How to Make Thumbnails Online: 3 Makers to Boost Your Views

Do you want to make thumbnails online that grab attention and boost clicks? Then you are in the right space. With so many tools available, it's now easier than ever to create custom thumbnails that stand out from the crowd. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best tools and techniques to craft compelling thumbnails that ensure your content makes a powerful first impression and drives engagement.

How to make thumbnails online with an AI generator

Thumbnails are the first impression of your content, and they can determine its success online. To meet this need, Dreamina’s AI-powered thumbnail generator makes the process effortless: it translates your prompts into vibrant colors and arranges elements in an appealing way. Like a reliable assistant, Dreamina AI image generator designs your thumbnail exactly how you envision it, saving you time to focus on crafting the content itself.



Learn to make thumbnails with Dreamina

Ready to start creating scroll-stopping thumbnails with AI? Click the button below to sign up for Dreamina and get started for free!

Step
1. Write down the prompts
2. Visit Dreamina's website and click on the "Text/Image to image" button under "Generate images." Now, write your thumbnail prompt in the text box. When writing your prompt, be specific about what you want in your thumbnail. For example, you could write: "An excited young woman holding a smartphone, colorful abstract background, vibrant colors, YouTube style."
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Step
4. Make thumbnails
5. Next, choose your preferred model from Dreamina's options. Set the quality level and pick the right aspect ratio for your needs. For YouTube, use 16:9. Instagram posts work best with 1:1, while Facebook covers need 16:9. Once everything is set, click "Generate."
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Step
7. Refine & download
8. Dreamina will create four custom thumbnails based on your prompt. Click on the thumbnail that best matches what you're looking for to start editing. To add or change elements in your thumbnail, use the "Inpaint" tool. Click on Inpaint to open the editor. Use the brush tool to mark the area you want to change, write a description of what you want, and click "Generate."
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You can also add text to your thumbnail. Click on "Edit on canvas" to begin. Then, click the "Add text" icon in the pop-up Canva interface. Pick a font style, size, color, and adjust the spacing. Type your thumbnail title and move it around until it looks good on the image.



When you're happy with your thumbnail, click the "Export" button. Choose your export settings, including file type, size, and export option. Then click "Download." Your custom thumbnail will be saved to your device.



Features for enhancing thumbnail

• Thumbnail expander: Dreamina AI image expander allows you to easily expand the dimensions of your thumbnail and extend the content based on the prompts.
• AI inpainting: Dreamina's AI inpainting tool lets you partially redraw areas of your image using text prompts. Namely, you can add new elements or modify existing ones.
• Smart element remover: Its AI tool scans the pixels of a picture and quickly erases elements from images instantly.
• Text overlay tools: Dreamina’s text overlay tools give you control over font styles, sizes, and colors, helping you to create titles or captions in need.
• Mainstream platform thumbnail sizes: Dreamina supports the standard thumbnail dimensions for major platforms like YouTube (16:9), Instagram (1:1), and Facebook (16:9).

How to create thumbnails with a template-based tool

While AI-powered tools like Dreamina offer automated design solutions, Canva takes a different approach. This user-friendly, template-based graphic design tool puts more creative control in your hands. Canva provides a vast library of templates and design elements, making it perfect for those who want to customize every aspect of their thumbnails. It's a go-to choice for YouTube creators, bloggers, and social media enthusiasts who prefer a hands-on design experience with the convenience of pre-made templates.



Learn to make thumbnails with Canva

Step
1. Sign up and choose a template
2. Visit Canva's website and sign up for an account or log in. Click on the "Create a Design" button and search for "YouTube Thumbnail" or any other thumbnail type you need.
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4. That will immediately open up the Canva editor interface. On the templates tab, you'll find a wide range of templates to choose from. Pick one that matches your content style or brand.




Step
5. Customize your design
6. Now, it's time to make the template your own. Use Canva's drag-and-drop editor to move elements around. Add your own images, change text, and adjust colors to fit your brand. You can also use Canva's built-in stock photos if you need extra visual elements.
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Step
8. Finalize and download
9. Once you're happy with your design, it's time to save and download. Click the "Share" button in the top right corner.
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Next, click the "Download" icon. Choose your preferred file type and size, then click the "Download" button to save your design to your device.



Key features

• Template library: Canva grants users access to thousands of professionally designed templates for various platforms.
• Drag-and-drop editor: Canva's editor makes it easy to customize every element of your thumbnail without having design skills.
• Background remover: Quickly remove image backgrounds to focus on your main subject.
• Font and color customization: Choose from a wide range of fonts and colors to match your brand.

How to design custom thumbnails with a resource website

Unlike AI-powered tools like Dreamina and template-based platforms like Canva, Freepik's strength lies in its vast library of professionally designed thumbnail resources, combined with its integrated Wepik editor. This combination makes it an excellent choice for users who want access to a wide range of pre-designed elements but also desire the flexibility to customize their thumbnails extensively.



