How to Create a Thumbnail on YouTube?

ORIGINAL POST

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!

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/NewTubers • [2]

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/PartneredYoutube • [3]

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

Helpful

Not helpful

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 • [4]

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

r/NewTubers • [5]

Summarize

how to create a thumbnail?

Posted by IAMPERSON4812 · in r/NewTubers · 6 years ago

I realy need to create a thumbnail however I do not know how and Im not very artistic (Im garbage at drawing). So i would like to know how everyone here creates a thumbnail and just to be clear im only talking to the people who don't mostly draw their thumbnails. I also believe that a thumbnail is the most important part of getting people to click on your video which is also another reason im doing this.

3 upvotes on reddit

7 replies

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7 replies

[deleted] · 6 years ago

I keep mine simple, a picture of the game. Then some text and my logo. Simple and effective.

Also please don't use clickbait lol.

1 upvotes on reddit

FenixTech · 6 years ago

You mean like:

Could this be the WORST player ever?
Youll never guess how many Players I pwned
THIS DID NOT HAPPEN!
Im done, Fortnite ruined my life.
Did I just unlock Fornite GodMode?
This Fortnite strat should be banned

.... I wrote these as lol, but im sure someone has used them unironically.

2 upvotes on reddit

OnePunchMister · 6 years ago

Put a picture of you overlaying a screenshot from the game. And have some text to the side of you exolaining what the video is. Keep it short

1 upvotes on reddit

IAMPERSON4812 · OP · 6 years ago

really thats all? I was expecting something much more complex but this also works for me. So far I've just been letting youtube auto pick my thumbnail

1 upvotes on reddit

OnePunchMister · 6 years ago

You want it really simple. It should convey information even when it's small

1 upvotes on reddit

OnePunchMister · 6 years ago

What kind of videos are you making?

1 upvotes on reddit

IAMPERSON4812 · OP · 6 years ago

mostly gaming however the games are only there to give me things to commentate over like make jokes about the game or make jokes with my friends. A good comparisons are youtubers like Fitz,vanossgaming,soviet womble,kryozgaming,etc

1 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/YouTubeThumbnailHub • [6]

Summarize

How long do you usually spend making a YouTube thumbnail?

Posted by ElieInAI · in r/YouTubeThumbnailHub · 14 days ago

Hey guys,

I’m curious about your workflow for thumbnails. Personally, I’m a YouTuber and I feel like I waste so much time on this. Honestly, it’s starting to drive me crazy, I sometimes spend 2+ hours just trying to design a single thumbnail every day...

Do you also spend that much time, or do you have a faster workflow? Are there any tools or tricks you’re using to speed things up and still make them look good?

I’d really love to hear how you approach it, because thumbnails are such a huge part of getting views, but I can’t keep spending hours on each one.

6 upvotes on reddit

7 replies

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7 replies

cryptobuy_org · 11 days ago

Our unconventional YouTube workflow (step by step) 1. We built a small webapp that basically watches the YouTube video for us, pulling the transcript, scenes, and key moments. Sometimes we also run it through AI Studio. 2. We take the analyzed description and feed it into Sora to generate a first draft. 3. That draft, together with the presenter’s face, goes into Seedream 4.0 where we refine it and also prompt Seedream to adjust the thumbnail. This is where the subject gets outlined, text is styled properly, and we can include screenshots or our logo if needed. 4. Final checks for readability and brand consistency before we export.

1 upvotes on reddit

YouTubeThumbnailHub-ModTeam · 13 days ago

Hi! Just a heads up. Your post has been removed as we don’t allow links to YouTube channels or videos.

A screenshot of a Swatch of your thumbnails would be okay.

1 upvotes on reddit

cairndestroyer · 12 days ago

I'm just starting out, but designed some MOGRTs in Adobe Premiere with the help of a friend. They make it super-fast.

Figuring out a template system with whatever your workflow is will probably be the fastest, ultimately.

