How to create thumbnails for YouTube videos for overseas audiences: A detailed guide from design tips to fonts

How do you make a thumbnail for a YouTube video? I want to know how to do it overseas!

Creating a video thumbnail is very important to get more people to watch your YouTube videos .

To appeal to international viewers, we recommend creating a thumbnail that will catch the eye of many people.

Creating effective thumbnails is essential not only for personal YouTube channels, but also for channels run for business purposes such as product promotion and branding.

This article explains in detail how to create thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences .

We'll also explain how to deal with language differences, which is important when creating YouTube thumbnails for overseas audiences, so why not use this article as a reference to make your YouTube channel more appealing?

[Free] Recommended AI narration creation site for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences

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

In such cases, we recommend the AI reading service "Ondoku."

"Ondoku" is a reading service that uses the latest voice synthesis AI.

It supports over 48 languages from around the world , including English, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.

Any language can be synthesized with high-quality native pronunciation .

No installation is required and it can be used 24 hours a day from your browser, so you can easily create attractive YouTube videos that will appeal to overseas viewers!

What's more, "Ondoku" is free!

Since you can use it without registering or logging in , why not try using "Ondoku" to upload videos to YouTube for overseas audiences?

Why are thumbnails important for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences?

Thumbnails are important to get more viewers to watch your YouTube videos!

By paying attention to the thumbnails of your videos aimed at overseas audiences, you can dramatically increase the number of views and subscribers.

Attract international viewers with YouTube video thumbnails

The reason thumbnails are important when uploading videos to YouTube for overseas audiences is because they increase the chances of people opening them when they appear on YouTube's homepage or in related videos .

For YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences, thumbnails have a big impact on click-through rates.

When choosing a YouTube video, do you look at the thumbnail first?

The same goes for overseas viewers.

By creating a highly engaging thumbnail image using creative images, text, and overall design, you can dramatically increase the number of views for your video.

Additionally, when it comes to videos for marketing purposes such as product promotion and branding, it is important to create videos for each target country or region .

By including text in each language in the thumbnail, you can make your video more appealing to viewers in specific countries and regions.

Video thumbnails for overseas markets need to be created differently than those for domestic markets.

However, thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas viewers need to be created differently than thumbnails for videos aimed at domestic viewers .

For example, if you create your video in the same way as a video for Japan, the thumbnail image may look strange to overseas viewers.

Overseas audiences have different preferences depending on the country and region.

• Preference for color and contrast.
• Do you like calm expressions or flashy expressions?

You also need to choose a font that sounds natural for each country or region you target.

When creating videos for overseas audiences in English or other foreign languages, it is recommended that you clearly consider which countries or regions you are targeting before creating thumbnails.

Please use the points introduced in this article as a reference to create effective thumbnails.

7 ways to create compelling thumbnails for your international YouTube videos

I want to know how to create thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences!

Now, let's take a look at some specific points to consider when creating thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences.

1. Create YouTube video thumbnails in 16:9

When creating thumbnails for videos aimed at overseas audiences, it's important to have basic knowledge about YouTube thumbnails.

YouTube video thumbnail format :

• Resolution: 1280x720 pixels (aspect ratio 16:9)
• Image file formats: JPG, GIF, PNG, etc.
• File size: 2MB or less

It is as follows.

The image aspect ratio is 16:9.

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

You can also create and upload it at the same resolution as the video, 1920x1080 pixels.

2. Use fonts other than those included with the OS

When creating thumbnails for videos aimed at overseas audiences, it is very important to choose the appropriate font for each target country or region .

In particular, if you are using Windows, it is not recommended to use standard fonts.

*There is no problem with Mac, but we recommend installing fonts other than the standard ones.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable with the fonts used in advertisements created by overseas companies?

When overseas companies create advertisements for Japan, they often end up using standard Windows fonts such as MS Gothic, Meiryo, and Yu Gothic.

When Japanese companies create advertisements for the Japanese market, they rarely use the standard Windows fonts.

When creating YouTube video thumbnails for overseas audiences, choosing a font at random can often end up being the same thing.

To avoid such mistakes, it is recommended to research what fonts are preferred in your target country or region .

