10 Best Free Thumbnail Makers 2024

Looking to create eye-catching YouTube thumbnails without breaking the bank? You're in luck! Here's a quick rundown of the top 10 free thumbnail makers for 2024:

1. Adobe Express - Huge template library, AI-powered tools

2. Canva - User-friendly with 250,000+ templates

3. Filmora - All-in-one video editor with thumbnail features

4. Fotor - AI-assisted design, 500+ templates

5. PicMonkey - Easy-to-use with cool effects

6. Pixlr - Cloud-based with AI magic

7. Snappa - Quick and simple for non-designers

8. Visme - Great for data visualization

9. Fotojet - 900+ templates, affordable premium plans

10. Backgrounder - AI-powered suggestions, one-click background removal

These tools offer a mix of templates, stock assets, and editing features to help your videos stand out. Most work on multiple devices and have both free and paid plans.

Quick Comparison:

Choose based on your needs: Canva for beginners, Adobe Express for pros, Fotor for budget-conscious users, or Visme for team collaboration.

Related video from YouTube

Adobe Express

Adobe Express is a top pick for creating YouTube thumbnails that grab attention. It's easy to use but packs a punch with its features.

Here's what makes Adobe Express stand out:

• A huge library of over 63,000 pro-designed templates

• Simple drag-and-drop editor for easy customization

• Access to 195 million royalty-free assets from Adobe Stock

• AI-powered tools like background removal and text-to-image generation

• Brand kit feature to keep your designs consistent

The best part? You can use Adobe Express for free. The free version gives you access to 155,000+ templates and core editing tools. That's plenty to make your thumbnails pop without spending a cent.

If you want more, the premium plan is $9.99/month (or $99.99/year for a 16% discount).

Adobe Express isn't just for YouTubers. Over 43 million teachers and students use it too. It's great for all kinds of creative projects.

Compared to some other tools, Adobe Express has fewer templates. But what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Plus, with 20,000 fonts to choose from, you can make your text stand out.

The cherry on top? Adobe Express works seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools. So as your skills grow, you can easily step up to more advanced software like Photoshop or Premiere Rush.

2. Canva

Canva's the Swiss Army knife of YouTube thumbnail creation. It's simple enough for newbies, but packed with features that'll make pros smile.

Here's what makes Canva stand out:

1. A massive template library: 250,000 free templates. That's 2.5x more than Adobe Express's paid plan. You'll never run out of ideas.

2. Easy-to-use editor: Drag, drop, and customize. It's that simple.

3. Huge asset library: Over a million stock photos, graphics, and fonts. Go wild.

4. Team-friendly: Real-time collaboration for content teams. Perfect for high-output channels.

5. Tons of storage: 1TB on the Pro plan. That's 10x more than Adobe Express.

6. AI magic: "Magic Eraser" for background removal and "Beat Sync" for matching video to audio. Time-savers.

7. Wallet-friendly pricing: $14.99/month for up to 5 people on the Pro plan. That's just $3 per user per month.

Want to make killer thumbnails with Canva? Here's how:

• Pick a clean, easy-to-read font

• Use contrasting colors to make your thumbnail pop

• Add a headline that works with your image

• Stick to 3-5 words max

• Make sure your text stands out against the background

Remember: Keep it simple and clear. Your thumbnail should give viewers a sneak peek of your video, not trick them into clicking.

Bottom line: Canva's mix of user-friendliness, features, and fair pricing makes it a top pick for YouTube thumbnail creation in 2024.

3. Filmora

Wondershare Filmora isn't just for video editing. It's also a powerhouse for creating YouTube thumbnails that grab attention.

Here's why Filmora is a top pick for thumbnail creation:

It's a Swiss Army knife: Filmora lets you do it all. Extract the perfect video frame, slap on some filters, and add text - all in one place. No need to juggle multiple apps.

Green screen magic: Want to swap out boring backgrounds? Filmora's got you covered. This opens up a world of creative possibilities for your thumbnails.

Built-in goodies: Forget about hunting for stock photos or fonts. Filmora comes loaded with a ton of assets you can use right away.

Easy to use, hard to outgrow: Beginners can jump right in, but there's plenty of depth for the pros too.

Ollie Mattison, who's reviewed a bunch of video tools, says:

Want to make a thumbnail that pops? Try this:

1. Grab a crisp frame from your video

2. Tweak the colors to make it eye-catching

3. Add a snappy title that's easy to read

4. Throw in some graphics to make it stand out

5. Save it at 1280x720 - that's what YouTube likes

Filmora might not be a one-trick pony for thumbnails, but it's a solid choice if you want to keep your video creation and promotion all under one roof. It's definitely earned its spot in the 2024 lineup of free thumbnail tools.

