YouTube Channel Thumbnail Designer (Freelancer)

TL;DR

YouTube Channel Thumbnail Designer (Freelancer): Designing striking and effective visuals for YouTube documentaries and video essays with an accent on visual storytelling, composition, and typography. Focus on creating engaging, high-performing thumbnails that capture the essence of each story and align with the channel’s visual identity.

Location: Remote, work from anywhere globally

Company

hirify.global is a fast-growing digital media company that invests in and scales creators with an established YouTube presence.

What you will do

• Design engaging, high-performing thumbnails for YouTube documentaries and video essays.
• Develop creative visual concepts that capture the essence of each story and align with the channel’s visual identity.
• Select and retouch images, composite elements, and use typography effectively to create bold, clear, and scroll-stopping visuals.
• Create and integrate 3D elements, objects, or environments into thumbnails to enhance visual depth and storytelling impact.
• Maintain a consistent, high-quality design standard that reflects the tone and credibility of the channels.
• Manage feedback cycles efficiently and deliver on tight deadlines.

Requirements

• Proven experience designing YouTube thumbnails or visual assets for digital media.
• Excellent sense of visual storytelling, composition, color, and typography.
• Strong skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Blender or Cinema 4D for 3D work.
• Understanding of how thumbnails influence click-through rate and viewer engagement.
• Ability to translate abstract or complex topics into clear, emotionally engaging visuals.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Business-level English.

Nice to have

• Basic knowledge of German.
• Experience in digital journalism or documentary content.
• Familiarity with 2D and 3D animation or compositing workflows.
• Understanding of YouTube analytics and A/B testing for thumbnails.
• Experience working with project management tools such as Monday.com.

Culture & Benefits

• Work from anywhere with an allowance for tech.
• Flexible hours.
• Opportunity to work in a vibrant, dynamic, and innovative environment.
• A supportive and collaborative team.
• Regular team events in Amsterdam and across Europe.
• Opportunity to shape meaningful journalistic content and documentaries.
• Committed to fostering a culture that values innovative thinking and the ability to drive positive change.