How to Create a Custom Thumbnail for YouTube?

ORIGINAL POST

How as a new YouTuber can I add custom thumbnails. Is there any way to do it ?

6 replies

MikeMixtape · 6 years ago

When you upload a video, there's a button below that says "Custom Thumbnail" and you can add a picture of your custom thumbnail.

2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

I'm not 100% sure about this, but I think you need to become verified before you can add your own custom thumbnail. If you go into the studio and go to channel features, there should be a box that explains the verification reqs.

1 upvotes on reddit

NebojsaTerzic · 6 years ago

Yes, you need to verify your YouTube account in order to add custom thumbnails to your videos. �� It's an easy process.

1 upvotes on reddit

MikeMixtape · 6 years ago

Maybe. I don't remember what and how I got custom thumbnails.

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 6 years ago

On this page you can see whether your channel is allowed to upload custom thumbnails. On this page you can see official instructions on how to do so.

1 upvotes on reddit

DiggethAPit · 6 years ago

I happen to like using https://www.canva.com/ for all my custom thumbnail stuff. So far it seems to be working well.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/SmallYTChannel • [2]

Summarize

🎨 Offering 3-5 Free Custom YouTube Thumbnails (Building My Portfolio)

Posted by Thumbnails109 · in r/SmallYTChannel · 3 months ago

Hey creators!

I’m starting out with designing custom YouTube thumbnails — I focus on clean, clickable designs that help your videos stand out and attract more views.

👉 Since I’m building my portfolio, I’m offering 3-5 free thumbnails to anyone interested!
👉 Just tell me your video title + any ideas or style you want, and I’ll send you a few designs.

If you’re looking for thumbnails or want to give it a try, feel free to DM me or comment below!

Happy to help out small channels — no strings attached, just looking to practice and help the community. 😊

2 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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6 replies

Mindless_Kick3094 · 3 months ago

Do you also edit?

1 upvotes on reddit

Thumbnails109 · OP · 3 months ago

Videos no, sorry

1 upvotes on reddit

Hello_World-1289 · 3 months ago

Haha! I was thinking about offering free services of my niche in reddit too to build portfolio, great to see someone else also trying it. 😁

1 upvotes on reddit

julicane · 3 months ago

Hola! Yo necesito una buena miniatura sobre decorar con aromas (olores). El título de mi video es “Cómo hacer que tu casa huela siempre bien”.

1 upvotes on reddit

CriticalAnalysisHub · 3 months ago

This is such a good idea too

2 upvotes on reddit

Financial_Drama7827 · 3 months ago

Hey I'll dm you now I'm looking for potential thumbnail creators to join the team.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/youtubers • [3]

Summarize

[Question] How are you making your thumbnail?

Posted by beanzZ69 · in r/youtubers · 4 years ago

Every time I feel like I can do much better and interesting thumbnails but don't have any ideas. How did you find your thumbnail "style"?

Edit: Thanks everyone for the answers and helpful tips, they're much appreciated!

18 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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6 replies

TimberForge · 4 years ago

Dont stick to one style, try different styles out. Something that helps me is when I make a thumbnail, I zoom all the way out so I can see if it catches my eye, even when it isn’t taking up my whole monitor.

Whatever I do, I make sure to have a thimbnail that includes something that represents the video, a bit of text(white usually sticks out the most) and either a bright background or a white glowing outline around whatever is important (or Whatever created in that video) in the thumbnail.

8 upvotes on reddit

Chieliano · 4 years ago

Like, I look at thumbnails of other youtubers in my category and see what I like and combine those.

3 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 4 years ago

Same here.

1 upvotes on reddit

MrMetaIMan · 4 years ago

I do a lot on my phone with the app "Canva" But I'm in no way a creative artist so mine are eh. But there are a lot of options. I mainly just use my phone to edit videos and make thumbnails so that's my preference.

4 upvotes on reddit

juvenalia_gaming · 4 years ago

I do gameplay videos, highly focused on making fun of the players in game and myself. I typically take a screenshot from the video, and find a funny screen of my face to throw over the picture. It's low effort but makes me laugh. It kind of stands out I think? I'm still fairly new though

2 upvotes on reddit

codyjayartistry · 4 years ago

I start in facetune 2, to easily change the background to a color scheme that fits my aesthetic. Then I make any edits that need to be made. From there I use pixel lab or inshot to add the text I want. You can also use Canva to add emojis, elements, and more. As an experienced youtuber, I highly recommend making sure that your thumbnails all are branded and consistent. Branding your channel is very important in having an identifiable channel! Best of luck!

2 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/PartneredYoutube • [4]

Summarize

My Checklist for a Good Thumbnail!

Posted by NickNaskida · in r/PartneredYoutube · 6 months ago

Hey guys!

