How to Create YouTube Thumbnails for International Audiences? Detailed Explanation from Design Tips to Fonts

How do you make thumbnails for YouTube videos? I want to know the methods for overseas audiences!

To get many people to play your YouTube videos, the way you create video thumbnails is very important.

To appeal to overseas viewers, we recommend creating thumbnails that catch many people's eyes.

Effective thumbnail creation is essential not only for personal YouTube channels but also for business-oriented channels such as product promotion and branding.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to create thumbnails for YouTube videos targeting overseas audiences.

We will also explain how to deal with language differences, which are important when creating YouTube thumbnails for overseas markets. Why not use this article as a reference to make your YouTube channel more attractive?

[Free] Recommended AI Narration Creation Site for Overseas YouTube Videos

When uploading videos for overseas audiences to YouTube, adding narration with native pronunciation is just as important as the thumbnail.

In such cases, we recommend the AI text-to-speech service "Ondoku".

"Ondoku" is a text-to-speech service that adopts the latest speech synthesis AI.

It supports more than 48 languages worldwide, including English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.

Speech synthesis is possible for any language with high-quality native pronunciation.

Since no installation is required and it can be used 24 hours a day from your browser, you can easily produce attractive YouTube videos that strongly appeal to overseas viewers!

Furthermore, "Ondoku" is free!

It can be used without registration or login, so why not start by using "Ondoku" to upload your videos for overseas audiences to YouTube?

Why are Thumbnails Important for YouTube Videos Targeting Overseas?

Thumbnails are crucial for getting more viewers to see your YouTube videos!

By focusing on thumbnails for overseas videos, you can significantly increase your view counts and subscribers.

Appeal to Overseas Viewers with YouTube Video Thumbnails

The reason thumbnails are important when uploading overseas videos to YouTube is that they increase the probability of your video being opened when it appears on the YouTube top page or in related videos.

For overseas YouTube videos, the thumbnail significantly influences the click-through rate.

Don't you also look at the thumbnail first when choosing a YouTube video?

The same goes for overseas viewers.

By creating thumbnail images that strongly attract interest through clever use of images, text, and overall design, you can explosively increase your video views.

Also, for marketing videos such as product promotion and branding, it is important to produce videos for each target country and region.

By including text in each language on the thumbnail, it is possible to more strongly appeal to viewers in specific countries and regions.

Overseas Video Thumbnails Require a Different Approach Than Domestic Ones

However, for overseas YouTube video thumbnails, a different approach is needed compared to thumbnails for domestic videos.

For example, if you use the same style as videos for the Japanese market, it may result in thumbnail images that feel out of place to overseas viewers.

Preferences of overseas viewers vary by country and region.

• Preferences for color and contrast.
• Whether they prefer calm expressions or flashy ones.

It is also necessary to choose fonts that do not feel out of place for each target country and region.

When making overseas videos in English or other foreign languages, we recommend creating thumbnails after clearly considering which country or region's viewers you are targeting.

Please refer to the points introduced in this article to create effective thumbnails.

7 Methods for Creating Attractive Thumbnails for Overseas YouTube Videos

I want to know how to make thumbnails for YouTube videos targeting overseas!

Now, let's specifically explain the points for creating thumbnails for overseas YouTube videos.

1. Create YouTube Video Thumbnails in 16:9

The first important thing when creating thumbnails for overseas videos is basic knowledge about YouTube thumbnails.

The format for YouTube video thumbnails is:

• Resolution: 1280x720 pixels (Aspect Ratio 16:9)
• Image file formats: JPG, GIF, PNG, etc.
• File size: Under 2MB

This is how it is structured.

The aspect ratio of the image is 16:9.

Even if the image resolution is large, it will be resized during upload, so there is no problem if it is large.

It is fine to create and upload at 1920x1080 pixels, the same as the video.

2. Use Fonts Other Than Those Pre-installed in the OS

A very important point when making thumbnails for overseas videos is choosing appropriate fonts for each target country and region.

In particular, if you are using Windows, using standard fonts is a no-go.

*In the case of Mac, it is not a problem, but we recommend installing fonts other than the standard ones as well.

Have you ever felt a sense of discomfort with the fonts in advertisements made by foreign companies?

A common mistake when overseas companies make advertisements for Japan is using standard Windows fonts like MS Gothic, Meiryo, or Yu Gothic.

When Japanese companies make advertisements for Japan, they rarely use standard Windows fonts.

The same thing tends to happen when you choose fonts haphazardly for overseas YouTube video thumbnails.

To prevent such mistakes, we recommend researching what kind of fonts are preferred in the target country or region.

By asking generative AI such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini a question like:

Please tell me recommended commercial-use free fonts to use for YouTube video thumbnails targeting the United States.

You can get advice on the best fonts to appeal to overseas viewers.

This article also introduces fonts perfect for overseas YouTube video thumbnails, so please take a look.

3. Arrange Text with a Large Font Size

An important thing when making YouTube video thumbnails is arranging text with a large font size.