Generative AI such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini

What free, commercially available fonts would you recommend for YouTube video thumbnails in the US?

By asking questions like these , you can get advice on the best fonts to appeal to an international audience.

This article also introduces fonts that are perfect for YouTube video thumbnails aimed at overseas audiences, so be sure to check it out.

3. Use large font sizes

When creating a thumbnail for a YouTube video, it's important to use a large font size .

We recommend using either the left or right half of your thumbnail as space for text so that anyone can understand the content of your video at a glance.

Large font sizes limit the number of characters you can use , and it can often be difficult to come up with the right words for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences.

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

I'm making a YouTube video about ____. Can you think of 10 characters or less of text to include in the video's thumbnail image?

By giving instructions like these, they will come up with text that will effectively appeal to your viewers.

If you have a script, we recommend loading the script file before giving instructions.

Please provide 10 ideas

Another technique is to give instructions like this and then choose the one you like.

4. Choose extra-bold font weight

The thickness (weight) of the text used in YouTube thumbnail images is also important.

Choose the thickest font weight possible, such as "Extra Bold" or "Black."

There are some expressions that use thin letters, but these are for advanced users.

At first, you can't go wrong by using the boldest font available.

5. "Bullet-pointed letters" are best

When creating a YouTube thumbnail image, it is recommended that you use "outlined text" for all text.

Enclosed characters are characters that have an outline around them , as shown in the image.

Not only is it easier to read than typing text individually, but it also makes a strong impression on the viewer and makes an appealing impression.

It is also recommended to double the border, as shown in the image .

Almost all professionally created video thumbnails use outline text, which gives the impression that the video is highly polished.

6. Add a border in the image color around the image

A key to making your YouTube thumbnail image more attractive is to add a border around the image .

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

As shown in the image, surrounding the thumbnail with a thick line makes it stand out, increasing the chances of it being clicked (tapped) among many other thumbnails.

Color is also important when adding borders.

Deciding on an image color for your YouTube channel and using that color will give your viewers a consistent impression.

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

7. Slightly tilt the text to the right

When placing text, it is important to make sure it slopes slightly to the right .

A slight upward slope gives the image a dynamic feel , making it a more eye-catching thumbnail.

8. Cut out and place an image of a person

If you have a photo of a person you can use as your thumbnail, we recommend cropping the photo and overlaying it on a background image .

Photos of people can make a strong impression on your audience.

You can maximize the effect of portraits by placing the photo large, as in this image.

When placing a photograph of a person, adding a shadow (using "Stylize → Drop Shadow" in Illustrator) or a white border around the image (using "Layer Effects → Border" in Photoshop) can make it even more appealing.

When creating thumbnails for marketing purposes such as product promotion or branding, it is recommended to crop the product photo and arrange it in the same way.

YouTube thumbnails for overseas markets are complete

All that's left to do is adjust the text color and placement and your YouTube thumbnail for overseas audiences will be complete !

*If you are unsure about the color of the text, it is safest to start with the most visible color, red.

Why not use this method to create your own YouTube video thumbnails for overseas audiences?

[Free] We recommend "Ondoku" for creating YouTube videos for overseas audiences

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

Even if you grab viewers' attention with an attractive YouTube thumbnail for overseas users, if the audio is hard to hear or your pronunciation sounds unnatural, they'll close the video quickly.

In such cases, why not try using the AI reading service "Ondoku" ?

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

It can read out loud in over 48 languages, including English , with natural pronunciation just like a native speaker .

[Ondoku] Listen to the voices and sample audio for supported languages | Text-to-Speech Software Ondoku

Here we will introduce Ondoku's supported languages and sample audio.

By combining YouTube international thumbnails with high-quality audio, you can create compelling video content for international viewers.

It's easy to use, just enter the text and select the language!

Generate high-quality audio files in just seconds and download them instantly.

What's more, "Ondoku" is free to use and does not require registration or login !

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

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

Please take a look.

[2025 Latest] How to Add English Narration to YouTube Videos? Easy Creation with AI Voice Synthesis | Text-to-Speech Software Ondoku

A thorough explanation of how to add English narration to YouTube videos. Easily create high-quality foreign language narration using the free AI-powered text-to-speech service "Ondoku." Learn effective video production techniques to attract overseas viewers.

