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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThumbnails for chat streams are crucial elements that influence whether viewers decide to watch a stream. Let’s begin by explaining the important points to consider before creating thumbnails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Roles and Objectives of Thumbnails? Why Is it Necessary to Craft Thumbnails?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thumbnails for chat streams play the vital role of serving as the “face” and “signpost” of video content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Viewers choose streams that catch their interest, based on thumbnails among a multitude of streams. Attractive thumbnails are indispensable for catching viewers’ eyes and improving click-through rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The main objectives of thumbnails are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some may wonder if it’s necessary to put so much effort into crafting thumbnails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, captivating thumbnails can grab viewers’ hearts and lead them to the stream. Conversely, if a thumbnail is unappealing, no matter how high-quality the streaming content is, it won’t attract clicks, and its appeal won’t be communicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared to other streams, chat streams are a genre where it is challenging to convey content solely through thumbnails. Therefore, by crafting thumbnails that entice viewers, you can differentiate yourself from other streams and attract more viewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An enticing thumbnail is one where “what the stream is about can be understood at a glance.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n In chat streams, where themes are less defined than in other streams, thumbnails need to imply the stream’s content and capture viewers’ curiosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance,<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is ideal for thumbnails to convey the stream content at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, visually appealing designs that draw viewers’ eyes are crucial. Specifically,<\/p>\n\n\n\n By incorporating these elements, you can create thumbnails that people want to click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, we’ll divide the specific steps for creating thumbnails for chat streams into five steps and explain them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most important elements of a chat stream thumbnail is the catchphrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is because the catchphrase plays a role in capturing viewers’ hearts and encouraging clicks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to create a compelling catchphrase that not only describes the stream content but also piques viewers’ interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips on what to consider when crafting catchphrases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using these points, create a catchphrase that accurately expresses the stream content and captivates viewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, let’s discuss how to choose and create a background image for use in chat stream thumbnails. A background image is an important element for conveying the stream’s content and catching viewers’ eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By choosing an appropriate background image, the overall quality of the thumbnail is improved, leading to increased click-through rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The key points for choosing a background image are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When choosing a background image, you can use free material sites to obtain high-quality images for free without worrying about copyright. However, because utilization agreements vary by free material site, be sure to check before using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it is possible to create background images using tools such as PowerPoint or Canva. By using these tools, you can freely customize to match the streaming content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, let’s explain the points when adding text to a thumbnail. Text is an important element for succinctly conveying the streaming content. Aim for a design that attracts viewers’ eyes by paying attention to font, size, and color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, font selection. Don’t just stick to gothic or serif fonts; try fonts with high design value. However, be careful not to compromise readability. By selecting a font that matches the feel of the streaming content, you can unify the overall impression of the thumbnail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, size adjustment. Considering that thumbnails will be displayed in reduced form, include text in a larger size. Avoid situations where text is too small to be read when viewed on a smartphone. Display main text particularly large, and set subtext at a smaller size to make the prioritization of information clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, choose the color carefully. Be mindful of the contrast with the background color, and select a color that makes the text clearly visible. While white and black are highly versatile, they can become difficult to see depending on the background color. If the background is bright, use dark-colored text; if the background is dark, use light-colored text to improve visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, by adding outlines to the text or drop shadows, you can make the text stand out more. However, over-decoration can have the opposite effect, so keep balance in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, try incorporating illustrations or images of VTubers into the thumbnails. Illustrations are crucial for viewers to recognize VTubers, conveying a sense of familiarity, trust, and the character’s personality. By using illustrations instead of just straightforward photos, you can express the character’s world and create an effective thumbnail that captures viewers’ hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the case of VTubers, the illustrations used in thumbnails are required to be of high quality, reflecting the character design. By preparing a variety of expressions and poses, you can choose the best illustration that fits the streaming content and more effectively draw the viewer’s eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If creating high-quality illustrations is difficult, you can also consider commissioning work from illustrators. Using a Live2D model can also enable easy creation of various expressions and poses, reducing the effort required for thumbnail creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, enhance the chances of increased clicks by strategizing layout to naturally guide viewers\u2019 eyes to the information you want to emphasize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In chat stream thumbnails, guiding viewers\u2019 gazes is extremely important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basics of guiding gazes involve first dividing the whole thumbnail into several blocks. For instance, refereeing to the rule of thirds or the golden ratio can make it easier to create a balanced layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arranging like this allows viewers to first focus on the visual at the upper left, then read the catchphrase in the center to understand the streaming content, and finally check supplementary information in the lower right, taking in information in this flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, eyes