Face in Thumbnail
Whether the thumbnail shows a human face. Our AI analysis detects whether a face is present and visible in the thumbnail image, regardless of size or position.
The human brain has dedicated neural circuits for processing faces — we detect and evaluate faces faster than any other visual element. A thumbnail with a face is processed in milliseconds, creating an instant emotional impression that text-only or graphic thumbnails cannot match.
Average Video shows the effect on a typical video. Top 10% Video shows the effect on videos in the top 10% of views — estimated via quantile regression, so you can see whether a factor helps most videos a little, or pushes the top performers much higher.
When present
The thumbnail shows a human face, which triggers instant recognition and emotional processing.
Videos with this factor
When absent
The thumbnail has no human face — it might be text, a graphic, a building, or an empty podium.
