The “Thumbnail Frame” Principle — A Field Study in Visual Virality - New York Alt Arts Academy Research Paper #001

This is the first research paper published by the New York Alt Arts Academy. It documents a practical, low-effort strategy for increasing engagement on short-form video platforms by treating every frame of content as a standalone thumbnail. Using real-world Instagram Reels data and visual storytelling analysis, the study presents early but promising results that are immediately actionable for digital artists and media creators. The tone is accessible, the methods are repeatable, and the insights have both educational and professional application.