thumbnail Factor

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.

Regular Videos
+53%
solid pattern
Top 10% Video
+4%
trend only

Average Video is the effect on a typical video. Top 10% Video is the effect on the videos that broke out (top decile of views) — 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 it comes to Saudi Arabia, the president isn’t putting America first.
When it comes to Saudi Arabia, the president isn’t putting America first.
Adam Schiff · 180K views
"Trump’s $250 Bill Helps Drug Dealers, Not Americans"
"Trump’s $250 Bill Helps Drug Dealers, Not Americans"
Brad Sherman · 11K views
Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans are cowards.
Speaker Mike Johnson and House Republicans are cowards.
Sara Jacobs · 3K views
Senator condemns Islamophobia within the Trump administration
Senator condemns Islamophobia within the Trump administration
Mark Warner · 2K views
Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival
Elissa Slotkin · 1K views

When absent

The thumbnail has no human face — it might be text, a graphic, a building, or an empty podium.

Videos without this factor

Rally for Our Republic
Rally for Our Republic
Jon Ossoff · 117K views
Governor Newsom, First Partner Deliver Remarks at California Service Corps Event
Governor Newsom, First Partner Deliver Remarks at California Service Corps Event
Gavin Newsom · 5K views
April 30, 2024 | Governor Wes Moore Press Conference on the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
April 30, 2024 | Governor Wes Moore Press Conference on the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Wes Moore · 3K views
John Sununu: connected to all the wrong people, fighting for all the wrong things.
John Sununu: connected to all the wrong people, fighting for all the wrong things.
Chris Pappas · 2K views
The President’s tariffs are a lawless tax on YOU. That’s why I filed a brief to challenge them.
The President’s tariffs are a lawless tax on YOU. That’s why I filed a brief to challenge them.
Maggie Goodlander · 1K views