is in the list." Are you maximizing the potential of email lists and newsletters for your clients?

The importance of capturing listeners' email addresses can't be underestimated! Personalized welcome sequences ensure engagement and retention that eventually turns into a super-fan who will participate in whatever your client is offering.

Paul Gowder has been harnessing the power of newsletters for years - and comes on the show to share strategies for converting listeners into email subscribers.

Learn how to repurpose past podcast episodes into valuable content that can drive traffic and increase engagement rates. Plus, explore how effective email lists can boost a podcast's reach and complement other marketing efforts, like social media and live streams.

• Why an email list is crucial for growth and how to effectively capture subscriber emails
• The role of personalized welcome sequences and consistent content delivery to build and retain audience engagement
• Repurposing podcast content in newsletters to continually drive traffic (and provide it as a service to your clients)!

(00:00) Paul’s 25+ Years of Growing a List

(06:11) Improving Email Welcome Sequences

(07:24) Converting Podcast Listeners to Subscribers

(10:22) Maximize Podcast Reach with Newsletters

(13:11) Engaging Personally via Newsletters

(19:18) Maximizing Newsletter Value

(26:10) Automated Subscriber Management Solutions

For over 25 years, Paul has been the driving force behind PowWows.com, the largest online community celebrating Native American culture, arts, and traditions. What started as a passion project has grown into a thriving hub, connecting millions of people with the beauty and spirit of Pow Wows.

Paul knows the power of community—because he built one of the most engaged online spaces in the world. His expertise in website development, content creation, social media, and email marketing has not only fueled the success of PowWows.com but also helped countless entrepreneurs grow their own online businesses.

A pioneer in live streaming, blogging, and podcasting, Paul brings the energy of Pow Wows directly to millions of viewers through his website and YouTube channel. With hundreds of Pow Wows visited across North America, he captures and shares the sights, sounds, and stories that make these gatherings so special.

But Paul isn’t just about building communities—he’s about empowering others to do the same. Through public speaking and consulting, he shares his hard-earned insights on navigating the highs and lows of running an online business.

Learn more from Paul at paulgowder.com/podcast

*Riverside.fm to record

We used Riverside to record this episode. Use code Yetis at *https://creators.riverside.fm/Yetis for 15% off a membership plan.

*Castmagic.io for show notes

Castmagic assisted in the crafting of this episode description. It probably saved me 30 minutes by giving me a summary to start with and a list of chapters (which helps with the body of the description). Click on the *link above to see how it works for yourself!