Job Summary
We’re seeking to hire an elite Thumbnail Designer to join Educate’s design team. This isn’t about just making pretty pictures – it’s about understanding exactly how a single image can make or break a video’s success on YouTube. You know that an eye-catching thumbnail can massively boost a video’s click-through rate and drive the YouTube algorithm to favor our content. In this role, you will be responsible for crafting compelling thumbnails across our ecosystem of channels (Unscripted, Business, and our main channel) that stop viewers in their tracks and entice them to click.
Your Role
Thumbnail Designer
As a Thumbnail Designer at Educate, you will be on the frontlines of our YouTube strategy. Your mission is to ensure every video has a scroll-stopping thumbnail that draws viewers in and amplifies our brand’s elite image. You will work on a variety of projects – from designing thumbnails for new uploads, to rehashing thumbnails on existing videos to improve their performance.
This role demands both creativity and strategic thinking. You’ll constantly experiment with design approaches to optimize CTR and viewer engagement, all while maintaining consistency with our brand’s look and feel.
Requirements
We have high standards. To excel in this role, you should possess the following core skills and experiences:
Mastery of Design Fundamentals
You have a deep understanding of composition, color, typography, and visual hierarchy – design is second nature to you. Every thumbnail you produce is not only stunning to look at, but also strategically crafted to grab attention and convert viewers into clicks.
Expertise with Design Software
You are highly proficient in industry-standard design tools. Creating polished, professional graphics under tight deadlines is something you do with ease.
Creative Collaboration
You excel at brainstorming and ideation, and you thrive when working with a team. You can take a concept and run with it, but you’re also open to feedback and can iterate on your designs when needed. In essence, you’re a creative force and a team player – able to contribute original ideas and work together to refine them into the best possible outcome.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who embodies the following qualities and traits:
Extensive Experience in Thumbnail Design
Understanding of YouTube and Social Media Trends
Proficiency in Design Software
Creative and Innovative Mindset
Attention to Detail
Strong Communication Skills
Adaptability
Ability to Meet Deadlines
Collaborative Spirit
Competitive Edge
What You'll Do
001
Attend daily team calls with the design team (Monday–Friday at 1:30 PM UK time).
002
Design multiple thumbnail options for each new video – at least 3 variants per video.
003
Develop new thumbnail concepts on the fly to support rapidly emerging content needs or special projects.
004
Optimize each thumbnail for maximum CTR and engagement – ensuring that every design is not just visually appealing, but also tailored to encourage clicks.
005
Manage thumbnail creation from start to finish. This includes idea generation, drafting designs, incorporating feedback, and ensuring timely delivery for each video launch.
006
Continuously review and improve existing thumbnails on our channels. Using performance data and feedback.