{"id":8007,"date":"2023-01-05T15:10:02","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T15:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/?p=8007"},"modified":"2025-03-05T20:56:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T20:56:00","slug":"how-to-make-a-youtube-thumbnail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/how-to-make-a-youtube-thumbnail\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make A Cool YouTube Thumbnail In 5 Minutes &#8211; For Free"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scroll-stopping YouTube thumbnails are an absolute must if you want to get views and subscribers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So in this click-by-click guide, I&#8217;m going to show you exactly how to make thumbnails for Youtube videos in a way that&#8217;s easy, fast and free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And yes, it really will take less than 5 minutes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s create! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make A YouTube Thumbnail: Video Walkthrough<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"How To Make A Cool YouTube Thumbnail In 5 Minutes \u2013 For Free\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qk6UvfFfrY8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Create YouTube Thumbnails In 4 Easy Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1. Join Canva For Free<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/goto\/canva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canva<\/a> is the best must-have YouTube thumbnail maker out there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 1,000s of customisable templates, you can create eye-catching thumbnails and banners for your channel with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And you don&#8217;t need any prior experience as a graphic designer because Canva is super easy to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To get started, <a href=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/goto\/canva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">head over to Canva<\/a>, create your free account and you&#8217;ll see a page like this:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1859\" height=\"799\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/making-a-youtube-thumbnail-free-easy.jpg\" alt=\"making a youtube thumbnail free easy\" class=\"wp-image-8010\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/making-a-youtube-thumbnail-free-easy.jpg 1859w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/making-a-youtube-thumbnail-free-easy-300x129.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/making-a-youtube-thumbnail-free-easy-1024x440.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/making-a-youtube-thumbnail-free-easy-768x330.jpg 768w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/making-a-youtube-thumbnail-free-easy-1536x660.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1859px) 100vw, 1859px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2. Choose A YouTube Thumbnail Template<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, click <strong>Create A Design<\/strong> in the top-left and choose <strong>YouTube Thumbnail<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-find-free-youtube-thumbnail-templates.png\" alt=\"how to find free youtube thumbnail templates\" class=\"wp-image-8011\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-find-free-youtube-thumbnail-templates.png 970w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-find-free-youtube-thumbnail-templates-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-find-free-youtube-thumbnail-templates-768x343.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This will open up a design page that&#8217;s already 1280 x 720px which is the <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/youtube\/answer\/72431?hl=en#:~:text=Image%20size%20%26%20resolution&amp;text=We%20recommend%20your%20custom%20thumbnails,Remain%20under%20the%202MB%20limit.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recommended thumbnail size<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you have two choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can either create your custom Youtube thumbnail yourself from scratch by adding text, graphics, photos and your own images or you can customise any one of Canva&#8217;s 1,000s of ready-made templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to work off a template, simply browse and find one you like. You can also find templates related to what your YouTube channel is about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s say your video is related to the fitness niche &#8211; simply search <em>&#8220;fitness&#8221;<\/em> and that&#8217;ll bring up 100s of templates to choose from: <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/free-youtube-thumbnail-templates.jpg\" alt=\"free youtube thumbnail templates\" class=\"wp-image-8012\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/free-youtube-thumbnail-templates.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/free-youtube-thumbnail-templates-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/free-youtube-thumbnail-templates-768x370.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3. Customise &amp; Make It Your Own<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you can change the font, layout, colours and background of your thumbnail design to get it looking how you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also search any of Canva&#8217;s 75 million+ free stock images or hit <strong>Uploads<\/strong> in the left-side menu and upload your own images.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/customising-your-youtube-thumbnail-on-canva-screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"customising your youtube thumbnail on canva screenshot\" class=\"wp-image-8013\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/customising-your-youtube-thumbnail-on-canva-screenshot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/customising-your-youtube-thumbnail-on-canva-screenshot-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/customising-your-youtube-thumbnail-on-canva-screenshot-768x369.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to make your image pop, select the image and click <strong>Edit image<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll be able to adjust the image brightness, contrast and saturation and add filters, frames and effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My personal favourite is Canva&#8217;s handy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/learn\/background-remover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Background Remover tool<\/a>. You can remove the background of any image in just one click!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"997\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-make-a-custom-youtube-thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"how to make a custom youtube thumbnail\" class=\"wp-image-8014\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-make-a-custom-youtube-thumbnail.jpg 997w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-make-a-custom-youtube-thumbnail-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-make-a-custom-youtube-thumbnail-768x371.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4. Download &amp; Add It To Your Blog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you can save your thumbnail by hitting the <strong>Share<\/strong> and <strong>Download<\/strong> buttons and selecting the <strong>File Type<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thumbnails can be uploaded onto YouTube as JPG, GIF, or PNG files as long as they&#8217;re under the <a href=\"https:\/\/promo.com\/blog\/youtube-thumbnail-size-and-best-practices-for-2022#:~:text=There%20is%20a%202MB%20limit,be%20much%20of%20a%20problem.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2MB limit<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"998\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-upload-your-thumbnail-to-youtube.jpg\" alt=\"how to upload your thumbnail to youtube\" class=\"wp-image-8015\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-upload-your-thumbnail-to-youtube.jpg 998w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-upload-your-thumbnail-to-youtube-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/how-to-upload-your-thumbnail-to-youtube-768x372.