When a viewer scrolls past your advert without the video auto-play feature activated, your static preview image must do all the heavy lifting to capture their attention. Because a significant portion of video impressions do not play automatically, an unoptimized preview means lost brand exposure. Let's explore how to establish specific rules for these static images to maximize your media investment.
Step 1: Understand the Value of Thumbnails
Video thumbnails act as the preview image on an unplayed video. Surprisingly, up to 30% of video ad impressions on Facebook do not play automatically. If you optimize these static images, you identify additional opportunities for branded moments and save valuable media spend.
When you apply rules to these preview images, you can:
- Maximize branded impressions: Ensure the preview contains your brand or product to capture attention immediately.
- Establish best practices: Elevate your creative standards specifically at the thumbnail level.
- Drive media efficiency: Capitalize on global video spend even when motion fails to initiate.
Step 2: Activate the Rules
To apply these specific checks to your dashboard, please contact your client success manager for activation.
Currently, the platform only evaluates thumbnail criteria for live, In-Flight campaigns. We restrict this to live data because the default preview image for a raw video file often differs from the final preview image that Facebook assigns to your published advert.
Step 3: Review Supported Platforms
The system captures and evaluates preview images from both Facebook and Instagram. However, you must note that Stories placements on both channels remain exempt. Stories formats do not carry a static preview image when viewed, so these rules will not apply to that specific content.
Troubleshooting
Did you encounter a roadblock with your preview images?
- Stagnant Scores After an Edit: If you edit a preview image directly on the social platform after publication, your score will not update. The system only captures the original thumbnail assigned to the advert at launch. Any subsequent edits or adjustments remain undetected at this time.
- Pre-Flight Limitations: If you try to submit a video for Pre-Flight evaluation, the system will not assess its preview image. You must wait until the advert goes live to receive a thumbnail score.
Please contact support@creativex.com if you have more questions.