Table of Contents
Step-by-Step:
1.Set the Right Size
YouTube thumbnail size: 1280 x 720 pixels
File Format: JPG or PNG
Under 2MB in size
Use 16:9 aspect ratio
2.Choose a Design Tool
Use free beginners tools:
Canva – Free templates and drag and drop editor
Adobe Express – Easy to use with great templates
Pixlr – Web-based photo editor
Fotor – Thumbnail-specific features
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3.Design Your Thumbnail
Include:
Large, bold text (easy to read on small screens)
High-quality images
Faces with expressions (get more clicks)
Bright contrasting colors
Clear focus (don’t overcrowd)
4.Add to Your YouTube Video
Go to YouTube Studio
Click Content > Edit the video
Scroll to Thumbnail > Click Upload Thumbnail
Select your custom thumbnail
Tips for a Good Thumbnail
Keep text to 3-6 words
Make sure it matches your video title
Use arrows or circles to draw attention
Preview it on a mobile screen-most views are from phones
Best YouTube Thumbnail Apps (Mobile)
1.Canva (Android & iOS)Â Â
Thousands of free templates
Drag-and-drop editor
Add text, filters, images, and more
Perfect for beginners
2.Pixellab (Android)
Great for custom text effects
Remove backgrounds, add stickers
Advanced for a free app
3.Picsart (Android & iOS)
Popular for creative thumbnails
Lots of effects, filters and fonts
Ideal for colorful and artistic styles
4.Adobe Express (Android & iOS)
Professional-looking thumbnails
Templates for thumbnails, banners, etc.
Syncs with desktop version
5.Thumbnail Maker (Android & iOS)
Made specifically for YouTube thumbnails
Templates for gaming, vlog, tech, etc.
Beginner-friendly
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Step-by-Step Guide: Thumbnail in Photoshop
Step 1: Create a New Document
Open Photoshop
Go to File > New.
Set the dimensions:
Width: 1280 pixels
Height: 720 pixels
Resolution: 72 pixels/inch
Color Mode: RGB Color
Step 2: Choose a Background
Use a solid color, gradient, or a high quality image.
You can add a blurred screenshot from your video content.
Step 3: Add Text:
Use bold fonts like Impact, Bebas Neue, Anton, Monstserrat.
Keep text short (3-6 words).
Use contrasting colors
Add stroke (outline) or drop shadow to make text pop:
Right-click text layer – Blending Options – add Stroke
Step 4: Add Subject Image
Cut out your face or object using the Select Subject or Pen Tool.
Place it prominently usually on one side.
 Add an outer glow or shadow for depth.
Step 5: Add Effects and Icons
Use arrows, emojis, shapes for emphasis.
Apply color grading using Adjustment Layers
Step 6: Export Your Thumbnail
Go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy) or Export As…
Format: JPG or PNG
Make sure file size is under 2MB for YouTube upload.
