Color preferences of home learners for online companion learning videos

During the post-pandemic era, online companion learning videos have become a cornerstone of home-based education and provide learners with a sense of companionship while addressing their emotional and cognitive needs. Among the key factors influencing user engagement, thumbnail colors play a pivotal role in driving click-through rates (CTR), a crucial prerequisite for effectively delivering educational content. This study explores the impact of thumbnail colors on user preferences and learning outcomes via grey relational analysis and A/B testing. The findings identify optimal color attributes—such as warm tones with high lightness and low saturation—that not only significantly enhance CTR but also promote positive emotions and cognitive engagement. These findings demonstrate that effective thumbnail design not only captures learners’ initial attention but also fosters a conducive environment for focused and meaningful learning. For video publishers and educational media practitioners, this research underscores the importance of balancing visual appeal with educational value. An implementation of the recommended color strategies enables practitioners to create content that attracts users while supporting sustained learning engagement, ultimately merging entertainment with meaningful educational impact.