When creating video ads for Facebook, having an eye-catching and effective thumbnail is crucial for getting high view rates and driving engagement. The thumbnail acts as the first impression for your video ad, so it’s important to ensure it follows Facebook’s recommended specifications and best practices.
Facebook Video Ad Thumbnail Dimensions
Facebook has specific requirements for the dimensions of video ad thumbnails on their platform:
- Width: 1,200 pixels
- Height: 628 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1
These are the minimum dimensions required for video ad thumbnails on Facebook. Creating a thumbnail larger than these dimensions is fine, but the minimum width and height must be 1,200 x 628 pixels.
Facebook Video Ad Thumbnail File Size
In addition to the dimensions, Facebook also has file size requirements for video ad thumbnails:
- File Size: Less than 2.3 MB
- File Format: JPG or PNG
Keeping the file size under 2.3 MB ensures the thumbnail will load quickly and not negatively impact video view rates. JPG and PNG are the recommended file formats.
Facebook Video Ad Thumbnail Design Best Practices
When designing your Facebook video ad thumbnail, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use high-quality, eye-catching imagery
- Include branding elements
- Highlight key messaging
- Use minimal text
- Make text easy to read
- Direct viewers’ eyes strategically
- Use contrasting colors
- Simplify the composition
- Consider how it looks on mobile
Here are some specific tips for each of those best practices:
Use high-quality, eye-catching imagery
The imagery is one of the most important elements for grabbing attention. Use vibrant photographs or illustrations relevant to your video content. Make sure the images are high-resolution and not blurry or pixelated.
Include branding elements
Include your logo, brand colors, or other branding elements to make your brand easily recognizable. This helps build brand awareness and recognition.
Highlight key messaging
Communicate the core focus, topic, or promise of your video content through imagery, text, or graphic elements. This sets clear expectations for viewers.
Use minimal text
Keep text to a minimum, as Facebook recommends no more than 20% text in the thumbnail. The primary focus should be on eye-catching visuals.
Make text easy to read
Any text used should be large, simple, and easy to read at small sizes. Use high contrast colors for text and background.
Direct viewers’ eyes strategically
Use principles of design to direct the viewer’s eyes towards important elements and guide them through the composition.
Use contrasting colors
Using colors that contrast well makes elements stand out. Avoid using colors that blend together.
Simplify the composition
Too many competing elements can make a thumbnail cluttered. Simplify by focusing on the most important imagery and graphics.
Consider how it looks on mobile
Test how your thumbnail looks on mobile screens, since many viewers will see it that way. Ensure text and important elements are still clearly visible and effective on small screens.
Facebook Video Ad Thumbnail Examples
Here are some examples of effective Facebook video ad thumbnails:
| Thumbnail | Analysis |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Tools for Creating Thumbnails
Here are some useful tools for designing effective Facebook video ad thumbnails:
- Canva – Provides templates and easy drag-and-drop tools for creating social media graphics and thumbnails.
- Adobe Photoshop – The leading photo editing software that offers advanced tools for manipulating imagery.
- Adobe Illustrator – A vector graphics editor perfect for creating illustrations, logos, and stylized text.
- Fotor – Free online photo editor with templates and editing features for thumbnails.
- PicMonkey – Online photo editing platform with templates, graphics, and effects.
Conclusion
Creating a compelling, effective thumbnail is a key part of maximizing the success of your Facebook video ads. By following the recommended specifications for dimensions and file size, incorporating best practices for design, and using the right tools, you can make sure your thumbnails make a great first impression and get your videos the views they deserve.