I've always struggled to create thumbnails that get clicks. I've spent hours messing around in Canva or Photoshop, only to end up with something that just feels off.

However, I finally think I figured out how to make attention-grabbing thumbnails.

First of all, before starting on thumbnail make sure you have:

A title ready
Know concept of the video

This will help you a lot during the designing phase.

Next, understand what makes a thumbnail work:

High-quality images – No blurry or pixelated pictures.
Bold, readable text – If you use text, make sure it’s clear even on a small screen.
Bright, high-contrast colors – Thumbnails that pop get more clicks.
Simple design – Too much clutter makes it harder to understand.
Consistent style – If all your thumbnails look different, your brand gets lost.
Something intriguing – A reaction, an unusual object, or a hint of mystery helps.

Finally, here are the elements I try to have (as many as possible):

Face emotions
Eye catching colors
Simplistic design
No text (if possible)
Contrast (everything should be visible easily)
No empty space (Utilize the space best as possible)
WOW factor or Conflict (A unique object or place, two objects that clash, or creating intense scenes)

Curious to hear what’s working for you guys!

4 upvotes on reddit

7 replies

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7 replies

MannyDantyla · 6 months ago

I didn't do any of those things (except high quality image) in my last video and now that video is my top performer (within the first 72 hours).

Just a photo, no text.. BUT the photo tells the story, such that no text is really needed. That can be very powerful.

BTW I also did a thumbnail with the same image but with a good bold text hook in the photo, "Will This Fail?" or something like that, and it got six points less in the thumbnail comparison test.

1 upvotes on reddit

der_gopher · 6 months ago

Vibrant colors, yes. Also, always upload 3 versions and see what performs the best.

3 upvotes on reddit

MannyDantyla · 6 months ago

I could upload wildly different thumnails and it won't deviate more than 10 points. Just my experience.

1 upvotes on reddit

der_gopher · 6 months ago

Mostly yes. I had once 1 image got 82% of clicks. Sometimes we don't know

2 upvotes on reddit

MannyDantyla · 6 months ago

Can you give an example?

1 upvotes on reddit

NickNaskida · OP · 6 months ago

Just check any MrBeast, Mark Rober, Logan Paul Thumbnails...

2 upvotes on reddit

TheCasualPrince8 · 6 months ago

Consistent style is a style choice, not a necessity. A style can be really difficult to enforce if you do multiple different types of videos. You shouldn't try to force a style, because that can lead to you being unable to create the thumbnail you want, due to the style getting in the way. Making the best thumbnail for a video always comes first, if you can do a consistent style too, great. But it's not a necessity.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/NewTubers • [5]

Summarize

Why Thumbnails Matter More Than You Think on YouTube?

Posted by LegitimateMemory8684 · in r/NewTubers · 4 months ago

Just wanted to share a quick insight for fellow creators: thumbnails are way more important than most people realize. You could have the most amazing video, but if your thumbnail doesn't grab attention, people won't click.

Think of it like a movie poster—it’s your first impression. A good thumbnail should spark curiosity, be visually clear, and match your video’s vibe. Bright colors, expressive faces, and bold text often work best.

I recently tested this on my channel and saw a clear boost in CTR just by tweaking thumbnails.

Bottom line: spend time on your thumbnails—it’s worth it. Anyone else seen a big difference after improving theirs?

Let’s talk strategy

25 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

extra_grass1 · 4 months ago

Im pretty sure almost everyone knows this though

26 upvotes on reddit

LegitimateMemory8684 · OP · 4 months ago

Totally fair ,it does seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many creators still treat thumbnails as an afterthought. Even small tweaks can lead to big changes in click-through rates.

1 upvotes on reddit

bikingfury · 4 months ago

But is that right. Do you think YouTube should make or break careers based on a stupid thumbnail? Shouldn't the content itself be what creators should focus on? I think people should not care about thumbnails. Not creators and not viewers. I for example judge a video much more about what's seen in the preview when I hover over it, than the thumbnail. And that preview is 100% YouTube.

-1 upvotes on reddit

extra_grass1 · 4 months ago

Imo most of them are lazy with their content in general though. This might not be everyone bit for the people I've seen it generally has.

5 upvotes on reddit

Thebrokentech · 4 months ago

No they don't lmaooo you're only saying this because you see the successful creators doing it but they are successful for a reason.

90% of YouTube are not these people and if you look a noobie creators, you can see a large difference in thumbnail quality.

