When you’re working hard to get eyes on your YouTube video, you’ll need every available weapon in your arsenal – including a YouTube designer.
After all, it can’t be easy to compete with so many YouTube creators – 63.8 million uploaders in 2024, to be exact.
In this article, let’s unpack everything there is to know about hiring a YouTube graphic designer. We’ll also tackle how doing so can help skyrocket your views and subscribers.
But first, a common question–
Do YouTubers Need Graphic Designers?
The short and simple answer is yes.
In today’s digital arena, where social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram command the attention of billions, standing out on YouTube is not a walk in the park. In fact, data released by Statista reveals YouTube as the second most popular global social network, with 2.5 billion active monthly users in April 2024.
Most popular social networks worldwide
Given these numbers, it goes without saying that having compelling visuals on YouTube isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. That said, this is where a skilled graphic designer can make all the difference for your channel.
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A YouTube designer can help you with:
1. Brand Consistency
First of all, a designer ensures that your thumbnails, banners, and other visual elements align with your brand’s style and voice. As a result, your channel can have a cohesive look that builds trust and loyalty.
2. Optimized Visuals
With so much content vying for clicks, your video thumbnails can be make-or-break. In fact, data from no other than Google (which owns YouTube) says custom thumbnails are used in 90% of top-performing videos.
Importance of custom thumbnails
A great designer knows how to use the color wheel and combine visual design elements and principles to craft thumbnails that not only stand out but also entice viewers to click.
3. Increased Engagement
Last but not least is increased engagement. Custom graphics like lower thirds, overlays, and animated calls-to-action can elevate the quality of your videos, making them more dynamic and interactive. In addition, High-quality visuals encourage viewers to watch longer, boosting your channel’s watch time and engagement rates.
Where to Find YouTube Designers
While there are options for DIY design using YouTube designer software tools, if you’re not well-versed in graphic design, hiring a professional can save you time and ensure polished results.
Here’s where to look:
1. Freelance Platforms
For creators who want flexibility and affordability, freelance platforms are great places to start. Examples of these platforms are:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
If you’re on the lookout for a YouTube designer free or at a minimal cost, some designers offer free consultations or introductory packages to get started.
2. Design Agencies Specializing in YouTube
Meanwhile, if you’re aiming for a more consistent, high-end look, consider partnering with a design agency that specializes in YouTube branding. While this option may come with a higher upfront cost, it can be worth it for long-term projects, especially if you’re committed to growing your channel professionally.
3. Unlimited Graphic Design Services
For ongoing design needs, subscription-based services like Penji offer unlimited graphic design at a flat rate. This option is ideal if you frequently need new thumbnails, banners, or other assets but don’t have the time or expertise to do it yourself.
Unlimited graphic design offers the best of both worlds: first, the flexibility and price efficiency of freelancers, and second, the consistency and expertise of design agencies.
Here’s why it’s a great option for YouTube content creators:
- Unlimited Design Projects and Unlimited Revisions: Submit as many design requests as you need without worrying about additional costs.
- Fast Turnaround Time: Receive initial drafts within 24 to 48 hours, keeping your projects on schedule.
- Human Support: Have dedicated account managers who oversee your projects and ensure quality.
- Access to Top 2% Designers: Work with highly vetted designers, ensuring high-quality and creative outputs.
- No Long-Term Contracts: Enjoy the flexibility to cancel anytime without being locked into lengthy commitments.
Types of Graphics a YouTube Designer Creates
Here are the types of graphics a YouTube designer can help you with, along with examples from the most popular YouTube channels:
1. Channel Art (Banner)
The banner serves as the channel’s main branding image, visible at the top of the channel page. In addition, it typically includes the channel name, tagline, and consistent branding elements. As a result, it becomes one of the elements that make a first impression among visitors.
Banner of 5-Minute Crafts
2. Thumbnails
Thumbnails, meanwhile, are the first thing viewers see before clicking on a video. As mentioned above, they have a huge impact on CTR.
Thumbnails of The Tim Ferris Show
3. Video Intros and Outros
While video intros introduce the channel to viewers, outros nudge them to take action, like subscribing or watching more videos.
Video intro title card of Like Nastya
4. Channel Logo or Profile Picture
The profile picture is often the first branding element viewers see. That said, it needs to clearly reflect the channel’s brand.
Channel profile picture of Mr. Beast
5. Lower Thirds and Overlays
These graphics appear at the bottom of the screen to display info. For instance, it can be used to embed the creator’s name, social media handles, or key points.
Lower thirds from an episode of Trash Taste
6. Animated Graphics
Pop-up social media links keep videos visually dynamic and engaging. In skits, for example, animated graphics also help enrich visual storytelling.
Animated graphic from an episode of Alan Chikin Chow
How to Effectively Work with a YouTube Designer
Here are a few tips to get the most out of working with a YouTube designer:
1. Establish Clear Communication
Before the design process even begins, set expectations regarding deadlines, deliverables, and revisions. By doing so, you and the artist are on the same page about the project scope and goals.
Added to that, pay the same attention to clarity when asking for revisions. Instead of vague requests like “It needs more impact,” be more specific, such as “Let’s add a drop shadow to the text to make it stand out better.”
An example of a revision request on Penji’s platform
2. Provide Comprehensive Brand Guidelines
To get the most out of your designer, supply them with detailed brand guidelines, often compiled in a brand book. These details include the following:
- Primary and secondary colors
- Fonts
- Logos
- Any other specific visual elements that define your channel’s aesthetic
Sample brand style guide by Penji
Sharing your brand style will give the artist a strong grasp of how to design your graphics.
3. Track the Performance of Design Changes
Last but not least, once your new designs are live, it’s important to monitor their impact. For one, you need to keep an eye on metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and viewer engagement to see how the updated visuals are performing.
After all, studies say optimized thumbnails can boost CTR, so pay attention to how changes in design affect your channel’s analytics.
PRO TIP: For a data-backed benchmark, Google says about half of all YouTube channels and videos see an impressions CTR ranging between 2% and 10%.
Ready to become a top YouTuber? View a demo and have a Penji YouTube designer help you reach your channel’s full potential!
Get all the YouTube graphic designs you need at a flat monthly rate
Unlimited web design by the world’s top 2% designers