Learn to make thumbnails with Freepik

Step
1. Select a preferred resource
2. Visit Freepik's website, and search for "thumbnail" in the bar. Click and download the pic you prefer. Then click "Start creating" in the top-right corner and tap "Design" to proceed.
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4. On the photo editor page, click the "Upload" tab and the "Upload media" to import the downloaded resources.
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Step
6. Customize the design
7. Your chosen template should open up in Freepik's Wepik editor. You'll now be able to change images, modify text, and rearrange elements to create a unique design that represents your brand and message.
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Step
9. Download and use
10. Once you're satisfied with your custom thumbnail, it's time to save your work. Click the download button and choose your preferred format (JPEG or PNG are common thumbnail choices). Click "Download" again after selecting your preferred format, and your thumbnail will be saved to your device.
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Bonus tips: Methods for creating eye-catching thumbnails

Now you know how to create thumbnails online, here are some bonus tips to make your thumbnails even more captivating:

1. Use bold, pithy text
2. Text can make or break a thumbnail. With tools like Dreamina's text overlay, you can easily create bold, attention-grabbing headlines. Experiment with different font styles, sizes, and colors to find what works best for your content. And don't be afraid to use larger fonts - they often perform better in thumbnails. Remember, less is more when it comes to text, so keep your message short and impactful.
3. Choose vibrant, consistent colors
4. Bright, contrasting colors are visually appealing and draw viewers in. So, pick a color scheme that aligns with your brand or content theme and stick to it. This consistency helps build recognition among your audience. Use tools like color wheels to find complementary colors that work well together.
5. Form a fixed eye-focal point
6. Thumbnails should guide the viewer’s eyes toward one specific point. This could be a face, a product, or a key piece of text. Position this element where it naturally draws the eye, typically using the rule of thirds. A strong focal point helps viewers quickly understand what your content is about and increases the likelihood of them clicking.
7. Incorporate personal, distinct identity
8. Make your thumbnails uniquely yours. This could mean including your logo, using a consistent style of imagery, or incorporating a signature color palette. When viewers can instantly recognize your thumbnails, it builds brand awareness and loyalty. Think about what makes your content special and find ways to visually represent that in your thumbnails.
9. Try to add engaging elements
10. Spice up your thumbnails with additional graphic elements. This could be arrows pointing to important areas, emojis for emotional impact, or icons that represent your content's theme. These small additions can make your thumbnails more dynamic and interesting. Just be careful not to overcrowd your design - every element should serve a purpose.

Conclusion

Learning to make thumbnails online has never been easier, thanks to the variety of tools available today. From AI-powered solutions like Dreamina to template-based platforms like Canva and resource-rich websites like Freepik, content creators have numerous options to craft eye-catching thumbnails. Each tool offers unique features to enhance your thumbnail design process, but Dreamina stands out with its AI-driven approach. Its ability to generate custom thumbnails from text prompts, coupled with powerful editing tools, makes it an excellent choice for creators looking to save time without compromising on quality. Ready to elevate your thumbnails? Try Dreamina today and see how effortlessly you can transform your ideas into stunning designs.

FAQs

1. How do you make a YouTube thumbnail for free online?
2. You can easily create YouTube thumbnails online for free using Dreamina's AI-powered tool. Dreamina offers a user-friendly interface where you can generate custom thumbnails from text prompts, edit them with advanced features like Inpainting, and add eye-catching text overlays. Users receive 150 free credits daily, with each AI-powered tool costing just 3 credits per use, allowing you to create stunning thumbnails at no cost. Ready to create stunning thumbnails? Try Dreamina for free today!
3. Can AI create a YouTube thumbnail?
4. Yes, AI can create YouTube thumbnails, and it's becoming increasingly popular due to its efficiency and creativity. AI-powered tools can generate thumbnails based on text prompts, understand design principles, and even adapt to platform-specific requirements. Dreamina is at the forefront of this technology, offering an AI-driven thumbnail creator that can produce professional-looking designs in minutes. Want to see AI in action? Sign up for Dreamina and start creating AI-generated thumbnails now!
5. What are the guidelines for making thumbnails?
6. When making thumbnails, it’s important to keep them clear, eye-catching, and relevant to your content. Stick to the ideal resolution of 1280x720 pixels, ensure your design looks great on both mobile and desktop, and limit text to a few bold, impactful words. Use high-quality images and choose vibrant colors to grab attention. The focal point should be easily identifiable to communicate the content at a glance. If you feel thumbnail guidelines are hard to practice, Dreamina is here to help. You can copy the core of the guidelines and paste them with your prompts into the textbox in Dreamina's generator. It won't take a while; you will get the desired thumbnail. Try Dreamina today to create thumbnails that follow best practices.
7. How much to design a custom YouTube thumbnail?
8. The cost of designing a custom YouTube thumbnail varies based on the tools or services you use. Hiring a designer could range from $10 to $100 per thumbnail. However, using Dreamina's AI generator, you can create custom thumbnails for free! With the free 150 credits offered by Dreamina every day, you can design up to 200 thumbnails for free (3 credits for 4 generated thumbnails per time). Want to save money and still get amazing thumbnails? Try Dreamina for free today!