TOP 20 FIRST IMAGE CTR TRENDS 2025

First Image CTR Trends #1: Featured Snippet ~42.9%

Featured snippets dominate search results because they combine text and visuals, leading to an impressive CTR of nearly 42.9%. This placement captures immediate user attention by answering queries directly on the SERP. Users are more likely to click because the snippet feels authoritative and visually supported. For brands, optimizing content to appear in snippets can significantly boost organic visibility. The inclusion of images in snippets enhances trust and engagement even further.

First Image CTR Trends #2: Top Organic Result ~39.8%

The first organic result on Google continues to perform strongly, achieving close to 39.8% CTR. Users often trust the top link more than lower results because of perceived credibility. When paired with images or AI-enhanced previews, this CTR remains consistently high. Brands ranking here can expect reliable traffic, especially for commercial intent queries. Optimizing visuals alongside SEO content makes the position even more effective.

First Image CTR Trends #3: Image Result (SERP) 1.4%–4.9%

Image search results achieve CTRs in the 1.4%–4.9% range, higher than many display ads. Users who click images typically have strong purchase intent since they visually confirm what they’re seeking. These results are particularly important in categories like fashion, travel, and e-commerce. Adding descriptive alt text and schema markup helps boost visibility. This makes image optimization a vital part of a modern SEO strategy.

First Image CTR Trends #4: Video Result 2.3%–6.4%

Videos embedded in search results record CTRs between 2.3% and 6.4%. They often outperform images in situations where demonstrations or tutorials are valuable. YouTube integrations within SERPs make video a compelling first-click choice. Visual thumbnails increase click behavior by appealing to curiosity. For brands, pairing image and video optimization strengthens visibility.

First Image CTR Trends #5: People Also Ask Box ~3.0%

Google’s “People Also Ask” boxes generate an average CTR of about 3%. Users exploring these questions often click because of direct and concise answers. Adding structured content and FAQ schema boosts chances of appearing here. Visuals in the answers help distinguish one brand from competitors. This placement serves as a mid-tier opportunity to capture qualified clicks.

First Image CTR Trends #6: Knowledge Panel ~1.4%

Knowledge panels record around 1.4% CTR, mostly serving informational queries. Although not as high as snippets, they reinforce brand presence. Panels often include logos, images, and direct business data. This visual reinforcement aids credibility even if clicks are modest. Optimizing brand profiles increases visibility in these placements.

First Image CTR Trends #7: Paid Search Ad (#1) ~1.2%–2.1%

The top paid ad in Google averages CTRs from 1.2% to 2.1%. This is lower than organic placements but still effective for targeted campaigns. Strong visuals and compelling ad copy can lift performance. Ad extensions and image enhancements help make the ad stand out. For highly competitive industries, this remains a key acquisition channel.

First Image CTR Trends #8: Paid Search Ad (#2–3) ~1.0%–1.5%

Second and third paid ad positions receive CTRs in the 1.0%–1.5% range. These positions often get less attention since users scroll past quickly. Nonetheless, strong images or sitelinks can improve their appeal. For budget optimization, advertisers may prefer these slots over costly top placement. This reflects the balance between CTR and cost efficiency.

First Image CTR Trends #9: Mobile Ads 2%–5%

Mobile ads consistently achieve higher CTRs of 2%–5%. Mobile dominance in browsing makes this trend vital for marketers. Image-heavy ads are particularly effective on mobile screens. With limited space, visuals attract faster attention than text. Brands should design creatives optimized for small displays to maximize results.

First Image CTR Trends #10: Desktop Ads 1%–3%

Desktop ads record CTRs between 1% and 3%, trailing behind mobile ads. The wider screen offers more competition for attention, lowering click rates. However, desktop still matters for business and research-oriented queries. Including sharp images and interactive extensions can lift performance. Desktop ads work best for B2B and long-form research searches.

First Image CTR Trends #11: Facebook Ads 0.9%–1.6%

Facebook ad CTRs average between 0.9% and 1.6%. Though lower than search, they excel in precise targeting. Images and videos are crucial to ad engagement on this platform. Carousel and story ads often outperform static creatives. Strong visuals tailored to audience segments can improve these benchmarks.

First Image CTR Trends #12: Pinterest Ads 0.5%–1.5%

Pinterest ads generate CTRs of 0.5%–1.5%, benefiting from a highly visual environment. Users on Pinterest are often in discovery and inspiration mode. Images matter more than text, making this placement ideal for fashion and home décor. Brands can improve CTR by using lifestyle-oriented visuals. Seasonal and trend-based content performs particularly well.

First Image CTR Trends #13: Amazon Ads ~0.47%

Amazon advertising averages a CTR of about 0.47%. Though lower compared to social or search, clicks here show strong purchase intent. Images of products directly influence performance. High-quality images and A+ content help brands capture attention. Even small CTR improvements can mean significant sales volume.

First Image CTR Trends #14: Display Network Average ~0.51%

The average CTR for display ads hovers around 0.51%. This is much lower than search-driven placements. Display CTR depends heavily on visuals since they interrupt user journeys. Well-targeted creatives with strong imagery can exceed this average. Retargeting ads typically perform better than prospecting display ads.

First Image CTR Trends #15: Email Marketing Average ~1.36%

Email campaigns achieve an average CTR of 1.36%. Visuals such as product images often determine click behavior. Segmentation and personalization can raise engagement levels. Clear CTAs placed near images improve outcomes. Despite modest CTR, email remains cost-effective for conversions.

First Image CTR Trends #16: Segmented Emails +50% vs. Average

Segmented emails drive 50% higher CTR compared to unsegmented campaigns. Audience relevance makes images and CTAs more effective. Personalization in subject lines and body text adds further lift. Marketers benefit from showcasing tailored visuals for each segment. This demonstrates the value of investing in list segmentation.

First Image CTR Trends #17: SEO “Good” CTR Benchmark >3%

In SEO, a CTR above 3% is considered strong performance. Image optimization helps sites achieve and maintain this benchmark. Including structured data and thumbnails increases clicks. High CTR signals quality to search engines, reinforcing rankings. Brands meeting this threshold enjoy sustainable organic traffic growth.

First Image CTR Trends #18: Out-stream Video Ads Higher Than In-stream

Out-stream video ads achieve higher CTRs compared to in-stream formats. They capture attention by appearing in unexpected contexts like articles or feeds. Visual impact makes users more curious to click. Advertisers use them to expand reach beyond video platforms. This format demonstrates how context influences CTR strength.

First Image CTR Trends #19: Mobile Video Ads 2–3x Desktop CTR

Mobile video ads earn CTRs two to three times higher than desktop. Smaller screens and scroll behavior favor immersive visuals. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram drive this trend. Advertisers benefit from designing short, engaging clips. Optimizing for vertical formats ensures maximum impact.

First Image CTR Trends #20: Visual Design Impact Strong CTR Boost

Strong visual design consistently improves CTR across platforms. Well-crafted images attract clicks more effectively than plain text. Branding, color, and layout choices influence engagement. A/B testing creative design helps refine performance. This underscores the universal importance of visuals in CTR optimization.