1 upvotes on reddit

watcher2390 · 13 days ago

I’ve been working on my latest thumbnail for just over 6 years now. It’s a video review of Averages Endgame (no spoilers)

gif

2 upvotes on reddit

kosmikvaporeon · 12 days ago

Huh???

1 upvotes on reddit

yusoufu · 13 days ago

Thumbnail is more important than video, what ever time it takes as long as it bring results. Thumbnails are 80% psychology and 20% design

3 upvotes on reddit

SketchMyStory · 13 days ago

☝️ This

2 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/DoneDirtCheap • [7]

Summarize

I am an eye catchy YouTube thumbnail designer. Hit me up if you need one

Posted by Longjumping-Sort-119 · in r/DoneDirtCheap · 5 months ago

Creating catchy thumbnails is an art that blends visual appeal, clarity, and intrigue to capture the viewer's attention instantly. A successful thumbnail uses vibrant colors, bold fonts, and engaging imagery to convey the essence of the content at a glance. Incorporating elements like facial expressions, action shots, or striking graphics adds a human touch and fosters connection, urging potential viewers to click and explore. Additionally, clear branding helps establish consistency across content while teasing the value inside, leaving audiences curious and eager for more. By continuously experimenting with design elements and analyzing viewer engagement, you can refine your approach and create thumbnails that not only attract clicks but also encourage viewers to engage deeply with your content.

2 upvotes on reddit

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1 upvotes on reddit

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1 upvotes on reddit

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I've generated over 35M+ views for my clients yet, I'm interested please check your DM's

1 upvotes on reddit

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r/letsplay • [8]

Summarize

Thumbnail Creation

Posted by Chard627 · in r/letsplay · 2 months ago

Hey I’m new to this how do YouTubers (specifically gaming YouTubers) make their thumbnails. And I don’t mean like how to make my thumbnail better I’m more confused on what program they use or if they just get them from a website somewhere.

5 upvotes on reddit

6 replies

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https://preview.redd.it/rerkdszebnff1.jpeg?width=1041&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db98e02744f2e60131102ebef2fc4422f17e6202

6 replies

SketchMyStory · 2 months ago

For a let's play, it's entirely appropriate to just take a screenshot and add text in an app like canva. Just try to catch attention with the text you use and use minimal words as possible.

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 your thumbnail: https://www.reddit.com/r/YouTubeThumbnailHub/s/bLbdCc3na3

2 upvotes on reddit

APODGAMING · 2 months ago

I use Photoshop and After effects.
Still learning though.

Mostly I get a screenshot from the game then add text and work with masking. I tend to mask out a character from the game and put it on the thumbnail with some outline.

In this image I put a character in the center that is masked out from the game, then I added text that I masked so it looks like it's in the middle of the picture.

2 upvotes on reddit

Willrapforfood_ · 2 months ago

There are many choices. I use DaVinci resolve, and, while not ideal, it works for me because I’m already in it when I’m editing my vids… AND it’s free.

I’ve seen some people use Canva, gimp, and photopea as well.

1 upvotes on reddit

GrapTops · 2 months ago

Canva is lazy AI junk

1 upvotes on reddit

BIGJO7 · 2 months ago

Numerous options afaik and all free. You will need to test out a few before you figure out what you learn quickly and 'effectively' which is a pain tbh.

Canva free is a good start. Login and start using. They give free templates and elements like arrows shapes etc. Its limited but works for many. Snappa is similar as well.

Photopea is free online version of Photoshop. Watch a few tutorials and work around without any installation.

GIMP is a free image editor. Needs to be installed and many use that as its a good alternate for Photoshop.

Some editors nowadays give thumbnail creation option. Filmora has that but is paid. Davinci Resolve free will give that option but is kind of a workaround and not straight option. But that's the one I use and its probably the best I can recommend with pro level features all in free version but you will need good PC or Macbook for it.

3 upvotes on reddit

Chard627 · OP · 2 months ago

Ima try these all out thanks!!