[Free] Recommended fonts for YouTube thumbnails for overseas audiences

Choosing the right font is important when creating thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences.

However, if you use the default font that comes with your PC, not only will it look unnatural, but it may also make your video look cheap.

So, from here on, I will introduce some recommended fonts that you can use for free right now.

• Montserrat : Recommended free English font
• Bebas Neue : A free vertical English font
• Black Han Sans : A recommended free Korean font
• Alibaba PuHuiTi : Recommended Free Simplified Chinese Fonts
• M+ : (Extra) Recommended free Japanese fonts

Montserrat: A recommended extra-bold font for YouTube English video thumbnails

The recommended font for creating thumbnails for English YouTube videos is "Montserrat."

Montserrat is one of the standard sans serif fonts (known as Gothic fonts in Japanese).

This is a free font, and what's great about it is that it comes in an extra-bold "Black" font .

It is distributed under the commercially available "SIL Open Font License," so you can use it safely in YouTube video thumbnails.

Download it for free from Google Fonts.

Montserrat - Google Fonts

Bebas Neue: A vertically elongated font perfect for thumbnails

"Bebas Neue" is a classic font characterized by its vertically elongated letterforms , perfect for video thumbnails.

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

It is free to use and can be downloaded from Google Fonts.

When creating thumbnails for English videos, you can't go wrong by starting with two types: "Montserrat" and "Bebas Neue."

Bebas Neue - Google Fonts

Black Han Sans: A classic, extra-bold font recommended for Korean video thumbnails

The recommended font for creating thumbnails for Korean YouTube videos is "Black Han Sans."

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

It can be downloaded from Google Font and is distributed under the "SIL Open Font License," which allows commercial use, so you can use it with confidence.

Black Han Sans - Google Fonts

Alibaba PuHuiTi: Free Chinese video thumbnail font

"Alibaba PuHuiTi" is a free font developed by Alibaba in China .

It is distributed under a proprietary license, but is stated to be free and available for commercial use in perpetuity.

It comes with an extra bold font weight, making it perfect for Chinese video thumbnails.

It can be downloaded from the Alibaba Fonts official website.

Alibaba public body

M+: Recommended free fonts for Japanese video thumbnails

This article will show you how to create thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences, and at the end we will also explain recommended Japanese fonts .

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

M+ is a sans-serif (Gothic) Japanese font available in nine font weights.

Even in the extra-bold (Black) weight, the font has no quirks and can be used in a wide range of situations.

*The images in this article also use the M+ Japanese font.

The license is the "SIL Open Font License", so it can be used for commercial purposes without any problems.

This is a free font that you should definitely use if you're unsure about what to use for your Japanese YouTube video thumbnail .

M+ FONTS

Recommended software for creating YouTube video thumbnails for overseas audiences

Finally, we will explain what software you should use to create thumbnails for YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences.

1. Adobe Illustrator | Graphic Design Standard

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

Requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for use.

It has been used as a standard graphic design software for many years, so its ease of use is guaranteed.

You'll be creating professional-looking YouTube video thumbnails in no time.

The monthly fee is a bit high, but it's paid software that's definitely worth it.

Vector Graphics Software – Adobe Illustrator

2. Inkscape | Create Thumbnails with Free Software

Inkscape is a free drawing software.

It is also known as an alternative to Adobe Illustrator.

Adobe Illustrator is a highly functional software, but if you just want to create thumbnails for YouTube videos, free software is sufficient.

It has enough functionality to place images and text and create thumbnails.

Of course, once you master it, you can create professional designs.

Inkscape - Draw Freely. | Inkscape

Why not promote your YouTube videos aimed at overseas audiences with thumbnails?

If you want to get more views on your YouTube videos, we recommend focusing on your thumbnails.

By simply keeping in mind the points introduced in this article, you can create thumbnails that will attract the attention of many viewers.

By creating narration using AI voice synthesis, you can easily create YouTube videos for overseas audiences.

Why not try creating a YouTube video for an overseas audience and instantly increase your views 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