YouTube thumbnail
An eye-catching cover for your video.
App · uses credits to generate
GUIDE · INVITATIONS, LOGOS AND ADS
How to make a YouTube thumbnail
Open the YouTube thumbnail App, type the video topic and the title you want to see and, if you like, upload a photo of yourself. Generate the image in 16:9 and, if needed, fit it to 1280 × 720 and reduce its size with the free tools.
Open the App YouTube thumbnailOpening it is free. Generating uses credits; you see the cost first.
STEP BY STEP
5 steps
Open the YouTube thumbnail App
Two fields: video topic and thumbnail title. Opening it costs nothing.
Write a title of a few words
Three to five big words read well on a phone; the rest goes in the video title.
Add your face or product (optional)
Upload a reference photo so you or your product appear. Only your own photos or ones you have permission for.
Generate and fit the size
Check the cost and generate in 16:9. With Resize image you make it 1280 × 720, the size YouTube recommends.
Check the file size
If YouTube rejects it for being too large, Compress image shrinks it without changing how it looks.
BEFORE YOU START
What YouTube thumbnail will ask for
- Video topic
- Written in your own words
- Thumbnail title
- Written in your own words
- Models
- Seedream 5 Pro · GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
TOOLS IN THIS GUIDE
What you will use
Resize image
Pixels, percent or social media sizes.
Free tool · on your device
Compress image
Make JPG, PNG and WebP files smaller.
Free tool · on your device
TIPS
To get it right
Tip 1
Look at the thumbnail small, as in the suggested list: if it does not read, simplify.
Tip 2
Use colours that stand out against YouTube’s white or dark background.
Tip 3
Keep the same style across your thumbnails so people recognise you.
YouTube thumbnail: common questions
What size should a thumbnail be?
YouTube recommends 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9). The App works in 16:9 and the Resize image tool sets the exact size.
Can I use my photo?
Yes, as an optional reference. It must be you or someone who gave permission.
Is the title spelled correctly?
The App uses GPT Image, which writes sharp text. Check the result and, if needed, generate another variation.
Is it free?
Opening the Apps, templates and the Studio is free. Generating requires a verified account and credits; Free includes no credits, but you can buy a top-up without a subscription. The cost is shown before you confirm, and credits never expire.