1 upvotes on reddit

See 6 replies

r/NewTubers • [9]

Summarize

YouTube Thumbnail Maker??

Posted by PhaxaohGold · in r/NewTubers · 3 years ago

What’s a good software or program to use to make decent YouTube Thumbnails? I can use mobile,Mac and PC. I’m open to any suggestions.

3 upvotes on reddit

8 replies

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https://www.canva.com/youtube/

8 replies

HmoobDude · 3 years ago

I've never use them, but I've heard good things about Canva.

My understanding is they have a tool that allows you to use Templates for thumbnails.

4 upvotes on reddit

FreedomFingers · 3 years ago

Canva is decent for simple photoshop and different fonts u get more if you pay for sure, but I use free version if canva for fonts then import that into gimp for further photoshopping

1 upvotes on reddit

spidermanicmonday · 3 years ago

Was absolutely going to suggest Canva. The only downside is some of the more powerful tools are locked behind a paid subscription tier, but it's super easy to use and has everything you need to make a good thumbnail, or really any graphic.

2 upvotes on reddit

Firecrackled · 3 years ago

You can get free Canva for 6 months or like a year if you are a student!

3 upvotes on reddit

byteseb · 3 years ago

If you want to make more complex thumbnails, you can use GIMP. It is like the free Photoshop and I use it for all my thumbnails.

3 upvotes on reddit

GlitteringResource13 · 8 months ago

Easy tool to remove background from your images Here’s the url:https://removebg.pythonanywhere.com/ Useful for graphic designers and thumbnail makers

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

Photoshop is probably your best choice if you don't mind spending some money!

1 upvotes on reddit

FreedomFingers · 3 years ago

Gimp hands down its free open source and fairly easy to use once u navigate through it

1 upvotes on reddit

See 8 replies

r/youtubers • [10]

Summarize

Do you all create your own YouTube thumbnails or do you pay a graphic designer to do it?

Posted by tripwithweird · in r/youtubers · 2 months ago

Hey all, wondering if some of you create your own thumbnails or hire someone to do them for you. I have 500 videos uploaded on YouTube and seeing some performance drops from older videos and some new ones too. I’m wondering if I should get a graphic designer to revamp my thumbnails and titles for me.

Do you all just do them yourself or do you do like hire a pro graphic designer to get them done for you and optimize the SEO for the video etc. ChatGPT is a good starting point but hey if anyone has ideas where tools can help me with this that’ll be helpful too.

8 upvotes on reddit

9 replies

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9 replies

uselessopinionman · 2 months ago

I use Canva (free version). ill grab a template then customize it so ti will be different from everyone else just grabbing it aswel (change the colors or elements, ect)

9 upvotes on reddit

MomoNoHanna1986 · 2 months ago

I use the paid version :) because I refuse to use adobe anything lol

1 upvotes on reddit

LilStevieVai · 2 months ago

Paid Canva is 100% worth it. Not just for thumbnails. You can create short animations too just by simply adding animated effects to images and using multiple pages with transitions like PowerPoint. Really powerful.and easy to use

3 upvotes on reddit

Alien_Investigations · 2 months ago

I use free Canva as well. Pretty much just paste images in there, rather than sift endlessly through all the Pro elements and graphics.

2 upvotes on reddit

kingtaylor99 · 2 months ago

I use gimp. Crappy version of photoshop but its free and I can make good thumbnails with it

1 upvotes on reddit

omsip · 2 months ago

I make my own using Photoshop.

5 upvotes on reddit

one_eyed_idiot__ · 2 months ago

Chat-GPT is a horrible start. You're better off making bad thumbnails, nobody clicks on something that looks like AI. I just make it myself, it took some time to learn but if you're not willing to learn than that is completely on you

7 upvotes on reddit

KrisHughes2 · 2 months ago

I usually enjoy doing the thumbnail.

5 upvotes on reddit

Alien_Investigations · 2 months ago

I can barely afford to make ‘em myself let alone pay someone to do it. 😝

15 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

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