To ensure anyone can understand the video content at a glance, we recommend using either the left or right half of the thumbnail as a space for text.

The number of characters you can use is limited with large font sizes, and for overseas YouTube videos, it is often difficult to come up with the exact words.

In such cases, we recommend using generative AI services like ChatGPT, Claude, or Google Gemini.

I am producing a YouTube video about [Topic]. Please think of text to put in the thumbnail image within 10 characters.

By giving instructions like this, they will think of text that effectively appeals to viewers.

If you have a script, we also recommend giving instructions after having them read the script file.

Please give me 10 different ideas.

There is also a technique where you give instructions like this and choose the one you like.

4. Use Extra Bold Font Weights Only

For text used in YouTube thumbnail images, the thickness (weight) setting is also important.

For the font weight, choose the thickest ones available, such as "Extra Bold" or "Black."

While there are expressions that use thin characters, they are for advanced users.

In the beginning, you can't go wrong if you use the thickest characters available from your options.

5. Outlined Text is Best

When creating YouTube thumbnail images, we recommend making all text "outlined text."

Outlined text refers to text with a border around it, as shown in the image.

Not only is it easier to read than plain text, but it also leaves a strong impression and appeals to viewers.

As shown in the image, making the border double is also recommended.

Almost all video thumbnails made by professionals use outlined text, so you can also give the impression of a high-quality video.

6. Add an Image Color Border Around the Image

A point to make your YouTube thumbnail image more attractive is adding a border around the image.

This is especially important when the background of the thumbnail is a photo.

As in the image, surrounding the edges with a thick line makes the thumbnail stand out, increasing the probability of it being clicked (tapped) from among many thumbnails lined up.

Color is also important when adding a border.

By deciding on an image color for your YouTube channel and using that color, you can give viewers a consistent impression.

If you don't have a specific image color, it's safe to use strong colors like red or black.

7. Tilt the Text Slightly Upward to the Right

When placing text, it is also a point to place it with a slight upward tilt to the right.

By tilting it slightly upward to the right, you can give a dynamic impression to the image, making it a thumbnail that catches more people's eyes.

8. Cut Out and Place Images of People

If you can use photos of people in your thumbnail, we recommend cutting out the photo and layering it over the background image.

Photos of people can leave a strong impression on viewers.

By placing the photo large as in this image, you can maximize the effect of the human photo.

When placing a photo of a person, it becomes even more attractive if you add a shadow (Illustrator's "Stylize -> Drop Shadow") or add a white border around the image (Photoshop's "Layer Style -> Stroke").

In thumbnail production for marketing purposes such as product promotion or branding, it is also recommended to cut out product photos and place them in the same way.

Overseas YouTube Thumbnail Complete

Now, just by adjusting the text color and placement, your YouTube thumbnail for overseas audiences is complete!

*If you're unsure about the text color, it's generally safe to start with red, which is the most prominent.

Why not try making your own overseas YouTube video thumbnails based on this creation method?

[Free] "Ondoku" is Recommended for Overseas YouTube Video Production

When making overseas YouTube videos, video narration with native pronunciation is just as important as the thumbnail.

Even if you attract a viewer's attention with an attractive overseas YouTube thumbnail, if the audio is hard to hear or the pronunciation is unnatural, they will close the video immediately.

In such cases, why not try using the AI text-to-speech service "Ondoku"?

"Ondoku" is a text-to-speech service that can synthesize speech using cutting-edge AI technology.

It can read aloud in more than 48 languages, including English, with natural pronunciation just like a native speaker.

【Ondoku】Listen to voice types and sample audio for supported languages | Text-to-speech software Ondoku

Here we introduce the supported languages and sample voices of Ondoku.

By combining overseas YouTube thumbnails with high-quality audio, you can produce attractive video content for overseas viewers.

Operation is easy—simply enter text and select the language!

You can generate high-quality audio files in just a few seconds and download them immediately.

Furthermore, "Ondoku" is free and can be used without registration or login!

If you're making overseas YouTube videos, why not start by creating foreign language narration with "Ondoku"?

This article explains how to create foreign language narration for YouTube using "Ondoku".

Please take a look.

[Latest 2025] How to add English narration to YouTube videos? Easy production with AI speech synthesis | Text-to-speech software Ondoku

A thorough explanation of how to add English narration to YouTube videos. Easily produce high-quality foreign language narration with the free AI text-to-speech service "Ondoku." Introducing video production techniques effective for gaining overseas viewers.

[Free] Recommended Fonts for Overseas YouTube Thumbnails

Font selection is important when making thumbnails for overseas YouTube videos.

However, using the fonts that come by default on your PC as they are can not only feel out of place but also make the video look cheap...

Therefore, from here, we will specifically introduce recommended fonts that you can use for free right now.

