How I make viral thumbnails with AI (NOT) Photoshop

Introduction

Creating eye-catching thumbnails is essential for increasing your click-through rate (CTR) on videos. An effective thumbnail can drive more views and engagement, so let’s explore how to design attractive thumbnails using AI tools instead of Photoshop.

Step 1: Start with a Great Thumbnail

To capture viewers’ attention, you need to ensure that your thumbnail evokes emotion. A close-up image of a person’s face can work wonders. Emotions such as happiness, sadness, or surprise can provoke curiosity and prompt viewers to click on your video. You can use AI-generated images if you prefer not to use your own face.

Using Bing Image Creator

I use Microsoft Bing to create images. You can access the Bing Image Creator by simply searching for it on Google or downloading Microsoft Edge and using its co-pilot feature. Here’s how you can create an engaging thumbnail:

Input a prompt into the Bing Image Creator.
Download the image once you find one that you like.

Adjusting Image Aspect Ratio

Once you have your image, it will typically be in a square format. Thumbnails, however, require a widescreen aspect ratio. For this, I recommend using the tool called Clip Drop.

Go to Clip Drop and choose the “Uncrop” feature.
Upload the square image and select your desired widescreen aspect ratio.

Editing in Canva

Next, you’ll want to edit your image through Canva:

Select "Create a Design" and choose "YouTube Thumbnail."
Upload the uncropped image, which may contain some odd additions from the AI process.
Use the "Edit Photo" option to blur out unnecessary details, allowing the face to stand out. This ensures the emotional expression is the main focus and captures viewer attention.

Adding Elements

You can increase your thumbnail’s appeal by adding visual elements. For instance, include a YouTube icon to make it relatable. Use Canva’s elements section to find icons. You can also create a glowing effect around your icons to make them pop.

Text Elements

Text is crucial for thumbnails as well. I prefer using a website called Text Studio for crafting my text due to its diverse options. Here’s how to incorporate it:

Create your text using Text Studio, removing the background for transparency.
Download your text in a PNG format.
Upload it in Canva and position it with your image and elements.

Final Touches

Combine all elements, ensuring your subject is front and center, while supporting text and graphics are well-placed. Adjust the positioning and layering of elements to create a balanced and compelling thumbnail.

Hopefully, these steps help you create better thumbnails that attract more views.

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Keyword

Thumbnail
AI tools
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
Emotion
Bing Image Creator
Canva
Graphic Elements
Text Studio
Widescreen Aspect Ratio
Video Engagement

FAQ

Why is a thumbnail important for my video?

Thumbnails are critical for capturing viewer attention and increasing click-through rates, directly affecting your video's engagement and overall view count.

Can I use AI-generated images for thumbnails?

Yes! Tools like Bing Image Creator allow you to generate images without using your own face, making it easier for faceless channels to create engaging thumbnails.

How do I adjust the size of my thumbnail image?

You can resize your image using tools like Clip Drop to change the aspect ratio from square to widescreen, making it suitable for thumbnail requirements.

Why should I use Canva for thumbnail creation?

Canva is a user-friendly tool that offers various design features, allowing you to customize and edit your thumbnails effortlessly.

Are there alternative text creation options besides Canva?

Yes, websites like Text Studio can provide more diverse text options for thumbnails compared to Canva, allowing for unique design elements.