Thumbnails and more: 6 tricks to get your video more views
Making a great sketch is only half the battle. The other half? Making sure people actually watch it. That means thumbnails, captions, descriptions, and all the tiny details that help your video stand out in a scroll. Here’s how to market your comedy sketches like a pro without losing your mind in the process. Let the platforms and your designs do the work of gathering eyes–you have jokes to write!
1. Thumbnails: Horizontal and vertical or bust
Every platform has its own thang and that includes thumbnail size. YouTube wants horizontal (landscape). TikTok and Instagram want vertical (portrait). If you’re releasing sketches as a series, keep your thumbnail style consistent, just tweaking small details so they feel cohesive (and are easier to make!). Honestly, it’s the easiest way to make sure your work looks polished and professional at a glance.
2. YouTube runs on descriptions and timestamps
On YouTube, your description box isn’t optional filler: it’s how the algorithm finds you. Write detailed, text-rich descriptions (Don’t be afraid of length! Go ahead and include that blurb about your group and list of ways to reach/book you!) and provide timestamps for key beats. Even one timestamp signals to YouTube that your video is organized and viewer-friendly, which helps boost discoverability. Think of it like SEO for your comedy.
3. Instagram: No to hashtags, yes to native captions
Forget the hashtag dump. They simply are not the moment. Also, when posting reels, Instagram’s algorithm (TikTok too!) favors native captions. That means you want to use the apps internal CC generators. Anything that helps boost your discoverability, dude!
4. TikTok: Ride that sound wave
TikTok’s secret weapon? Trending sounds. Even if you fully mute them under your video, the algorithm still recognizes them and they can push your sketch further. Pair your sketch with whatever audio is blowing up that week, and you’ll sneak into more feeds. Shhhh! (Don’t tell TikTok about this or they might take it away.)
5. Templatize everything: Your future self will thank your now self
Posting a sketch shouldn’t feel harder than making one. Create templates for thumbnails, BTS content, and clipping your sketch, so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time. Once you’ve got repeatable processes, uploading feels less like admin work and more like part of the creative flow.
6. Still photos > Video stills
Want a thumbnail that pops? Skip the screen grab. Instead, shoot dedicated stills during or after your sketch shoot. It’s so important. It doesn’t have to take much time, so make sure to do it! Stage exaggerated faces, group reactions, or gasp-worthy expressions (that don’t have to make it into the edit). They’ll instantly communicate energy, story, and a clicky vibe.
Sketch comedy doesn’t just live on stage or on set. These days, it lives in the scroll. Nail your thumbnails, captions, and workflow, so your jokes won’t just exist online…they’ll get seen. And clicked. And shared. And then the people will LAUGH! Which is the point, right?