How do you create a video cover that catches someone's attention? | Mo Ismail (2 of 5)
Video strategist Mo Ismail delivers a clear prescription for scroll-stopping video thumbnails: make your title the star, keep contrast simple, and test legibility at 25% zoom. Think of your cover like a movie theater marquee — the title gets people through the door.
Show Notes
In This Episode
Mo Ismail tackles the question every content creator faces: how do you create a video cover that catches someone's attention? Mo breaks down why most creators over-produce their graphics and under-prioritize the one element that actually drives clicks — the title. He shares a practical framework for designing thumbnails that work across YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Key Takeaways
- Make the title the dominant element on your cover — don't let colors, graphics, or your face compete with it for attention
- Test your thumbnail at 25% zoom: if you can still read the title at that size, you're good
- Write titles that challenge or affirm an existing assumption the audience holds — this triggers an emotional response that drives clicks
- For talking-head videos, include a photo showing a facial expression that represents the emotional outcome of the content
- Think of your cover like a movie theater marquee: the biggest thing in lights is what gets people in the door
About Mo Ismail
Mo Ismail is a video strategist helping digital entrepreneurs, course creators, digital product sellers, and thought leaders explode their video content, create fans, and make money through banger videos.
Connect
- Hosted by Adam Matossian and Alicia Jones
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