If you are looking for the best online YouTube thumbnail maker, Canva is the best tool. The easy-to-use graphic design software is perfect for beginners with zero design experience. More importantly, Canva is a free tool with a simple drag-and-drop interface and has a rich library of editable templates. While you can upgrade to a Pro version for additional features, the free plan has many free thumbnails to start and quickly create click-worthy YouTube thumbnails. Continue reading to learn how to use the online tool efficiently.
Table of Contents
How to Create a Thumbnail using Canva
2. Select a Template for Your Thumbnail in Canva
4. Use the Uploads Section to Add Images
7. Add Headshots to Your YouTube Thumbnails
Why Thumbnails are Important
The most straightforward benefit of thumbnails is allowing viewers to scan the video for content. Imagine this: you’ve poured your heart into creating a video that outshines even the cutest cat compilations. But how do you capture that magic in a single image? It would help if you had a
thumbnail that hooks viewers instantly and fuels your click-through rate.
Canva empowers you to do just that. Transform a video snapshot or build a fresh design from scratch. Add eye-catching text and design elements to make your thumbnail irresistible.
How to Create a Thumbnail using Canva
Canva’s intuitive dashboard makes it easy to personalize your thumbnail – the path to viral fame starts here! No design experience is required. So, how do you make a YouTube thumbnail with Canva? It’s easier than you think!
1. Open Canva Thumbnail Maker
To create a thumbnail, you should use an image editing tool, thumbnail maker. You can choose one of the thumbnail makers according to your expectations, budget, and skills.
Canva has many design elements like color schemes, photo effects, and fonts. It is one of the best design tools. Now, you can create eye-catching YouTube thumbnails with Canva, one of the best YouTube thumbnail makers.
Go to the Canva website, open the app, and log into your account. If you don’t have an account, create one for Canva.
2. Select a Template for Your Thumbnail in Canva
After logging into Canva to search for a template, write “YouTube thumbnail” into the search bar. Then, you will see various results. You can filter your results by searching with more specific keywords like “YouTube thumbnails about DIY,” “YouTube thumbnails about gaming,” etc.
3. Customize Your Thumbnail
When you select a thumbnail template, a box will appear, allowing you to view a larger version of it. This includes details about the thumbnail you’ve chosen and options to save it to your favorites or share it with others.
Simply click the ‘Customize this template’ button to start customizing it. Once done, you’ll be taken to the main Canva editor, where you can begin to make the design your own.
Then, you can configure the template with the controls and stock media in the editor.
There are three important tabs to take note of when using the Canva thumbnail maker. These are the following:
- Elements for stock graphics and photos
- Uploads for any graphics you may have uploaded to Canva like logos, brand assets, and more)
- Text for adding text or trying out font pairings.
Need logos and custom images for your YouTube thumbnail?
Have them designed by professional artists at Penji.
4. Use the Uploads Section to Add Images
From the uploads section, you can add any image or photo of yours according to your liking. You can quickly change the size of an element by clicking on it, extending it, or contracting it to make it fit your needs.
5. Utilize Elements Section
The elements section has many stock photos, shapes, stickers, graphics, and collections. There are a lot of options to make YouTube thumbnails without much effort. Nearly everything is ready. You need the ones you want to use in your thumbnail.
6. Design Your Thumbnail
Your YouTube thumbnails should be visually appealing, but it would be better if your video thumbnails included text. They provide the context. You can add any element that will fit your video thumbnail.
Consider the thumbnail’s size and add text accordingly. A good YouTube thumbnail should be easy to read and eye-catching.
You can add numbers to your video thumbnails if you have a video series.
Now, you can design the appearance of your text. You can experiment with a color contrast between the background image and text.
7. Add Headshots to Your YouTube Thumbnails
To add a headshot, drag your headshot onto the thumbnail. Then click on your headshot image and click the “Edit Image” button at the left corner. Select the “Background Remover.” This will remove the background.
8. Export your Design
Canva makes exporting a breeze. Head to the “Share” button in the top right corner. Here, you can choose the best format for your thumbnail. YouTube recommends PNG, JPG, or even GIFs. However, Canva recommends a PNG format for optimal quality.
You can specify a size for your downloaded thumbnail but Canva (and YouTube) recommends using 1280 x 720 pixels.
Once you are ready, click “Download.” That’s it! You have just created an intriguing YouTube thumbnail with Canva. Go ahead and add this to your video in YouTube Studio.
Canva beyond Thumbnails
Canva offers more than just a free thumbnail maker; it helps you create a complete brand for your YouTube channel. With Canva, you can design any image size you need, such as logos, banner art, and watermarks for your videos. You can even create your own videos to use on YouTube.
Additionally, Canva enables you to design various social media images and videos for any platform, including short-form vertical videos for YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve learned how to use Canva thumbnail maker, you are assured that you’ll increase your YouTube video viewers and subscribers. If you need logos and custom illustrations for your thumbnail design, Penji graphic artists can create them. Watch the demo video to glimpse Penji’s unlimited graphic design works.
