Which Thumbnail is better?

[Steverd]

Any thoughts on the two thumb nails? It's for a retro gaming channel I have and I talk about old arcade games that people never heard of before. I want something I can use for a series of videos and maybe just change the Arcade Marquee in the thumbnail. Feel free to upload anything better please.
1. The space background - I was thinking something like space because of the Ancient Aliens font
2. What background - my wife likes how it's simple and stands out
3. a Typical zig-zag or stripe background - classic, but over used?







THOUGHTS Please!

 

[EVO]

I agree with your wife. You should alwats agree with your wife mate..

 

[Destroyer30i6]

Yeah the second one looks decent, I don't know if the white background needs a boarder to help make it stand out, just a thought, I prefer the 2nd one

 

[Lopideon]

I like the second one, but the font is a bit small. Some key questions to answer when making a thumbnail are: Would everyone be able to read it on mobile phones? Can others guess the content of my video by the thumbnail alone? Is it clean or cluttered?
I think the Moon Shuttle Art gives the viewer a good clue as to the content of the video, so I would keep it. Maybe make it cover a larger portion, so it's more visible, even.
As for the Ancient Aliens schtick, I would never have gotten it. I think it's an obscure History Channel reference that's not doing you any favors for the long run. Ancient Arcades is a good series name, but I would make the font of "Ancient" consistent with the font of "Arcades."
You may already have it, but the font I would recommend is "Praetorian", AKA the font you used to write "Arcades".
As for the three backgrounds, I would pick the one in which the font is most readable, and which is not too busy or cluttering. This is why I picked the thumbnail with the white background. The text is legible, and I'm not distracted by a vibrant color or a busy pattern.

I've pumped out a render to show you what I mean.

I hope this helps.

 

[Steverd]

Thank you everyone, Thank you for the redo Lopidean,
I had to re-read your message and it was very helpful.
You make alot of sense and I appreciate the advice!


And thank you again.
Steve

 

[Brother Tubes]

I think 2nd is best as (1st choice), 3 is the 2nd choice and try not to use 1st.

Use "2. What background - my wife likes how it's simple and stands out" it will get you more views for since it is attractive thumbnail

 

[Tengri]

I really like the white background! Your wife has a taste.

 

[Cragcloud]

I agree. The white background stands out more as the contrast is more clearer, and is more simple and easier to read.

 

[vitofaber]

i like the first one

 

[RobinRuby]

The second one is the best.
The white background is less distracting from the text and makes it stand out more.