In the world of YouTube, where attention is the currency and watch time reigns supreme, content creators are constantly searching for ways to engage their audience and keep them hooked. MrBeast, one of the platform’s biggest stars known for his extravagant stunts and acts of generosity, recently shared a unique strategy he employed to increase watch time on his videos – closing his mouth in video thumbnails.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a video thumbnail is the small image that viewers see before clicking on a video. It serves as a sneak peek, enticing potential viewers to click and watch. Thumbnails play a crucial role in a video’s click-through rate (CTR), which in turn impacts watch time and overall video performance.

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is celebrated for his ability to captivate audiences and keep them engaged throughout his videos, often lasting longer minutes. His content ranges from jaw-dropping challenges to heartwarming acts of philanthropy. However, in the competitive landscape of YouTube, even a creator as skilled as MrBeast seeks ways to improve his videos’ performance.

In a recent tweet where he discussed the art of creating enticing thumbnails, MrBeast revealed that one particular strategy had a surprising impact on watch time – keeping his mouth closed in the thumbnail image. While this might sound like a trivial detail, it sheds light on the meticulous approach that successful YouTubers take in crafting their content.

The logic behind this thumbnail strategy is quite intriguing. MrBeast explained that when he keeps his mouth closed in the thumbnail, viewers are more likely to click on the video. Why? Because closed mouths convey a sense of mystery and intrigue. It leaves viewers wondering what the content creator is up to, prompting them to click on the video to find out.

For instance, imagine a thumbnail with MrBeast wide-eyed and his mouth slightly agape. While this might accurately represent his genuine reaction to a surprising event within the video, it doesn’t necessarily make viewers curious. They might assume they’ve already seen the best part just from the thumbnail and decide not to watch. However, when MrBeast opts for a thumbnail where he closes his mouth, viewers are left wondering what’s inside the video that’s worth watching.

This strategy taps into a fundamental aspect of human psychology – curiosity. People are naturally curious beings, and they often seek answers to questions or mysteries. By employing thumbnails that pique viewers’ curiosity, creators like MrBeast are more likely to draw in a larger audience.

However, it’s essential to note that while this strategy has worked well for MrBeast, it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for every YouTuber. Thumbnail strategies can vary widely depending on the niche, content style, and target audience. What’s crucial is understanding your audience’s preferences and testing different approaches to see what resonates best.

MrBeast’s revelation about using closed-mouth thumbnails to boost watch time offers valuable insights into the world of YouTube content creation. It underscores the significance of thumbnails in driving CTR and watch time. Moreover, it highlights the power of curiosity as a driving force behind viewers’ decisions to click and engage with content. Aspiring YouTubers and content creators can take away the lesson that even small details, like a facial expression in a thumbnail, can have a significant impact on a video’s performance. Ultimately, it’s about understanding your audience, experimenting with different strategies, and continually striving to improve the viewer experience.