4. Fotor

Fotor is a top pick for YouTube thumbnail creation in 2024. It's easy to use and packed with features for both newbies and pros.

AI Thumbnail Magic

Fotor's AI can whip up pro-level thumbnails from text descriptions. It's a huge time-saver, especially if you're not a design whiz.

Template Goldmine

With 500+ pre-made templates, you're spoiled for choice. They cover everything from vlogs to gaming, and they're all sized perfectly for YouTube (1280 x 720 pixels).

Easy Customization

Fotor's drag-and-drop interface makes tweaking templates a snap. You can:

• Play with text and fonts (100+ options)

• Add your pics or use stock photos

• Slap on filters and effects

• Zap backgrounds with AI

Pricing

Fotor's got options:

• Free: Basic stuff

• Pro: $3.33/month (yearly billing)

• Pro+: $7.49/month (yearly billing)

The free tier's great for beginners or budget-conscious creators.

Quick Creation

Making a thumbnail is simple:

1. Hit www.fotor.com, click "Create a design"

2. Pick "YouTube Thumbnail"

3. Choose a template or start fresh

4. Customize away

5. Download your masterpiece

Heads up: Fotor doesn't do real-time collaboration, which might bug team creators. Some users say the free version can be a bit sluggish at times.

This quote sums up Fotor's vibe – they want you to feel like a design pro, no matter your skill level. With AI tools, tons of templates, and a user-friendly setup, Fotor's a solid choice for free thumbnail makers in 2024.

5. PicMonkey

PicMonkey is a go-to tool for creating YouTube thumbnails that grab attention. It's loaded with features for both beginners and design experts.

Here's what makes PicMonkey stand out:

Tons of Templates: You'll find hundreds of pre-made designs, all sized perfectly for YouTube (1280 x 720 pixels). No need to worry about dimensions.

Easy to Use: Just drag and drop to customize templates. Add your own images or pick from their huge stock photo collection.

Cool Effects: Want to spice things up? PicMonkey has nine effect categories, including 'Artsy' and 'Black & White'. You can even touch up photos by airbrushing or changing eye color.

Remove Backgrounds: With the Pro plan, you can remove backgrounds in one click. This opens up a lot of creative options.

Team Work: PicMonkey lets you share and edit designs with others. Great for content creators working in groups.

Here's a tip: Try the Outline tool to create trendy designs. You can outline text, graphics, and images with different colors and thicknesses. It makes your thumbnails pop.

This quote shows PicMonkey's goal: they want you to feel like a design pro, no matter your skill level.

PicMonkey offers a 7-day free trial. After that, plans start at $7.99/month for Basic (1GB cloud storage, big font library) or $12.99/month for Pro (unlimited storage, background remover).

6. Pixlr

Pixlr is a cloud-based image editor that's perfect for creating YouTube thumbnails in 2024. It's got something for everyone, whether you're just starting out or you're a design pro.

Two Flavors of Pixlr

1. Pixlr X: Easy-to-use and great for quick edits.

2. Pixlr E: More advanced, with features that rival Photoshop.

The best part? Both versions are free, even for commercial use. That's a big win for creators watching their budget.

AI Magic

Pixlr's jumped on the AI bandwagon:

• Cut out backgrounds with a click

• Generate images from text descriptions

• Expand or tweak images without losing quality

Templates Galore

With over 15 categories of templates, including YouTube-specific ones, you're not starting from scratch. And you can customize every layer to make it your own.

Editing Tools

Pixlr's got a ton of features:

• 600+ effects and overlays

• Cropping and resizing

• Red-eye removal

• Focus and dispersion effects

What'll It Cost You?

• Free: Basic tools, 3 saves per month

• Plus: $1.99/month for unlimited saves, no ads

• Premium: $7.99/month for all the bells and whistles

Get Started

1. Head to Pixlr's website or grab the app

2. Sign up (it's free)

3. Pick Pixlr X or E

4. Choose a template or start fresh

5. Design away

6. Export at 1280 x 720 pixels for YouTube

With its mix of powerful features, AI help, and ease of use, Pixlr is a solid choice for YouTube creators looking to make thumbnails that pop in 2024.

