Page 2 – Creative Workflow & Analysis

This page explains how I currently create videos for ElectroSparklez and why some recent uploads perform very differently. Even when the gameplay quality is similar, topic choice + thumbnail + title can change whether YouTube recommends the video to new viewers.

My creative workflow

Idea selection: I usually focus on Geometry Dash updates, new event levels, secrets, or trending challenges/levels.
Recording: Screen capture + my live reactions recorded together (Xsplit Broadcaster), so the energy feels real.
Editing: I cut downtime, tighten pacing, and keep the most interesting reactions or moments.
Thumbnail creation: I build thumbnails in Photoshop using screenshots from my own gameplay. When needed, I use AI only to enhance a specific part (for example: cleaning an edge, boosting clarity, improving glow, or removing small artifacts) instead of recreating the whole image. That keeps the thumbnail authentic while adding polish.
Final packaging: I choose a title that promises a clear outcome (secret, reward, unlock, challenge), I use thumbnail and title A/B testing on YouTube to figure out which thumbnail or title viewers prefer.
After upload: I check impressions, CTR, and early view velocity to learn what worked and what didn’t, and monitor A/B testing results.

Best-performing thumbnails

These are examples of videos that performed well. In my channel, the strongest patterns are usually: clear reward/goal, high contrast, and a strong face reaction that communicates emotion instantly.

Best performing thumbnail example 1 from ElectroSparklez — Clear goal (key/reward) + bright contrast + readable layout. (people like how to get gold keys or rare icons in gd)

Best performing thumbnail example 2 from ElectroSparklez — Strong emotion + “terrifying/insane” framing creates curiosity and urgency. Thumbnails are also very high quality.

Best performing thumbnail example 3 from ElectroSparklez — Colorful icons and rewards pop against YouTube’s dark background.

Best performing thumbnail example 4 from ElectroSparklez — Thumbnails that are of high quality and show expression tend to perform well.

Underperforming thumbnails

These examples show videos that underperformed compared to my usual Geometry Dash uploads. The main reasons tend to be: weaker instant message, less emotional hook, or a topic that isn’t currently trending. Also, even Geometry Dash videos can fail sometimes if the packaging doesn’t “click” fast enough.

Underperforming thumbnail example 1 from ElectroSparklez — The thumbnail is visually fine, but the “promise” is less obvious at one glance.

Underperforming thumbnail example 2 from ElectroSparklez — Different game/topic. My audience mostly expects Geometry Dash, so reach can drop.

Underperforming thumbnail example 3 from ElectroSparklez — Split fiction was and still is a popular game, but if you dont bring in unique perspective to the table, it may not perform well, as this is a game that has been played a lot. Also its too long in length.

An exception that still performed

Usually, my face reaction helps a lot. But there are exceptions. Sometimes a thumbnail can still perform well without a big face reaction if it has a cute/interesting character (still connected to Geometry Dash), a clear concept, and a strong visual hook.

Thumbnail exception example that still performed well — Exception: no strong face focus, but the character + clear GD context creates instant curiosity.

What this teaches me

Face reactions matter: emotion is a shortcut for attention when people scroll fast.
Clarity wins: if the viewer can’t understand the promise instantly, CTR usually drops.
Topic timing matters: GD updates, secrets, and rewards often get pushed more by recommendations.
Even “good” videos can fail: sometimes packaging or timing is the difference, not effort.

I keep improving by comparing what works vs what doesn’t, then adjusting my titles, thumbnails, and topic choices for the next upload. Ultimately, its important to note that not every video goes viral as trends shift, so its important to not blame yourself, or give up, because you cannot always be among the first to post a video about a topic, given how many videos are posted to YouTube every minute.