-4 upvotes on reddit

extra_grass1 · 4 months ago

If someone has even watched 1 tutorial they would hear this 100 times. If you aren't researching you really dont care

6 upvotes on reddit

NovaaAZ · 4 months ago

Definitely true. Finding a style and evolving it is fantastic to watch happen. I started with some rather embarrassingly lazy styled thumbnails and have over almost a year finally just began to figure out a style that looks sorta nice and has been getting consistent decent results. Definitely enjoyable to see the time turn to somewhat skills and pay off a little

4 upvotes on reddit

LegitimateMemory8684 · OP · 4 months ago

Exactly! It’s wild how much progress you can see when you stick with it. Starting with basic or even lazy thumbnails is just part of the journey. The glow-up feels so real when your style clicks and the views start showing it. Keep going ,those little wins add up fast! What’s your current go-to style?

1 upvotes on reddit

NovaaAZ · 4 months ago

I have gone for a sortof minimalism style, its a double border theme that allows me to use 3D cutouts of anything that the video is related to and still allows space for an additional item or two without being cluttered

2 upvotes on reddit

ryanknol · 4 months ago

Use autothumbs.com the use that or recreate it better. The AI puts out God tier shit sometimes.

3 upvotes on reddit

MrRaiPlays · 4 months ago

Learning more about this art every day 🥳

8 upvotes on reddit

-abM-p0sTpWnEd · 4 months ago

I get this, and have since the beginning. I think my problem is I don't really know what makes a thumbnail good or the best way to go about making one. I think mine are...ok? I've spent a lot of time on them but when I look at them they do seem amateurish and I'm not really sure why or how to fix it.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/NewTubers • [6]

Summarize

How would you go about making your own thumbnail?

Posted by mattp_12 · in r/NewTubers · 6 years ago

How would you say a small YouTuber go about making their own thumbnail?

This question probably has different answers based on the channel content and type of audience, among other things. I make gaming videos, for reference. Do you think there are certain things to follow (probably putting the episode number in the thumbnail) or certain things to avoid (minus the clickbait and red circles/arrows)?

Obviously different people prefer different things in thumbnails. I’m not looking to find some magic bullet thumbnail because I know it doesn’t exist. I’m just wondering if there are any tips people have for generally creating/improving a thumbnail when using editing software such as GIMP or Paint.net.

Image of thumbnail (I hope this doesn’t go against the self promotion rule) A thumbnail I am currently using consists of

An image of the game I got on Google images
The title of the episode in all caps (the actually video title isn’t all caps) with a minimalistic background
The episode number at the top right, with a slight black shadow
My icon at the top left with a weird transparent triangle effect that I thought looked cool but I’m now having second thoughts about
The game title underneath the episode title

Thanks

1 upvotes on reddit

9 replies

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9 replies

TheDeenoRheeno · 6 years ago

That's a really good thumbnail! I'm a beginner with some skills in graphic design and also going to study it and I use Adobe Illustrator and a bit of Photoshop for my thumbnails. Usually following a house style with my logo and game name etc. Feel free to check some of them out on my channel!

1 upvotes on reddit

MaxSujy_React · 6 years ago

The episode in the thumbnail makes zero sense unless you are already big enough. Nobody is clicking on Episode 5 of a random YouTuber that they do not know about.

Circles and Arrow can help highlight the most important thing on the thumbnails.

Clickbait is defined by audience retention. If you have an arrow with 50 percent retention, ur thumbnail was clickable and represented closely enough your content. A thumbnail is ONLY clickbait if it misrepresents what the content is about by trying to trick people to click and then discover that the reason why they clicked is not in the video.

For thumbnails, general rule...

- CLEAR text, it need to be readable. It includes proper font, color, size, etc. In the thumbnail you share, the number 17 makes very little sense, and the Ancient Basin text hurt my eyes. Another color maybe or with a color border. I like the Hollow Knight font, color, and whatever around it.

- I don't mind your branding top left, although not a fan of the logo on it. Brand recognition is important. Find something like that that you can put on every thumbnail, it is very important. I think the main issue with the red color is how it does not esthetically fit with the blue-white dynamic. So the red thing and the Ancient Basin is killing a bit how harmonious and pretty your thumbnail could be.

So I think with a few changes you could have a nice template for future thumbnails.

2 upvotes on reddit

mattp_12 · OP · 6 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. I'll redesign a new one based on the stuff you suggested.

For future videos, I'll add a colored border around the episode name (or change the font color), remove the episode number, and change up the top-left coloring to better fit in with the style. I may even change it up so far as to remove the triangle stuff and do something entirely different. To be honest the top-left triangle stuff is basically the result of playing in GIMP for like 20 minutes.

I'll also reorganize the things on the thumbnail to make better use of space after all of this.

I'm sort of confused by "I don't mind your branding top left, although not a fan of the logo on it. Brand recognition is important. Find something like that that you can put on every thumbnail, it is very important." Isn't my logo something I can put on each thumbnail? I get that it doesn't directly relate to the video, but it is brand recognition.

