Send the exact video title, a one- or two-sentence summary, the main person or moment to feature, any source images you can use, two or three visual references, and a short list of things to avoid. The designer needs to understand what the video actually delivers before choosing a visual direction.
What to include in the brief
- Working title: include the exact wording if it is settled. The title and thumbnail should work together rather than repeat the same sentence.
- Video premise: explain what happens and why the viewer might care. Mention the most surprising, useful, or important moment only if it is really in the video.
- Main subject: name the person, object, location, game, or moment that should be easiest to recognise.
- Assets: share source photos, screenshots, logos, or other assets you have permission to use. Tell the designer which files are current.
- References: link one to three thumbnails and explain what you like: composition, color, expression, camera angle, or text treatment. Avoid saying only “make it like this”.
- No-go list: list anything that would be misleading, off-brand, too cluttered, or simply not your style.
A short brief you can copy
VIDEO TITLE: WHAT THE VIDEO IS ABOUT: THE MOMENT / SUBJECT TO SHOW: IMAGES OR ASSETS I CAN SHARE: REFERENCE THUMBNAILS + WHAT I LIKE: PLEASE AVOID: FORMAT (VIDEO / SHORT / PODCAST):
How to choose useful reference thumbnails
Pick references for specific reasons, not because you want a copy. One example might have a useful crop, another might use a color contrast you like, and another might handle text well. Make the differences explicit so the designer can combine the principles without copying another creator's work.
What a designer should clarify
- Is the premise clear enough to choose one focal point?
- Are the supplied images usable and permitted?
- Does the final format need a landscape, vertical, or square canvas?
- Is a particular word or person essential, or is it optional?
- What is the approval step and what happens after the draft?
Keep the brief connected to the real video
A thumbnail can create curiosity, but it should not imply a scene, guest, result, or claim that is missing from the actual video. The most useful brief is specific about the content and flexible about the visual solution.