What are you using for creating thumbnails?
- Thread starter rodrimar
- Start date
blackdaddy
BANNED
- Feb 27, 2013
- 139
- 50
I use Canva (https://www.canva.com/) — it's super user-friendly and has tons of pre-made YouTube thumbnail templates. You can also try tools like Adobe Express, Fotor, or Photoshop if you want more control and customization.
galearka
Registered Member
- Nov 19, 2024
- 57
- 84
1. Can you share what tool you are using to create thumbnails, please?
Sure! I create my thumbnails using Affinity Photo, so they are all custom, but I also often use tools like Canva to make some of the graphics that I add to my thumbnails. I have gotten positive feedback so far even though I am not a big YouTuber. Of course, I am a professional photo editor, so that helps. I really do suggest you learn how to use a photo editing program like that one or Photoshop, though. It is very much worth the time even if you can just learn how to cut out backgrounds or add drop shadows. There are so many tutorials out there to follow. It is okay if you do not understand it to begin with.
2. Can you give some tips & tricks for thumbnails, please?
With thumbnails, I suggest that you look at the most popular creators in your niche and then take inspiration from them. Generally speaking, high-contrast, vivid, and visually interesting/layered thumbnails go a long way in attracting people, but there are cases where simple ones go even further. I suggest that you (if you have access to the feature... you may have to have a certain amoount of subscribers first) create multiple thumbnails and then let YouTube do their A/B testing to see which one gets your the most engagement. I have learned a lot about what works for my channel in particular that way.
Sure! I create my thumbnails using Affinity Photo, so they are all custom, but I also often use tools like Canva to make some of the graphics that I add to my thumbnails. I have gotten positive feedback so far even though I am not a big YouTuber. Of course, I am a professional photo editor, so that helps. I really do suggest you learn how to use a photo editing program like that one or Photoshop, though. It is very much worth the time even if you can just learn how to cut out backgrounds or add drop shadows. There are so many tutorials out there to follow. It is okay if you do not understand it to begin with.
2. Can you give some tips & tricks for thumbnails, please?
With thumbnails, I suggest that you look at the most popular creators in your niche and then take inspiration from them. Generally speaking, high-contrast, vivid, and visually interesting/layered thumbnails go a long way in attracting people, but there are cases where simple ones go even further. I suggest that you (if you have access to the feature... you may have to have a certain amoount of subscribers first) create multiple thumbnails and then let YouTube do their A/B testing to see which one gets your the most engagement. I have learned a lot about what works for my channel in particular that way.
- Nov 28, 2017
- 1,653
- 830
I use ChatGPT and Leonardo AI to create thumbnails. I let ChatGPT brainstorm my topic to come up with the best thumbnail prompt.
- Sep 23, 2009
- 6,075
- 1,708
I am using Leonardo AI and Canva which really great for my work.
Its pretty much easy to use
Its pretty much easy to use
- May 14, 2023
- 3,924
- 3,934
Canva and ChatGPT are a powerful combination, I'm personally using it
Nproxyio
BANNED
- Jun 30, 2025
- 349
- 78
I usually use Canva because it is easy to use and has a lot of beautiful templates. The secret to making an attractive thumbnail is to use contrasting colors, large, clear text, and choose images that evoke curiosity or emotion. The key is to keep the design simple
- Feb 25, 2025
- 1,459
- 200
I use Canva for thumbnails easy templates, drag-and-drop, and free! Tip: Use bold text, high-contrast colors, and faces to grab clicks 
seomaster5
Elite Member
- Oct 31, 2021
- 5,162
- 1,485
Canva is all you need. Free features are enough.