YouTube's Thumbnail Test and Compare Feature

YouTube's Thumbnail Test and Compare Feature is here!

YouTube has just launched a remarkable new feature called 'Test & Compare' that’s set to revolutionize how creators optimize their video thumbnails. This tool allows you to upload up to three different thumbnails for a single video and lets YouTube determine which one your viewers prefer the most.

The 'Test & Compare' feature operates by evenly showing your uploaded thumbnails across your viewers and measuring which generates the most watch time. This approach takes the guesswork out of choosing the best thumbnail.

Once you conclude the test, if one thumbnail significantly outperforms the others, YouTube will automatically update it as the winner. If the results are close, YouTube will suggest a preferred thumbnail. And if there’s no clear winner, the platform will stick with the first thumbnail you uploaded.

Thumbnails are not just for getting clicks; they help viewers understand what your video is about, ensuring they don't waste time on irrelevant content.

To maximize the effectiveness of this tool, consider starting small by testing it on a few older videos to gather initial insights. Then, apply what you learn to your new videos.

It’s smart, easy to use, and provides the data-driven insights needed to make informed decisions. Give it a try, and watch your engagement soar!

Mysteriously Losing Blue Checkmark - TikTok’s latest mishaps

The blue checkmark, once a surefire sign of success, is causing a stir. According to NBC, even accounts with millions of followers are losing their blue badges—and TikTok isn't giving any hints as to why. This has everyone wondering: Are blue ticks just about proving you're the real deal, or something more?

Originally, verification was meant to confirm identities like celebrities and brands. But for creators, it's become a symbol of being super popular and important. This situation highlights how these badges are changing and blurring the lines between who you are and how much influence you hold.

Don't get hung up on the blue tick, though! Focus on making awesome content for your viewers. Because let's be honest, the real win is having fans who love your content!

Creator Spotlight: WVFRM

Ever wonder what it takes to launch a podcast that shoots to the top of the charts in just a couple of years? Welcome to the WVFRM podcast, the brainchild of YouTube tech superstar Marques Brownlee (MKBHD for short) and his buddy Andrew Manganelli. This podcast isn't a typical snoozefest; it's a high-energy zone for gadget lovers, and tech whizzes to be enthusiastic about the latest, greatest, and maybe not-so-greatest tech trends.

Waveform isn't afraid to shake things up a little. MKBHD is known for his brutally honest reviews; that same fire carries over to the podcast. They tackle hot topics, dissect news stories, and don't shy away from voicing their opinions, even if it means stepping on a few toes in the tech industry.

As of today, the podcast has 384K subscribers and an exciting library of 180 videos. Each episode consistently attracts an impressive average of 311K main video views, with the most popular video having over 1.4M views.

Here's the shocker: MKBHD launched Waveform late to the party. The tech podcast world is already jam-packed, right? But here's the thing – MKBHD isn't one to follow the crowd. He took his time, planned every detail (from the kind of news they cover to the fancy equipment they use), and launched a podcast that feels polished and professional.

It's like the difference between a food truck and a Michelin-star restaurant—fill your stomach, but you expect a certain level of quality from one over the other.

So, how did they rise to fame so fast? Well, it's not magic. MKBHD already had a massive audience on YouTube (we're talking millions of subscribers!), so promoting Waveform was easy.

He cleverly used his existing platform to spread the word, letting viewers know about this fantastic new project. Plus, let's face it, the guy has a deep understanding of the tech world. When he talks about tech, it's not like your average Joe rambling on; it's coming from someone who knows his stuff inside and out. Selling something to your audience becomes much easier when they already trust you.

Read more here.

In other news…

• Instagram's upcoming feature allowing creators to generate AI versions of themselves raises questions: Does this innovation signal a leap forward in user engagement across social media, or are we straying far away from reality?

• People are still debating over YouTube dislikes. There was a huge uproar about the YouTube dislike button and for those who still care, it’s time you move on.

• TikTok is expanding its "Out of Phone" campaigns to include user-generated content (UGC) from creators in off-platform promotions such as billboards and in-store displays. This initiative called "Out of Home: Branded Mission," aims to enhance brand visibility and engagement by leveraging the creativity and popularity of TikTok creators​