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7. Snappa

Snappa is a graphic design tool that makes creating YouTube thumbnails a breeze, even for design newbies. Since 2015, it's been the go-to for creators who need quick, pro-looking graphics.

Why Snappa rocks for YouTube thumbnails:

Ready-to-Use Templates: Snappa's got tons of YouTube thumbnail templates sized perfectly at 1280 x 720 pixels. Just pick one and tweak it for your video.

Easy-Peasy Interface: The drag-and-drop setup is a dream for non-designers. Move stuff around, resize images, and add text without breaking a sweat.

Huge Stock Library: Access millions of stock photos, vectors, and illustrations right in the app. No more hunting for images or worrying about copyright.

Zap Backgrounds: With the Pro plan, you can remove image backgrounds in one click. It's a game-changer for clean, eye-catching thumbnails.

Make It Your Own: While Snappa keeps it simple, you can still go wild with customization. Upload your pics, slap on filters, and fine-tune with advanced editing tools.

This quote nails Snappa's main selling point – it's fast and easy, perfect for busy creators pumping out thumbnails left and right.

What'll It Cost You?:

Snappa's got three options:

• Starter (Free): 3 downloads per month

• Pro: $15/month (or $10/month yearly)

• Team: $30/month (or $20/month yearly)

The free plan's great for dipping your toes in, but if you're serious about your YouTube game, the Pro plan's unlimited downloads and extra features might be worth it.

Real Talk:

While we don't have specific case studies, tons of users say Snappa's sped up their thumbnail game big time. With ready-made templates and easy customization, creators are cranking out slick thumbnails in minutes instead of hours.

Snappa might not have all the bells and whistles of some other tools, but its focus on keeping things simple and speedy makes it a solid choice for YouTubers who want pro-looking thumbnails without the headache. If you're after a no-nonsense tool that still delivers polished results, give Snappa a shot in 2024.

8. Visme

Visme is a design tool that's great for making YouTube thumbnails, even if you're not a design expert. It's easy to use and packed with features, making it a solid pick for YouTubers who want their videos to pop in 2024.

Here's what Visme brings to the table:

• A drag-and-drop editor that lets you move things around with ease

• Over 14,000 templates, including ones made just for YouTube

• Tons of free images, icons, and graphics to spice up your thumbnails

• AI tools that suggest color schemes and layouts based on your video

Visme really shines when it comes to data visualization. If you're making educational or business videos, this tool can help you turn complex info into thumbnails that grab eyeballs.

Visme's pricing looks like this:

The free plan is a bit limited, but you can still make decent thumbnails. If you're serious about YouTube, though, you might want to look at the paid plans for more options.

Here's a pro tip: Use Visme's content calendar to plan your thumbnail designs alongside your videos. It's a great way to keep your channel's look consistent.

Visme might not have as many templates as Canva (14,000+ vs 250,000+), but it makes up for it with its focus on data and business designs. If your videos lean towards the professional or educational side, Visme could be just what you need for your thumbnails.

9. Fotojet

FotoJet is a handy tool for making YouTube thumbnails in 2024. It's easy to use, whether you're new to design or a pro.

Here's what makes FotoJet stand out:

1. Tons of templates: Over 900 to choose from. You'll find one that fits your video style.

2. Easy editing: You can: Add your own photos or use FotoJet's stock imagesPut in text with lots of font optionsUse clip art and graphicsChange backgrounds

3. Simple to use: Just drag and drop things where you want them. You can make a great thumbnail in minutes, even if you've never designed before.

4. Team-friendly: Work on thumbnails together in real-time. Great for channels with multiple people.

5. Affordable: There's a free plan with basic stuff. Want more? Premium plans start at $3.33 per month (billed yearly).

But it's not all perfect. Some users say the free version can be a bit glitchy and has ads. Still, most people find it easy to use overall.

Bottom line: In the YouTube world, where thumbnails can make a big difference, FotoJet is a solid choice. It's easy, packed with features, and won't break the bank. If you want to up your YouTube game in 2024, give FotoJet a try.

10. Backgrounder

Backgrounder is shaking up the YouTube thumbnail game. This free online tool helps creators make thumbnails that pop and get clicks.

Here's why Backgrounder is turning heads:

Easy as Pie: You don't need to be a design whiz. Just drag, drop, and boom - you've got a killer thumbnail in minutes.

AI Magic: The AI suggests colors and layouts based on your video. It's like having a design buddy who knows your style.

Template Heaven: With 900+ templates, you're covered whether you're vlogging about your travels or reviewing the latest gadgets.

