Should I have writing in my thumbnails?

[Challenge this]

it could go either way as in there isn't a right or wrong by keeping it in or taking it out. personally I look at the catchy thumbnail before I read the title so if it has text id probably click on it more so than if it didn't have text

 

[KyaImatai]

I use text because then I can add something different to the text so the audience has even more of an idea on what the video is about I also think it draws attention when I do it in black with a white outline (or white with a black outline) so people immediately are drawn to it

 

[DiecastDynasty]

I use text, and I am partial to thumbnails with text, since I look there first before the title.

 

[KiddieToysReview]

I find text is necessary when I use a picture with the original background of the photo. Without text it seems unfinished and lazy. When the foreground is .png and layered on top of a bright background color, then I find that text is not needed as much as the colors and image grab attention.

 

[Soundwave500]

You should unless you can subtly infer what your content is though pictures.

 

[Redford1900]

I haven't made a 100% firm commitment to text or no text. I think my videos do better on Reddit if I don't do text. However, I like the idea of a consistent use of text to help with branding. When I watch a video and then see all the suggestions pop up afterward, I like it when I can tell if there is another video from the same channel.