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And that&#8217;s it &#8211; congrats, you&#8217;ve just designed your very first thumbnail on Canva! \ud83e\udd73 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you know exactly how to make attention-grabbing thumbnails for your YouTube videos that are going to get you those all-important clicks, views and subscribers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See, I told you it was a piece of cake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Create Thumbnails You Can&#8217;t Help But Click<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Show Strong Emotions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to YouGov, 72% of the popular videos on YouTube have thumbnails with strong emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fact is if you want more views then you need to show your face and express emotions like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Horror<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intrigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anger<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disgust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sadness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using stock images is great and all but you can&#8217;t beat using your own images, so take a few seconds before you start recording your videos to take a thumbnail image photo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Use Vibrant Colours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As it turns out, your choice of colour has a big impact on your thumbnail&#8217;s clickability too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the brighter, the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.renderforest.com\/blog\/youtube-video-thumbnail-tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Statistics show<\/a> videos with reds, yellows and oranges in their thumbnails tend to perform the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Add Simple Wording<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding some text to your thumbnail helps too. Just remember your thumbnail is really, really small (especially on mobile) so keep it short and easy to read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And don&#8217;t make the mistake of thinking you have to include your video in your thumbnail. Instead, summarise your video in a few words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example,&nbsp;we recently uploaded a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=QX2fKVv4VCQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video<\/a> entitled <em>&#8220;How To Start Earning Commissions Online [STEP-BY-STEP BEGINNER&#8217;S GUIDE]&#8221;<\/em>. Rather than trying to fit all that into one thumbnail, all I added was <em>&#8220;You&#8217;ve Made A Commission!&#8221;<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s a great video about the psychology behind thumbnail design:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Designer Explains: Thumbnail Psychology - Get More Views #Shorts\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/45fTSrDAALs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3 Great YouTube Thumbnail Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now let&#8217;s take a look at some cool video thumbnail examples to help you get the ideas flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First up, we&#8217;ve got <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@hopescope\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HopeScope<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see, she&#8217;s up front and centre in each of her thumbnails. She knows how to convey that strong emotion we just talked about and her use of contrasting colours really help to draw the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"961\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples.jpg\" alt=\"youtube thumbnail examples\" class=\"wp-image-8016\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples.jpg 961w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples-768x503.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 961px) 100vw, 961px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next up is our very own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CommissionAcademy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Commission Academy YouTube channel<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;ve been a blogger for years and still getting the hang of YouTube but I try and use our brand colours (blue and yellow) throughout, use high-contrasting images, add a bit of text and always show my face.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"969\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/commission-academy-youtube-channel.jpg\" alt=\"commission academy youtube channel\" class=\"wp-image-8017\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/commission-academy-youtube-channel.jpg 969w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/commission-academy-youtube-channel-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/commission-academy-youtube-channel-768x499.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 969px) 100vw, 969px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@buzzfeedtasty\/videos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tasty YouTube channel<\/a> thumbnails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They&#8217;re simple and relevant and each thumbnail shows happy or surprised faces.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"965\" height=\"595\" src=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples-and-ideas.jpg\" alt=\"youtube thumbnail examples and ideas\" class=\"wp-image-8018\" style=\"width:900px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples-and-ideas.jpg 965w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples-and-ideas-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/youtube-thumbnail-examples-and-ideas-768x474.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 965px) 100vw, 965px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready To Start Earning With Your YouTube Channel?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know you can <a href=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/how-much-do-youtubers-get-paid-to-promote-products\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make money as a YouTuber<\/a> by promoting products to your viewers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So whether you&#8217;re just starting out or you&#8217;ve been doing this for a while, <a href=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/\">grab our free training<\/a> and you&#8217;ll discover how to turn your YouTube channel into a full-time income.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I mean, if you&#8217;re going to all that effort of shooting, editing and uploading videos then you might as well get paid for it, right?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Scroll-stopping YouTube thumbnails are an absolute must if you want to get views and subscribers. So in this click-by-click guide, I&#8217;m going to show you exactly how to make thumbnails for Youtube videos in a way that&#8217;s easy, fast and free. And yes, it really will take less than 5 minutes! Let&#8217;s create! Make A &#8230; <a title=\"How To Make A Cool YouTube Thumbnail In 5 Minutes &#8211; For Free\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/commission.academy\/blog\/how-to-make-a-youtube-thumbnail\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How To Make A Cool YouTube Thumbnail In 5 Minutes &#8211; For Free\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Make A Cool YouTube Thumbnail In 5 Minutes - For Free<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How To Create YouTube Thumbnails In 4 Easy Steps: 1. 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