Thumbnail Emotion
The dominant emotion displayed in the thumbnail, usually through the facial expression of the person shown. Classified by AI visual analysis of the thumbnail image.
Humans read facial expressions instinctively and in milliseconds. A thumbnail showing strong emotion — surprise, anger, confidence — triggers mirror neurons that make the viewer feel something before they consciously decide to click. Neutral expressions fail to create that involuntary engagement.
Each value below shows two numbers when available: Regular/Shorts is the effect on a typical video, and Top 10% is the effect on the videos that broke out (top decile of views). Use the Top 10% column to see what disproportionately helps videos that go big.
Strong
+8% views Top 10% +13% trend only · vs. average
Real examples from the dataset
No Face
Regular +6% Shorts +10% Top 10% +22% trend only · vs. average
Real examples from the dataset
Angry
+0% views trend only · vs. averageThe face shows visible anger — furrowed brow, tight jaw, intense glare. Signals conflict and high stakes. Common in hearing clips and confrontation videos.
Tight crop of the politician mid-speech with visibly clenched jaw and pointed finger
Confident
+0% views trend only · vs. averageThe face projects self-assurance — direct eye contact, slight smile, squared posture. Signals authority and makes the viewer trust the content.
The politician looking directly at the camera with a composed, assertive expression
Concerned
+0% views trend only · vs. averageThe face shows worry or empathy — slightly furrowed brow, softened eyes. Signals that something serious is at stake and the politician cares.
The politician with a furrowed brow and slightly downturned mouth, looking at someone off-camera
Happy
+0% views trend only · vs. averageThe face shows a genuine smile or joyful expression. Signals positive content — a win, good news, or celebration.
The politician smiling broadly while shaking hands at a community event
Neutral
Shorts -8% trend only · vs. averageThe face shows no particular emotion — a standard headshot or passport-style expression. Fails to signal what kind of emotional experience the video offers.
Real examples from the dataset
Serious
+0% views trend only · vs. averageThe face shows gravity and weight — not angry but solemn. Signals that the content deals with important, consequential matters.
The politician at a podium with a stern, measured expression during a press conference
Surprised
+0% views trend only · vs. averageThe face shows shock or astonishment — raised eyebrows, open mouth. Signals that something unexpected happened and creates immediate curiosity.
Wide-eyed reaction shot of the politician after hearing testimony at a hearing
Mild
Regular +2% Top 10% -12% trend only · vs. average