Split testing, also known as A/B testing, is a method used to compare two versions of something to determine which performs better. In the context of videos, split testing can be used to figure out which aspects of a video’s thumbnail influence a viewer’s likelihood of clicking and watching the entire video. By conducting split tests and analyzing the results, you can learn what works and what doesn’t, and use that knowledge to create more effective thumbnails and videos that your viewers will enjoy.
In January 2021, we began offering split testing to our clients with the help of TubeBuddy to improve video thumbnails. We started by testing different elements of the thumbnail, such as the copy, background image, facial expressions, framing, and color scheme. Once we identified visual patterns in the success of certain thumbnails, we narrowed our focus to the effect of the copy on viewer engagement. This helped us understand what language was most effective in driving viewers to our client’s videos.
To recap, here are a few of the key insights we’ve gained from running 326 split tests for our clients.
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