Simply put, thumbnails attract drive user interest. With so much content to choose from, Pornhub viewers often make split-second decisions based on what immediately grabs their attention.
To understand what makes certain videos stand out, our team analyzed performance data across the platform. One clear takeaway: videos with custom thumbnails consistently outperformed those using autogenerated ones.
When we looked at these videos uploaded by Models specifically, more than 66% of Pornhub's most viewed videos in 2024 used custom thumbnails! However, only 6% of videos uploaded by Models to Pornhub in 2024 uploaded a custom thumbnail.
This reveals two exciting insights: first, viewers are more likely to engage with videos that feature a custom thumbnail. Second, it shows there’s a great opportunity for more Models to tap into this simple yet powerful tool to boost their content’s performance.
If you are seeing low engagement on your uploads such as views, likes or comments, it could be because your video thumbnail isn’t very eye-catching. Keep reading to discover how Amateur Model Lexis Star increased both engagement and revenue by optimizing her video thumbnails.
Before we get into it, what are custom thumbnails?
A custom thumbnail is an uploaded image that serves as the cover image for a video. Instead of using an automatically generated frame from the video, creators can design and upload a specific image that better represents the content, grabs a viewer’s attention, and encourages them to click. On Pornhub, a custom thumbnail can be used to:
- Highlight key performers or actions in the video
- Emphasize branding or style
- Improve click-through rates by being visually appealing
Custom thumbnails are often designed using graphic editing tools and may include elements like text overlays, logos, or enhanced visuals to stand out in search results or category pages. For example, you can use layered images—a technique that combines a close-up of the performer’s face with a dynamic action shot from the scene—to create a more compelling preview.
Check out some examples from Jak Knife below:
How do I upload a custom thumbnail?
After a video is approved, you can upload a custom thumbnail from your Video Manager:
You can find more information on adding a custom thumbnail and the do’s and don’ts of video thumbnails at our Help Center.
Custom Thumbnails in Practice with Model, Lexis Star
Lexis Star is a popular Model who joined Pornhub in June 2021 and has since uploaded over 150 videos. She has accumulated over 100 million video views by leaning into her identity as a Latina performer and embracing popular role-playing characters like a stepmom and a coworker.
Lexis Star was named our February 2024 Amateur Model of the Month and we’ve been keeping a close eye on her impressive rise in popularity ever since.
We noticed a significant shift in her content strategy – specifically in how she presents her videos. Beginning in March 2025, Lexis transitioned to using custom thumbnails for all of her uploads, moving away from the autogenerated ones used in her earlier content.
You can see her clear switch in strategy by going to her video library.
Most recently, our team caught up with Lexis Star at XBIZ Miami last month, where she confirmed what our data had already suggested. She shared that she’s been consistently using custom thumbnails in all her recent video uploads, and has seen a significant boost in engagement as a result.
“I wanted more control over how my content was being presented. I put a lot of time and energy into my videos, and I felt like the default thumbnails didn’t always reflect the vibe or quality. Creating custom thumbnails gave me the chance to show more personality and tease the viewer just enough to make them curious, and it worked!”
Video views per day
It goes without saying that Models aim to get as many views as possible. More views mean greater visibility and higher earnings.
With 66% of the top 50 most-viewed videos in 2024 featuring custom thumbnails, it’s no surprise that Lexis Star has seen a major boost in performance since updating her thumbnail strategy.
By moving away from autogenerated thumbnails and consistently using custom ones, Lexis now receives 121% more video views per day, a clear testament to the power of thoughtful presentation.
When we asked Lexis about measurable results, she said, “The change was almost instant. Views started going up, my videos were getting more engagement, and I started climbing the rankings. I’ve had some of my best-performing videos since I adopted custom thumbnails. It’s wild how much that one visual tweak can affect overall performance.”
HOT TIP: Creating engaging thumbnails can drive more interest to your videos and positively impact your video views per day. For a deep dive into the many ways to create these, check out our Blog: Tip 5 of 10: Engaging Video Thumbnails.
