YouTube thumbnail maker
Bold 1280×720 thumbnails with outlined text, backgrounds, your photo and a badge.
How to use
- Pick a template and type your headline.
- Choose a background colour, gradient or image, and add your photo if you like.
- Download the JPG (kept under YouTube's 2 MB limit) and upload it in YouTube Studio.
YouTube thumbnail maker
Switch Format to 9:16 to make a 1080×1920 cover for Shorts, Reels or TikTok; the text then stays clear of the top status bar and the buttons at the bottom. Thumbnails are shown small, so use three to six big words, strong contrast and an outline around the text. Faces with a clear expression and one bright accent colour tend to stand out in the feed. Only use images you have the right to use, and avoid misleading thumbnails, which break YouTube's policies.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
1280 × 720 pixels (16:9), under 2 MB. This tool exports exactly that.
Can I use Chinese or Japanese text?
Yes. The font list switches to Chinese or Japanese fonts automatically when you type them.
Is this made by YouTube?
No. This is an independent tool and is not affiliated with YouTube or Google.
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