• Montserrat: Recommended free font for English
• Bebas Neue: Free English font with a condensed typeface
• Black Han Sans: Recommended free font for Korean
• Alibaba PuHuiTi: Recommended free font for Simplified Chinese
• M+: (Extra) Recommended free font for Japanese

Montserrat: Recommended Extra Bold Font for English YouTube Video Thumbnails

A recommended font when making thumbnails for English YouTube videos is "Montserrat."

Montserrat is one of the standard sans-serif fonts (what would be called Gothic type in Japanese).

It is a free font, and a key point is that it provides an extra bold "Black" weight.

Since it is distributed under the commercial-ready "SIL Open Font License," you can use it with peace of mind for YouTube video thumbnails.

It can be downloaded for free from Google Fonts.

Montserrat - Google Fonts

Bebas Neue: A Standard Thumbnail Font Characterized by its Condensed Typeface

"Bebas Neue" is a standard font perfect for video thumbnails, characterized by its condensed (vertically long) typeface.

This is also distributed under the "SIL Open Font License," so you can use it for YouTube video thumbnails without worrying about licensing.

It is available for free and can be downloaded from Google Fonts.

If you are making English video thumbnails, you can't go wrong if you first prepare these two types: "Montserrat" and "Bebas Neue."

Bebas Neue - Google Fonts

Black Han Sans: A Standard Extra Bold Font Recommended for Korean Video Thumbnails

A recommended font when making thumbnails for YouTube videos targeting Korea is "Black Han Sans."

Black Han Sans is a Hangul font characterized by its extra bold weight and is widely used for advertisements and other purposes in Korea.

It can be downloaded from Google Fonts and is distributed under the commercial-ready "SIL Open Font License," so it can be used with confidence.

Black Han Sans - Google Fonts

Alibaba PuHuiTi: A Free Font Usable for Chinese Video Thumbnails

"Alibaba PuHuiTi (阿里巴巴普惠体)" is a free font developed by Alibaba in China.

While it is distributed under its own license, it states that it is permanently free and available for commercial use.

Since an extra bold font weight is provided, it is perfect for Chinese video thumbnails.

It can be downloaded from the Alibaba Fonts official website.

阿里巴巴普惠体

M+: A Recommended Free Font for Japanese Video Thumbnails

This article introduces how to create thumbnails for overseas YouTube videos, but finally, we will also explain recommended fonts for Japanese.

Among free Japanese fonts, "M+" is particularly recommended for video thumbnails.

M+ is a sans-serif (Gothic) Japanese font that comes with 9 types of font weights.

Even at the extra bold (Black) weight, the typeface has no quirks and can be utilized in a wide range of situations.

*M+ is also used for the Japanese fonts in the images of this article.

The license is "SIL Open Font License," so there is no problem using it for commercial purposes.

It is a free font you definitely want to use if you're unsure about Japanese YouTube video thumbnails.

M+ FONTS

Recommended Software for Creating Overseas YouTube Video Thumbnails

Finally, we will explain what kind of software you should use to create overseas YouTube video thumbnails.

1. Adobe Illustrator | Standard Software for Graphic Design

Adobe Illustrator is a standard paid software also used for creating printed materials.

To use it, you need to sign up for an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription.

Being a standard software for graphic design that has been used for many years, its ease of use is guaranteed.

You can immediately create professional-level YouTube video thumbnails.

While the monthly fee is high, it is a paid software that certainly has that value.

Vector Graphics Software – Adobe Illustrator

2. Inkscape | Create Thumbnails with Free Software

Inkscape is a drawing software that can be used for free.

It is also known as an alternative software to Adobe Illustrator.

While Adobe Illustrator is a high-performance software, free software is sufficient if you are only making YouTube video thumbnails.

It has enough functions for arranging images and text to create thumbnails.

Of course, by mastering it, you can also perform full-scale design.

Inkscape - Draw Freely. | Inkscape

Why Not Appeal to Overseas Audiences with Your YouTube Video Thumbnails?

If you want to further increase your YouTube video views, we recommend putting effort into your thumbnails.

Just by being conscious of the points introduced in this article, you can create thumbnails that attract the attention of many viewers.

If you create narration with AI speech synthesis, overseas YouTube videos can be easily produced.

Why not produce YouTube videos for overseas audiences and explosively increase your view counts and subscribers?

■ AI voice synthesis software "Ondoku"

"Ondoku" is an online text-to-speech tool that can be used with no initial costs.

• Supports approximately 50 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German
• Available from both PC and smartphone
• Suitable for business, education, entertainment, etc.
• No installation required, can be used immediately from your browser
• Supports reading from images

To use it, simply enter text or upload a file on the site. A natural-sounding audio file will be generated within seconds. You can use voice synthesis up to 5,000 characters for free, so please give it a try.

Text-to-speech software "Ondoku" can read out 5000 characters every month with AI voice for free. You can easily download MP3s and commercial use is also possible. If you sign up for free, you can convert up to 5,000 characters per month for free from text to speech. Try Ondoku now.

HP: ondoku3.com
Email: ondoku3.com@gmail.com