Model Rank Improvement
With over 130 million daily visits, Pornhub is a powerful discovery platform where viewers come to find their next favorite Model. It plays a key role in a larger ecosystem—giving creators like Lexis Star the opportunity to showcase their content to a global audience and drive traffic to their external fan sites.
When video views increase, it can positively impact a model’s rank. We also see strong engagement with external links on Model pages, directing viewers to subscription platforms like OnlyFans and Fansly.
Once Lexis began viewing Pornhub as a strategic marketing tool to grow her brand and boost traffic, she unlocked new opportunities to expand her fanbase and diversify her revenue streams.
Here’s a look at how her model rank has improved this year:
- January: Rank 364
- March: Rank 255
- May: Rank 183
That’s a 49% improvement from January to May—and her momentum continues to grow!
“As soon as my rank goes up, I see more traffic coming to my socials and fan sites.” Lexis told us. “People are discovering me through Pornhub, checking out more of my content, and subscribing or buying videos. That extra visibility makes a huge difference. It’s like a ripple effect across all my platforms.”
Tips for Boosting Your Model Rank with Custom Thumbnails
Using custom thumbnails strategically can significantly improve your visibility and model rank. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
1. Highlight the most engaging moment. Think about what will catch a viewer’s attention—whether it’s a steamy shower scene or another standout moment. Choose a frame that accurately represents the video and is likely to generate interest.
2. Align your thumbnail with your title. If your title mentions a specific act—like a blowjob—consider selecting a thumbnail that visually reflects that moment. Avoid using misleading or clickbait thumbnails, as they can lead to a poor user experience where expectations aren’t met.
3. Combine visuals for maximum impact. Many creators use tools like Photoshop to overlay two images—often featuring both their face and a key action shot. This approach helps showcase your personality while also highlighting the content, giving viewers the best of both worlds.
Choosing a custom thumbnail gives you the flexibility to enhance your video frame with additional elements like text and imagery. Here are a few best practices to create effective thumbnails:
1. Incorporate your branding by adding your stage name or logo directly to the thumbnail. Any text should be relevant to the video—such as a brief description of the action, featured Performers, or theme.
2. Superimpose images to highlight key moments, but ensure that any overlay does not exceed one-third of the thumbnail size.
3. Avoid misleading or clickbait elements such as fake play buttons, arrows, or phrases like “Top Video” or “Most Viewed.” These are not permitted and may result in your thumbnail being removed.
Revenue Growth
The more views your videos receive, the more you earn—since ad revenue is directly tied to view count.
As demonstrated by Lexis Star, incorporating custom thumbnails can significantly boost visibility and engagement, leading to higher monthly earnings.
Between January and May 2025, Lexis saw an impressive 72% increase in earnings —a clear example of how small strategic changes can lead to big results.
Talking about earnings with Lexis, she said, “Custom thumbnails have helped me keep my earnings steady and even growing. They keep my videos looking fresh and clickable, and they’ve played a big role in building a stronger brand presence and keeping fans coming back. It might seem like a small detail, but it’s been a major part of my long-term strategy. I’d say my income has gone up by about 70% since I started using them. That said, it’s no magic pill though. I think they’re an amazing tool, but it’s just as important to keep posting consistently and stay active with your audience. It all works together.”
TL;DR
- Viewers are more likely to engage with videos that have custom thumbnails than with videos that do not.
- Only 6% of Models are currently using custom thumbnails—an exciting opportunity for others to stand out and boost their visibility!
- Using custom thumbnails has the power to attract more viewers.
- When a video gets more views, it gets more exposure, which results in higher earnings.
Tools and Resources
If you are a Model interested in improving your performance on Pornhub, we created the Top 10 Tips to Be Successful in the Model Program. Lexis Star adopted many of these tips and saw impressive results. Bookmark that link above for future use.
It takes time to build a fanbase and grow your brand. With time, dedication, persistence and a willingness to try new content strategies, the sky is the limit! We’re here to help you along the way.
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