How do you create a thumbnail for an OnlyFans video?

Want to make your OnlyFans videos stand out in a sea of content? Thumbnails might be your secret weapon. They’re the first thing potential fans see and can make or break their decision to click on your video.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on how to create attention-grabbing thumbnails for your videos on OnlyFans.

Spicy Creators Leo and Bitsy got their sweat on wearing heels.

Technical requirements

Getting the technical aspects right for your OnlyFans thumbnails can make a big difference. 

 Image size and resolution

Make sure your thumbnails look great on any device, including desktops, smartphones, and tablets.

A common size for thumbnails is 1280x720 pixels, which ensures clarity and detail. To keep your thumbnails looking sharp, avoid blurry or pixelated images by aiming for a resolution of at least 72 DPI (dots per inch).

File format

The two most common formats for thumbnails are JPG and PNG. 

• JPG: Ideal for images with lots of colors and gradients because they compress well, keeping file sizes smaller without significant loss in quality. 

• PNG: Perfect for images with text, logos, or transparent backgrounds as they maintain high quality and clarity, though they tend to have larger file sizes. 

Tools 

No design skills? No problem! There are plenty of tools available:

• Canva: Canva is a free platform offering a user-friendly interface with lots of templates and design options. It also has a mobile app, which is handy for on-the-go editing. 

• Adobe Photoshop: Paid software like Adobe Photoshop provides advanced features and greater control over the editing process for more experienced users, perfect for those wanting to fine-tune every detail. 

• Thumbnail-specific tool: On websites like Thumbnail Blaster or Snappa you can get templates designed specifically for thumbnails. They often come with built-in tools for adding text and adjusting colors. 

• Alternatives: Mobile apps like Snapseed and desktop programs like GIMP (a free alternative to Photoshop) are good alternatives.

Design principles

Let’s dive into some design principles that can really make your OnlyFans thumbnails pop. 

Composition

Be mindful when choosing pictures. High-quality images work best—think well-it shots with popping colors. You can take a screenshot of one part of your video or create a custom image.

A handy composition trick is the rule of thirds, which involves dividing your image into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. 

When you place key elements along these lines or where they intersect, your thumbnail looks more balanced and interesting. For example, if you're in the thumbnail, try positioning your face or body at one of these spots to grab the most attention.

Another key aspect of composition is visual hierarchy. This involves organizing elements so viewers naturally look where you want them to. Use size, color, and placement to make sure the most important information stands out. For instance, if you have text on your thumbnail, make it big and bold enough to catch the eye first, then use smaller images or icons to support the main message. 

Color theory

Color theory is another powerful tool. Different colors evoke different moods. Reds can create a sense of excitement, pinks can feel fun and flirty, while blues and greens can give a sense of relaxation. 

Play with contrast to make your text and images pop. For example, if your background is dark, use light-colored text to it easier to read. 

Typography

Typography plays a big role when it comes to brand identity. Choose fonts that reflect your brand and keep them consistent across all your content. A clean, bold font can convey confidence and clarity, while a more whimsical font can add a fun, personal touch. 

Just make sure it’s easy to read. You don’t want viewers to have to squint to read your text!

OnlyFans Creator Jessie Sims likes to keep it fun and playful, with the predominant color being pink.

Creator Dominican Sofi goes for a clean and timeless font with colors matching the video’s content. 

Content considerations

When creating thumbnails for your OnlyFans content, highlight the best parts of your videos. Think of your thumbnail as a little teaser—give viewers a sneak peek without revealing too much. Thumbnails should grab attention and spark curiosity.

Keeping your branding consistent is key. Using a similar style across all your thumbnails (and your profile) helps build recognition and trust with your audience. This means sticking to the same color scheme, font choice, and overall aesthetic. When viewers see a consistent style, they’ll recognize your content more easily.

Creator Shanti’s thumbnail lets you know the video will be full of fun and adventure. 

Text overlays

Text overlays give fans a hint of what they can expect from the video

They can also include a call to action like Creator thesasssyclub did below. Avoid text that’s too long or hard to read.

Facial expressions and poses

Facial expressions and poses are crucial for engaging viewers. Making eye contact in your thumbnails can really connect with viewers and make them want to click. 

When choosing your thumbnails, think about the vibe you want to give off. Alluring poses add extra intrigue and draw people in. A smile or playful expression can make your content feel welcoming and friendly, while a more intense look adds drama and mystery. 

OnlyFans spicy Creator Amber Jay shares cocktail recipes in her “Sipping through time” video series. 

Like mentioned earlier, you can also take a screenshot of a part of your video to be featured as thumbnail. This is super easy to do. On a computer, you can usually use keyboard shortcuts like "Print Screen" or "Command + Shift + 4" (on Mac) to capture the whole screen or a selected area. On mobile devices, it’s often as simple as pressing the power and volume down buttons at the same time.

Legal and ethical considerations

Only use original or properly licensed images for your OnlyFans thumbnails. This means that any photo, graphic, or artwork you use should either be created by you or you should have permission to use it. 

Websites like Unsplash or Pexels offer licensed images, but it’s important to check the terms before using them. Some of these free images can’t be used commercially, which includes OnlyFans. 

It’s also important to avoid misrepresenting your content.our thumbnail should reflect what’s in your video. It might be tempting to use a flashy or shocking image to get more clicks, but this can backfire. Viewers don’t like being tricked, and using misleading thumbnails—often referred to as clickbait—can lead to complaints and loss of trust. 

Testing and optimization

Testing and optimizing your OnlyFans thumbnails can help you understand what appeals most to your audience. 

Have you ever heard of A/B testing? This method involves trying different thumbnail variations to see which ones get more clicks. You could create two thumbnails for the same video (for example, one with a close-up of your face and another showing a full-body shot) to see which performs best. By comparing the performance of these variations, you can identify which elements are most appealing to your viewers.

Keep an eye on the performance of your thumbnails by looking at metrics like click-through rates and view counts. Over time, you’ll start to notice trends that can help you shape your content strategy moving forward. For example, you might find that thumbnails with bright colors perform better, or that ones featuring text overlays get more clicks.

Creating thumbnails for your OnlyFans videos

Creating great thumbnails for your OnlyFans content is key to attracting viewers. 

Highlight the best features of your videos to give a sneak peek. Use eye-catching facial expressions and poses to create a connection and add intrigue. 

To build recognition and trust with your audience, stick to a similar style, color scheme, and fonts across all your thumbnails. Experiment with A/B testing to see which thumbnails work best, and always ensure your thumbnails accurately reflect your video’s content. 

Even if you’re not design savvy, there are plenty of online tools you can use to boost your design game and create a brand identity that sticks.