Free creator tool
YouTube Thumbnail Maker
Upload your own image, add readable title text and a badge, then export a YouTube thumbnail or Shorts cover. Everything runs locally in your browser.
Privacy note: your image stays in your browser. Use 1280×720 for regular YouTube videos and 1080×1920 for Shorts-style vertical covers.
YouTube-safe thumbnail guidance
This tool helps design thumbnails, but you are responsible for the image and claims you publish. To stay aligned with YouTube expectations, avoid misleading thumbnails, scams, impersonation, graphic/shocking content, copyrighted images you do not have rights to use, and text that promises something the video does not deliver.
Practical thumbnail tips
- Use 1280×720 for normal YouTube videos.
- Use 1080×1920 for YouTube Shorts-style vertical covers.
- Use your own photo, screenshot, product image, or properly licensed asset.
- Keep text short: 3–7 strong words usually works better than a sentence.
- Make the thumbnail readable on a phone.
- Use cover mode for strong visual impact; contain mode when the full image must be visible.