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YouTube Thumbnail Maker

Create eye-catching YouTube thumbnails online for free. Custom thumbnail maker with templates. Design click-worthy thumbnails instantly.

Use YouTube Thumbnail Maker to get instant results without uploads or sign-ups. Everything runs securely in your browser for fast, reliable output.

Your results will appear here.

Ready to run.

About this tool

Our YouTube Thumbnail Maker Calculator helps you create professional thumbnails with correct specifications for maximum YouTube compatibility and click-through rates.

Good thumbnails can increase video views by 50%+ through higher click-through rates. Use bold text, high contrast, and clear focal points.

YouTube recommends 1280×720 resolution, under 2MB file size, and 16:9 aspect ratio for optimal display across all devices.

Usage examples

Tutorial Thumbnail

Create thumbnail for how-to video

Input: 1280×720, bold text, high contrast → Output: Professional tutorial thumbnail

Vlog Thumbnail

Design vlog-style thumbnail

Input: Face focus, colorful background → Output: Engaging vlog thumbnail

How to use

  1. Select thumbnail template or start from scratch
  2. Add text, images, and design elements
  3. Use standard YouTube dimensions (1280×720)
  4. Preview and download thumbnail

Benefits

  • YouTube-optimized dimensions
  • Eye-catching design templates
  • Text and graphics tools
  • Perfect 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Under 2MB file size
  • High click-through potential
  • Professional quality

FAQs

What size should YouTube thumbnails be?

YouTube recommends 1280×720 pixels (HD resolution) with 16:9 aspect ratio. Minimum 640×360. Maximum file size 2MB. JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP format.

What makes a good YouTube thumbnail?

High contrast colors, large readable text, close-up faces showing emotion, clear focal point, consistency with your brand, and curiosity-inducing elements.

Should I use text on thumbnails?

Yes! 3-5 words maximum. Use large, bold fonts. Ensure text contrasts with background. Avoid covering important visual elements.

What makes a good YouTube thumbnail?

High click-through rate elements: expressive faces, bold text (30-40 characters), bright contrasting colors, clear focal point, brand consistency, curiosity gap, mobile-friendly design. Avoid: too much text, busy backgrounds, misleading images, tiny details. Test different versions.

What tools can I use to create thumbnails?

Free: Canva (templates), GIMP (full editor), Photopea (web-based). Paid: Photoshop (professional), Affinity Designer (one-time purchase). Mobile: Canva, Adobe Spark, Over. Use templates to start, customize for branding. Maintain consistent style.

Should I use text in thumbnails?

Yes, but keep it minimal and impactful. 3-5 words maximum. Use large, bold fonts (minimum 30pt equivalent at thumbnail size). High contrast background. Readable on mobile (50-60% of views). Complement video title, don't repeat exactly. Test readability at small size.

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