Bye-Bye Backgrounds: One click and that messy background is gone. Perfect for clean headshots or product close-ups.

This Adobe tip nails it. Your thumbnail needs to tell viewers what's up at a glance. Backgrounder makes that happen.

Make It Yours: Start with a template, then go wild. Add your pics, play with colors, and pick from tons of fonts. Your brand, your rules.

Free as a Bird: The best part? It won't cost you a dime for the basics. Great for newbies or if you're watching your wallet.

Want to rock Backgrounder? Try this:

1. Pick a crisp image - from your video or a stock photo.

2. Use big, bold text. Viewers are scrolling fast, so make it count.

3. Stick to your channel's colors. Consistency is key.

4. Mix up your layouts and see what your fans dig.

Backgrounder might not have all the bells and whistles of pricey tools, but it's got the goods where it counts. For YouTubers looking to step up their thumbnail game in 2024, it's a solid bet.

How These Tools Compare

Let's dive into how the top free YouTube thumbnail makers stack up in 2024. We'll look at what sets them apart and where they fall short.

Template Variety

Canva blows the competition out of the water with over 250,000 free templates. VistaCreate follows with 100,000+, while Fotor offers 50,000+. If you want options, Canva's your go-to.

Stock Assets

Canva keeps its lead here, giving you access to more than 1 million free images and graphics. Adobe Express isn't far behind, with 195 million royalty-free assets up for grabs.

Device Compatibility

Most tools work on the web, but mobile support varies:

• Canva, Fotor, and Picsart: Full support for PC, Android, and iOS.

• Adobe Express: PC and iOS are good to go, but Android is still in beta.

• Picmaker: PC only. Tough luck if you like to work on the go.

Ease of Use

Canva takes the cake for being user-friendly. It's perfect if you're just starting out. Adobe Express packs a punch, but it might be a bit much if you're new to design.

Pricing

Here's the lowdown on free vs. paid plans:

Standout Features

• Adobe Express: Plays nice with other Adobe tools. Great for advanced editing.

• Canva: Collaboration is its strong suit. Perfect for team projects.

• Fotor: One-click enhancement tool for quick fixes.

• Picsart: Make as many thumbnails as you want, no watermarks, even on the free plan.

Storage Space

If you're a storage hog, listen up:

• Canva Pro: A whopping 1TB of space.

• Adobe Express Premium: 100GB. Not bad, but not Canva-level.

Bottom line? Each tool has its strengths. Canva's great for beginners with its huge template library and easy-to-use interface. Adobe Express caters to the pros with powerful editing tools. Fotor and VistaCreate hit the sweet spot with lots of templates and wallet-friendly pricing.

Which Tool Should You Pick?

Picking the right thumbnail maker can supercharge your YouTube game. Let's break it down:

Canva: Perfect for Beginners

New to this? Canva's got your back. It's like having a design team in your pocket:

• 250,000+ free templates

• Super easy to use

• 1TB of storage on the free plan (that's 10x more than Adobe Express's paid plan!)

Adobe Express: For the Design Pros

If you've got design skills, Adobe Express might be your thing. It plays well with other Adobe tools, which is great if you're already using them.

Here's a quick comparison:

Fotor: Budget-Friendly Option

Watching your wallet? Check out Fotor. Their pro plan starts at just $3.33 per month. It's got a one-click enhancement tool for quick fixes.

Visme: Great for Teams

Working with others? Visme's collaboration features are top-notch. Their teams plan is $25 per month - a steal if you're splitting it.

PicsArt: For the Mobile Warriors

Always on the move? PicsArt works on PC, Android, and iOS. Their AI photo editing tools are perfect for detailed edits.

The best tool? It's the one that fits YOUR workflow. Don't be shy - try a few. Most offer free trials, so take them for a spin!

FAQs

What do YouTubers use to make thumbnails free?

YouTubers have plenty of free options for creating eye-catching thumbnails. Here are some popular choices:

Adobe Express

This free app is a favorite among content creators. It's packed with thousands of templates for both mobile and web use. The best part? You don't need to be a design pro to use it.

Canva

Canva is another top pick for YouTubers. It's known for its user-friendly interface and tons of customizable templates.

Fotor

Fotor stands out with its one-click enhancement feature. It's perfect for quickly sprucing up your thumbnail designs.

When picking a free thumbnail maker, keep these things in mind:

• Is it easy to use?

• Does it have a good variety of templates?

• Can you customize your designs?

• Does it work well on mobile?

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