tend to move from the upper left to the lower right or in a Z-shape. By placing essential information in these positions, while being mindful of this gaze flow, you can convey information more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, viewers are also drawn to the directions characters are facing, pointing, or the shapes of arrows. By effectively using these elements, you can naturally guide viewers’ eyes towards the information you want to emphasize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if using a streamer’s photo, by directing the gaze towards the stream title or the information you want to highlight, viewers\u2019 attention will naturally follow the same direction. Similarly, when using arrows, placing the tip towards the information you want to highlight makes it visually stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crafting thumbnails while mindful of guiding gaze is an important factor in attracting viewers\u2019 interest and boosting click-through rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using dedicated tools is recommended for creating attractive thumbnails. Here, we introduce two types: one that’s easy for beginners to use and another equipped with advanced editing features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canva offers abundant templates and intuitive operation. Even without design knowledge, you can create professional-quality thumbnails easily. While the free version provides sufficient functionality, upgrading to the paid version unlocks even more templates and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photoshop is a comprehensive image editing software loved by professional designers. With advanced editing features, it’s recommended for those who want to create high-quality thumbnails. However, using it requires some skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n V Samune is a free tool that allows anyone to create attractive thumbnails for VTubers easily. It’s recommended for those who aren’t confident in their design skills or want a simple solution, or who want to create an original thumbnail based on a template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choose the best tool to use based on your skills and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\nObjective<\/th> Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Understanding Content<\/strong><\/td> Thumbnails convey the stream content at a glance, helping viewers determine if it suits them.<\/td><\/tr> Improving Click Rate<\/strong><\/td> An attractive thumbnail draws viewers’ interest and encourages clicks.<\/td><\/tr> Channel Branding<\/strong><\/td> Consistent thumbnail designs contribute to increased channel recognition.<\/td><\/tr> Enhancing Viewer Retention<\/strong><\/td> By raising expectations with thumbnails, viewers are more likely to watch the stream to the end.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What Makes an Attractive Thumbnail That Encourages Clicks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Content<\/th> Example of Thumbnail<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Love Advice<\/td> Heart illustration and the words “Love Advice”<\/td><\/tr> Daily Happenings<\/td> Lively cityscape photo and the words “Today’s Happenings”<\/td><\/tr> Fan Activities<\/td> Pictures or illustrations of your favorite character and the words “Fan Talk”<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \n
Steps for Creating Thumbnails for Chat Streams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThink of a Catchphrase that Expresses the Streaming Content in One Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th> Description<\/th> Example<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Clarify Content<\/td> Make the theme and content of the stream clear at a glance<\/td> \u30fbExample: What’s for Dinner? Chat Stream!
\u30fbExample: Love Confessions! Let’s Have an Honest Talk Tonight!<\/td><\/tr>Emphasize Viewer Benefits<\/td> Highlight the benefits viewers will gain from watching the stream<\/td> \u30fbExample: Useful Information Packed Chat Stream for Tomorrow!
\u30fbExample: Empathetic Talks! Solve Everyone’s Worries!<\/td><\/tr>Use Questions<\/td> Stimulate viewers’ curiosity<\/td> \u30fbExample: What’s the Secret to Dieting? Let’s Think Together!
\u30fbExample: Concerned About Recent News? Let’s Discuss!<\/td><\/tr>Include Specific Keywords<\/td> Include easily searchable keywords<\/td> \u30fbExample: Revealing the Behind-the-Scenes of Game Commentaries!
\u30fbExample: Chat Stream While Doing Makeup<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\nChoose (or Create) a Background Image<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Item<\/th> Content<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Relevance to Content<\/td> By choosing an image that matches the stream content, viewers can intuitively grasp the content.<\/td><\/tr> Use of Colors<\/td> The impression of the thumbnail changes significantly with color. Choose colors that match the stream content.<\/td><\/tr> Visibility<\/td> Choose images with high visibility so that text and illustrations don’t get lost in the background.<\/td><\/tr> Originality<\/td> To differentiate from other streamers, choosing an original image is effective.<\/td><\/tr> Resolution<\/td> Low-resolution images lower the quality of a thumbnail; choose high-resolution images instead.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Add Text: Pay Attention to Font, Size, and Color<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Text Type<\/th> Size Guide<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Main Text<\/td> Larger (e.g., 60pt)<\/td><\/tr> Subtext<\/td> Smaller (e.g., 40pt)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Include Face Photos or Illustrations of the Streamer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advantage<\/th> Disadvantage<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Can Convey Character\u2019s Appeal<\/td> The impression can vary with the quality of the illustration<\/td><\/tr> Easy for Viewers to Remember<\/td> Creating new ones each time can be a heavy workload<\/td><\/tr> Can Express the Worldview<\/td> May become monotonous if there\u2019s little expression variation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Guiding Eyes: Use Layout to Highlight What You Want to Emphasize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Block<\/th> Content<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Upper Left<\/td> Main Visual (Photo or Illustration)<\/td><\/tr> Center<\/td> Catchphrase Indicating Stream Content<\/td><\/tr> Bottom Right<\/td> Supplementary Information like Streaming Date, Channel Name, etc.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Introducing Recommended Tools for Creating Thumbnails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/streamer-magazine-en.lolipop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Introducing-Recommended-Tools-for-Creating-Thumbnails-1024x576.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTool Name<\/th> Features<\/th> Cost<\/th> Difficulty<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Canva<\/a><\/td> \u30fbAbundant templates
\u30fbEasy drag & drop operations
\u30fbRich in Japanese fonts<\/td>Free version available<\/td> Easy<\/td><\/tr> Photoshop<\/a><\/td> \u30fbAdvanced image editing available
\u30fbIdeal for creating high-quality professional thumbnails<\/td>Paid<\/td> Difficult<\/td><\/tr> V Samune<\/a><\/td> \u30fbMany templates available
\u30fbEasy drag & drop operations
\u30fbNo registration required<\/td>Free<\/td> Easy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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