TikTok Adds New Option to Insert Text Headings onto Video Thumbnails for more Views

Yes, I know that TikTok is under a cloud right now and that maybe it’s not the best time to be providing updates on potential tools that marketers can use to maximize their TikTok presence. But the fact remains that it’s still a hugely influential platform and that many brands are indeed looking at how they might be able to use it within their marketing strategies – data-sharing concerns or not.

And if TikTok is eventually sold to a US company, as expected, it will likely remain an important consideration.

This is why, despite the ongoing negotiations, this latest update is of relevance.

As you can see in this video, now, when you tap on the ‘Select Cover’ option as you upload your TikTok clip, which is the frame that users will see on your profile and in discovery feeds, you’ll also be able to add custom text, in various styles, specifically for your cover image.

That could be another way to draw viewers to your posts, with simple explainers as to what your video is about.

Thumbnails can play a key role in attracting video viewers – as explained by YouTube:

“Thumbnails and titles act like billboards to help viewers decide to watch your videos. Well designed thumbnails and titles can attract more fans to your channel, encourage viewers to watch through your videos because they know what to expect, and make your content appealing for a broad range of advertisers.”

That’s also important on TikTok, because as TikTok recently noted in an explainer about how it’s distribution algorithm works:

“A strong indicator of interest, such as whether a user finishes watching a longer video from beginning to end, would receive greater weight than a weak indicator, such as whether the video’s viewer and creator are both in the same country.”

As such, giving users more insight into what to expect from your clip could see more people watching it through to completion, thereby improving content reach.

And it looks more professional too. The new option is available now in the latest version of TikTok.