How to choose your Video thumbnail image 

Your video thumbnail is often the first visual investors encounter on your SeedBlink campaign page. This critical image determines whether investors click to watch your pitch or continue scrolling.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 1280×720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
• Resolution: Minimum 72 DPI
• Format: JPG or PNG
• File size: Under 5MB

Effective thumbnail approaches

1. Founder-focused thumbnail

Show the founder(s) looking directly at the camera with confident, approachable expressions.

Why it works:
Creates immediate personal connection and builds trust.

Examples:

• Epic Games' CEO with arms crossed against company logo background
• Koenigsegg's founder alongside their flagship hypercar
• .lumen's CEO demonstrating their smart glasses for the visually impaired

2. Product showcase thumbnails

Feature your product clearly as the main subject, ensuring it's immediately recognizable, with your 5-seconds pitch tagline.

Why it works:
Instantly communicates what you're offering.

Examples:

• Pago's app interface displayed on multiple smartphone screens
• Close-up of technology in use with visible results
• Product with subtle founder presence in background

3. Problem-solution thumbnail

Use a split-image approach showing the problem on one side and your solution on the other.

Why it works:
Tells your value proposition story in a single glance.

Examples:

• Traditional payment methods vs. Pago's digital solution
• Before/after comparison showing your product's impact
• Visual representation of transformation your product enables

4. Team-based thumbnails

Show your core team working together in your office or lab environment.

Why it works:
Demonstrates depth of expertise and collaborative culture.

Examples:

• Team gathered around product prototype
• Diverse team members actively engaged in discussion
• Founders with key technical team members in workspace

Thumbnail design principles

1. Clarity over complexity

Your thumbnail should be instantly understandable at small sizes. Avoid busy backgrounds or cluttered compositions.

2. European visual sensibility

SeedBlink investors appreciate professional, substantive imagery rather than overly promotional visuals. Adopt a more European aesthetic that values authenticity and professionalism.

3. Emotional connection

Choose images that evoke positive emotions aligned with your brand: trust for fintech, excitement for consumer products, hope for healthcare solutions.

4. Brand consistency

Ensure your thumbnail visually connects to your overall brand identity through consistent colors, styling, and tone.

5. High professional quality

Poor image quality signals lack of attention to detail. Use proper lighting, composition, and professional equipment. Avoid AI-Generated images.

Common Thumbnail Mistakes

• Avoid cluttering your thumbnail with excessive text. If you use text, limit to 3-4 words maximum.
• Investors can immediately recognize inauthentic stock images. Always use original photography when possible.
• Complex diagrams, technical specifications, or abstract representations rarely perform well as thumbnails.
• Ensure your thumbnail accurately represents what investors will see in your video to maintain trust.
• Avoid tired imagery like lightbulbs, rockets, handshakes, or people in suits pointing at whiteboards.

Industry-specific recommendations

For Tech Startups: Focus on showing your technology in use rather than abstract representations. Show real screens with your interface visible enough to understand its purpose.

For Hardware/Physical Products: Feature clear, well-lit product photography with professional staging. Consider showing the product in use by a real customer.

For B2B Solutions: Highlight results and outcomes rather than processes. Use professional environments that reflect your target industry.

For Healthcare/Biotech: Balance technical credibility with human impact. Consider showing your team in lab environments or your solution helping real patients.

For Sustainable/Green Startups: Showcase your environmental impact with authentic imagery that avoids clichéd "green" symbolism. Show real results of your solution.

Testing your thumbnail

Before finalizing your choice:

Remember:
Your thumbnail should make investors feel something powerful enough to click play.