The Most Trusted Name in News Needs New Design

Designing a podcast thumbnail for CNN's "5 Things" Podcast requires a careful approach to capture the essence of the podcast while also representing the CNN brand. Here are some design strategies to consider:

  • Represent the podcast theme: The thumbnail should capture the essence of the "5 Things" podcast theme, which is delivering the top five news stories of the day in a concise and informative manner. Consider using icons or imagery that relate to news and current events, such as a newspaper or microphone.

  • Incorporate the CNN brand: As a CNN podcast, the thumbnail should also incorporate the CNN brand in a way that is consistent with the network's overall visual identity. Consider using the CNN logo or incorporating the network's signature red color scheme.

Be sure to test it out

The thumbnail should be visually appealing and eye-catching to attract potential listeners. Consider using bold typography and high-quality imagery that stands out and draws attention. Create several versions of the thumbnail with different designs, colors, and imagery. Test each version to see which performs best in terms of click-through rate and engagement.

Be Intentional. Be Consistent

The thumbnail should be easy to read and understand, even when displayed at small sizes on mobile devices. Avoid cluttering the design with too much text or imagery. Ensure the thumbnail is consistent with the branding of the podcast in terms of style, design and colors used. Consistent branding leads to easy identification of the podcast and creates a strong brand image.

Give it a Listen

By following these design strategies, I was able to create a various successful Podcast thumbnails for CNN's exclusive podcasts. Each design succeeded in effectively represents the podcast and attracting listeners while also aligning with the CNN brand.