You’re likely here because you:
- Know what is a thumbnail
- Don’t need an explanation or visual for what it is
- But you don’t know why it is called that way
And we’re here to explain.
Why is the cover of a YouTube video called a “thumbnail”?
Answer: The term “thumbnail” for video previews comes from the idea that they are tiny images, like the size of a human thumbnail.
YouTube thumbnails are called “thumbnails” because they’re small images representing larger videos, much like a thumbnail is a small version of a finger.
History of Thumbnails
The word “thumbnail” has been around for centuries, even before YouTube existed.
- It was originally used to describe a small drawing or sketch that was about the size of your thumb.
- Pretty obvious, huh?
- Over time, the term came to be used more generally for anything small and abbreviated, like a short biography.
In Arts: The term “thumbnail” has been also used in the art and publishing industries long before the digital age to describe a small illustration or sketch that gives a preview of a larger piece.
In the 1980s: With the rise of computers, “thumbnail” became the term for a small image preview of a larger image or file.
This perfectly describes the function of a YouTube thumbnail.
- It is a tiny image for every video
- And it gives you a quick glimpse of what a video is about.
Here’s a an example of an engaging thumbnail:
So, even though YouTube thumbnails might not be literally the size of your thumbnail, the name stuck around because it accurately reflects their small size and function as a preview
FAQ
1. What is Meant by Thumbnail in YouTube?
A thumbnail on YouTube is a small, clickable image that acts as a preview for a video. Thumbnails are super important for catching attention and giving a hint about the video’s theme or content.
2. Why does YouTube call it thumbnail?
YouTube calls it a “thumbnail” because it’s a small image meant to represent a larger video, similar to how an actual thumbnail is a small part of a hand.
When digital platforms like YouTube started using small images to give a quick glimpse of video content, the term naturally carried over.
Thank you for reading this,
Thumbnail Test
