ctr title / thumbnail

I consistently get good audience retention on my YouTube videos, but my CTR is weak. Is there a proven strategy or system I can follow to consistently create highly clickable titles and thumbnails? I want to understand how to maximize curiosity, trigger viewers' interest, and make people want to click, regardless of the video topic.

One thing worth trying is to make the thumbnail communicate the idea instantly, while the title adds a curiosity gap. Don't try to make people click regardless of the topic; attract the right audience. Also, test two or three versions and compare CTR alongside retention to see which combination actually works.

My approach would be to study successful videos in your niche and identify the title and thumbnail styles that attract attention.

Check other competitors on your niche, copy and make it look similar