Thanks again.

1 upvotes on reddit

MaxSujy_React · 6 years ago

I mean the little mushroom top left with some red, blue and black, shape on his head. It's ugly IMO. It's not popping at all. It's too dark and feels meh. If its a game character it probably makes sense but I just personally find it ugly. Something with eyes looking at us and a big smile would be better IMO.

1 upvotes on reddit

davidtab · 6 years ago

I personally really like the triangle on the top, definitely looks cool. Not sure about the episode number - does it really matter?

I like the thumbnail. Not watching much of gaming content, but I think I'd click on this one.

3 upvotes on reddit

mattp_12 · OP · 6 years ago

Thanks :) Yeah I’ll experiment with removing the number and moving things around

1 upvotes on reddit

ExpertSummer · 6 years ago

I agree - episode number shouldn’t matter as long as it’s in the title.

2 upvotes on reddit

mattp_12 · OP · 6 years ago

True. The episode number in the thumbnail might even turn people away from clicking too because they may think it’s too far into the series and they won’t understand what’s going on

1 upvotes on reddit

spector111 · 6 years ago

You are already at the recognized standard. Improve some other aspect, all good here.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/youtube • [7]

Summarize

When can I create custom thumbnail for videos [question]

Posted by HUNGRYEATSFOOD · in r/youtube · 6 years ago

I was wondering when I can start to create custom thumbnails for my videos. If this has been talked about already, please point me to the right direction.

04 replies

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4 replies

Jacksinthe · 6 years ago

Everything is explained with the "Learn More" link on your channel status page in the custom thumbnail setting box.

Have you clicked on it to read the requirements?

1 upvotes on reddit

HUNGRYEATSFOOD · OP · 6 years ago

When I click on learn more, it brings me to " manage tour channel with creator studio. There is nothing there that explains the criteria for custom thumbnails.

1 upvotes on reddit

gerald_bell · 6 years ago

Make your own picture in powepoint, save it as a jpeg and then upload the photo. Done. Easy

1 upvotes on reddit

HUNGRYEATSFOOD · OP · 6 years ago

Don't I have to eligible in order to do so?

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/NewTubers • [8]

Summarize

My Checklist for a Good YouTube Thumbnail!

Posted by NickNaskida · in r/NewTubers · 6 months ago

Hey guys!

I've always struggled to create thumbnails that get clicks. I've spent hours messing around in Canva or Photoshop, only to end up with something that just feels off.

However, I finally think I figured out how to make attention-grabbing thumbnails.

First of all, before starting on thumbnail make sure you have:

A title ready
Know concept of the video

This will help you a lot during the designing phase.

Next, understand what makes a thumbnail work:

High-quality images – No blurry or pixelated pictures.
Bold, readable text – If you use text, make sure it’s clear even on a small screen.
Bright, high-contrast colors – Thumbnails that pop get more clicks.
Simple design – Too much clutter makes it harder to understand.
Consistent style – If all your thumbnails look different, your brand gets lost.
Something intriguing – A reaction, an unusual object, or a hint of mystery helps.

Finally, here are the elements I try to have (as many as possible):

Face emotions
Eye catching colors
Simplistic design
No text (if possible)
Contrast (everything should be visible easily)
No empty space (Utilize the space best as possible)
WOW factor or Conflict (A unique object or place, two objects that clash, or creating intense scenes)

Curious to hear what’s working for you guys!

5 upvotes on reddit

2 replies

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2 replies

changeLynx · 6 months ago

I make now a GPT from it, let's see if it is really so clear (did not read it tho)
Edit: I will send you the result

1 upvotes on reddit

Parallax-Jack · 6 months ago

Very nice! 100% agree with all of these points

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

r/NewTubers • [9]

Summarize

How to make good thumbnails??

Posted by Turbulent_Relation10 · in r/NewTubers · 2 months ago

Hi!! I was wondering if anyone had tips on how to make good thumbnails?? I know how to use photoshop and know the basics on canva. What makes a good thumbnail…there are so many different avenues to go. Would love to hear y’all’s suggestions!!

2 upvotes on reddit

2 replies

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2 replies

NoEddiesChoom · 2 months ago

I heard the advice "imagine that your viewer is dumb and almost blind kid" - so use small amount of big simple words and images, so it's catchy and you can figure out the topic in 1 second looking at the preview

1 upvotes on reddit

SketchMyStory · 2 months ago

Try looking at this list and see if you broke any of the "rules" of thumbnail making. It's a good start to objectively rating and improving your thumbnails: https://www.reddit.com/r/YouTubeThumbnailHub/s/bLbdCc3na3

1 upvotes on reddit

See 2 replies

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