# What is a thumbnail? Small images with great power Similar to how a package image in retail can encourage a purchase, a thumbnail on the internet creates the first impression of images, videos, or other web content. A well-crafted thumbnail image sparks curiosity and leads to more clicks. ## What is a thumbnail? A thumbnail is a **smaller preview image** designed to give a quick visual impression of the content, whether it’s a video, image, or article. Thumbnail images are commonly used across the internet, including in online stores, where they help display multiple products in an organized way. Clicking on the thumbnail directs you to the original file or product page. The biggest advantage of thumbnails is the **reduced file size**. When a large number of image or video contents are initially loaded as small preview images, it noticeably improves the website’s loading time. Users can then decide which content they want to view in full size. Additional advantages include: - **Space-saving:** Thumbnails provide a quick overview of many contents in a small area. - **User-friendliness:** The brain processes images faster than text, so thumbnail images support intuitive navigation. - **Interactivity:** Attractive preview images encourage users to click on content (click-through rate) and interact with the page. ## Where are thumbnails used? Thumbnail images can be found all over the web—such as on YouTube, in Google Image Search, in [social media feeds](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/the-most-important-social-media-platforms/), or in online stores. However, their design and style vary significantly depending on the platform and purpose. While they primarily serve as neutral product images on Amazon, YouTube thumbnails often resemble small “billboards” that visually tease the content and capture attention. ### YouTube thumbnails With the intense competition on YouTube, it’s essential for the thumbnail to capture attention within seconds to improve [key KPIs](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/web-analytics/kpis-in-online-marketing/) like the click-through rate (CTR). Many creators on the platform use emotional facial expressions, graphic elements like arrows or circles, and strong contrasts to make their thumbnails **stand out from the crowd**. Consistent branding is also key, achieved through uniform colors, a recurring layout, or featuring the same people. [![Image: Thumbnails of the Humano Studios YouTube channel](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/7/8/csm_youtube-thumbnail-humano_6869d4ba76.webp "Thumbnails of the Humano Studios YouTube channel")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/youtube-thumbnail-humano.jpg) The Humano Studios account, which regularly uploads DJ sessions of various artists, features each artist at the mixing desk on every thumbnail, with the genre in bold letters and vibrant colors in the background. Source: https://www.youtube.com/@HumanoStudios ### Thumbnails in Google Image Search To display a large number of results to users simultaneously, Google uses thumbnails in its image search instead of high-resolution original images. These are linked preview images that belong to websites. If YouTube videos are also listed in the search results, Google uses the corresponding video thumbnail as a preview. Thumbnail images also play a central role in “Google Discover” for the click probability of an article. [![Image: Image selection in Google’s Image Search](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/5/c/csm_google-thumbnails_bd8a7f93c4.webp "Image selection in Google’s Image Search")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/google-thumbnails.jpg) Example of thumbnails in Google Image Search. Source: https://www.google.com/ ### Thumbnails in online shopping In online stores, preview images often display a neutral view of the product against a white background (cutout), without elaborate staging. In fashion stores, models often appear in a neutral pose on thumbnails; aesthetically pleasing perspectives and detail shots are shown only on the product detail page. Many stores now automatically provide [more interactivity](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/social-plugins-boost-interactivity-on-your-website/) through modern shop systems. For example, when you hover over the thumbnail (mouseover), you can often browse through additional views or display alternative colors without leaving the page. This makes product research significantly faster and more user-friendly. [![Image: Thumbnails of the Sears online store](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/6/6/csm_sears-thumbnails_3061856a0c.webp "Thumbnails of the Sears online store")](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2025/sears-thumbnails.jpg) For the products, different colors can be selected interactively directly below the image. Source: https://www.sears.com/clothing-women-s-clothing-women-s-blazers-jackets-vests/b-5007121?viewAll=true ## Common sizes for thumbnails Depending on the website, the purpose and therefore the optimal size of thumbnail images can vary. Here are common guidelines (as of 2025): - **Google Search / Discover:** Google recommends images that are at least **1,200 pixels** wide for optimal display in Discover and Search. While smaller images (starting at 300 pixels) do work, larger images are often displayed more attractively (e.g., as a large card format). - **Amazon:** Amazon requires a minimum width of 500 pixels on the longest side. However, it is recommended to use **1,000 to 1,600 pixels** on the longest side. This size activates the “zoom feature” on the product page, which is crucial for conversions. - **YouTube:** Thumbnails on YouTube are displayed in a 16:9 format. The optimal size is **1,280 x 720 pixels** (minimum width 640 pixels). File sizes should ideally remain under 2 MB. - **Pinterest:** Pinterest is a vertical search engine. Ideal images have a 2:3 aspect ratio, such as **1,000 x 1,500 pixels**. Deviating formats are often cropped or less favored in the feed. ## Legal situation for thumbnails In the USA, thumbnails of copyrighted images are governed by the Copyright Act’s fair use doctrine. Courts apply a four-factor test—considering the transformative purpose (like search indexing), the original work’s nature, the portion used, and market impact—often ruling thumbnails fair use in cases such as *Kelly v. Arriba Soft* (2003) and *Perfect 10 v. Amazon*. To stay safe on blogs or websites, prioritize using self-created images, public domain content, or [Creative Commons](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/websites/digital-law/how-to-use-creative-commons-correctly/) content with proper attribution, embedding via links rather than hosting copies, and licensed stock photos. Avoid non-transformative decorative uses that could lead to potential infringement claims. This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/what-is-a-thumbnail/](https://www.ionos.ca/digitalguide/online-marketing/social-media/what-is-a-thumbnail/) for AI/LLM consumption.