Design a 16:9 YouTube thumbnail in your browser: start from a template, add your photo and a bold title, then download a JPG that YouTube accepts.
How it looks small, as in a phone's list of suggested videos. The dashed guide and the 12:34 box show the edge margin and where YouTube puts the video length; they aren't saved.
Your face or the subject of the video. Then try Cut out the person, Circle or Fill the background under Selected.
Check it next to real videos in the YouTube thumbnail tester, or press Preview on YouTube below.
How to make a YouTube thumbnail
Pick one of the 7 templates, or keep the first one.
Add your photo. It drops into the template's photo spot; press Cut out the person to keep just you, or Fill the background to use it behind everything.
Tap the title and type your own words. Change the font, colour and outline under Selected.
Add stickers such as arrows, circles and badges, and drag everything into place. Keep words out of the bottom-right corner, where YouTube shows the video length.
Download the thumbnail, then press Preview on YouTube to see it among other videos.
YouTube's rules for custom thumbnails
Size: 3840 × 2160 pixels recommended, at least 640 pixels wide.
Shape: 16:9 for videos.
Format: JPG or PNG.
File size: up to 2 MB from the mobile app, 50 MB from a computer.
The design is drawn fresh at the size you pick (1280 × 720, 1920 × 1080, 3840 × 2160), so text stays sharp at every size. Example: a title set to 13% of the height is 94 pixels tall with a 13-pixel outline at 1280 × 720, and 281 pixels tall at 3840 × 2160. As JPG the file is kept under 2 MB by lowering the quality only as far as needed.
Tips for thumbnails people click
Three to five big words at most: most people first see your thumbnail small on a phone. The small preview next to the editor shows that size.
Strong contrast: white or yellow text with a dark outline reads on any background.
One clear subject, often a face, and one idea per thumbnail.
16:9. YouTube now recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. 1280 × 720 is still the most common size and looks sharp on phones; choose 3840 × 2160 here for big screens.
What is the maximum file size for a thumbnail?
2 MB when you upload from the YouTube app on a phone, and 50 MB from a computer. This maker keeps every JPG at or under 2 MB, so it uploads from either.
Why can't I add a custom thumbnail on YouTube?
YouTube only lets verified accounts add custom thumbnails. Go to youtube.com/verify and enter a phone number; YouTube sends a code by text or voice call. Then upload the image in the video's details.
Can I remove the background from my photo?
Yes, for photos of people. Select the photo and press Cut out the person: an AI model finds the person on your device (about 12 MB to load the first time) and hides the rest. It works best on one person against a clear background; fine hair can look soft.
Are the templates and stickers free?
Yes. The templates and stickers were made for this site; use them for your videos, with no watermark and no account.
How can I check it before I upload?
Press Preview on YouTube under the download: the YouTube thumbnail tester opens with your design and shows it in the home feed and the small suggested list, in dark and light mode.
