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10 Best YouTube Thumbnail Makers 2024

Looking to boost your YouTube game? Here's a quick rundown of the top thumbnail makers for 2024:

  1. Canva: Easy-to-use, tons of templates

  2. Adobe Express: Pro-level features, AI-powered

  3. Visme: Great for teams, lots of assets

  4. VEED: Video-first approach, AI analysis

  5. PicsArt: Mobile-friendly, perfect for on-the-go creators

  6. Snappa: Quick designs, budget-friendly

  7. Fotor: Simple interface, AI tools

  8. Placeit: Niche-specific templates

  9. Video Tap: AI-powered frame selection

  10. PosterMyWall: Cheap and cheerful option

Related video from YouTube

Quick Comparison

ToolBest ForKey FeatureFree Plan?Paid From
CanvaBeginnersEasy to useYes$12.99/mo
Adobe ExpressDesign prosAI toolsYes$9.99/mo
VEEDVideo creatorsVideo analysisLimited$24/mo
SnappaBudget-consciousTeam featuresLimited$10/mo

Bottom line: Canva's your best bet if you're new to this. Want more power? Try Adobe Express. All about video? VEED's got you covered. On a tight budget? Give Snappa a shot.

Remember, the best tool is the one you'll actually use. Start with free plans, test drive a few, and upgrade when you're ready to level up your YouTube game.

1. Canva: Easy-to-Use Design Tool

Canva is a top pick for creating YouTube thumbnails, especially if you're not a design pro. Here's why content creators love it:

It's Super Easy to Use

Canva's drag-and-drop editor is a breeze. No Photoshop skills needed. Just jump in and start creating.

Tons of Templates

Stuck? Type "YouTube thumbnail" in the search bar. Add keywords like "cooking" or "fitness" to find niche-specific designs.

Make It Your Own

Canva gives you three main ways to customize:

  1. Elements: Add graphics and stock photos

  2. Uploads: Use your own images or logos

  3. Text: Play with fonts, colors, and sizes

Perfect Sizing

Canva's YouTube thumbnail templates are already 1280 x 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Your thumbnails will look sharp on any device.

Tips for Thumb-Stopping Thumbnails

  • Use big, easy-to-read text

  • Stick to 3-5 words max

  • Skip serif fonts

  • Make sure text pops against the background

  • Put text on the left side

Brand Kit (For Pro Users)

Canva Pro lets you save your brand colors, fonts, and logos. Great for keeping your channel's look consistent.

The Bottom Line

Canva strikes a perfect balance between ease and quality. It might not have all the bells and whistles of pro software, but it's perfect for quickly making eye-catching thumbnails that'll grab your viewers' attention.

2. Adobe Express: Professional Design Software

Adobe Express is a top choice for YouTube thumbnail creation. It's perfect for creators who want pro-level results without spending hours learning complex software.

Here's why Adobe Express stands out:

Easy to Use, Packed with Features

Adobe Express hits the sweet spot. Beginners can jump right in, while experienced designers get the tools they need. The drag-and-drop interface makes thumbnail creation quick and simple.

Tons of Templates

With over 63,000 templates, you'll never run out of ideas. These aren't basic designs - they're pro-quality and ready for your personal touch.

AI-Powered Tools

Adobe Express uses AI to make your life easier:

  • Remove backgrounds automatically

  • Get smart design suggestions

  • Generate images from text

These features can transform an okay thumbnail into an attention-grabber in no time.

Huge Asset Library

Need the perfect image? Adobe Express gives you access to over 195 million royalty-free assets from Adobe Stock.

Fair Pricing

PlanPriceWhat You Get
Free$0Basic tools, lots of templates, Adobe Fonts
Premium$9.99/month or $99.99/yearEverything in Free + premium templates, advanced tools, 100GB cloud storage

The free plan works well for many users. Go Premium to unlock Adobe Express's full potential.

Real-World Impact

Adobe Express isn't just for YouTubers. Over 43 million students and teachers use it in schools, showing how versatile and user-friendly it is.

Pro Tip: Use the Color Blindness Simulator to make sure everyone can enjoy your thumbnails. This feature sets Adobe Express apart from many other tools.

Bottom Line

Adobe Express is more than a thumbnail maker. It's a full design tool that can boost your entire YouTube presence. It might take a bit more time to master than some other options, but the results are worth it.

3. Visme: Online Design Platform

Visme is a powerful online design tool that's great for making YouTube thumbnails. Here's why it's worth checking out:

Easy to Use, Packed with Features

Visme's drag-and-drop editor makes it simple to create thumbnails. But don't let that fool you - it's got some serious muscle under the hood:

  • AI-powered background removal

  • Smart design suggestions

  • Text-to-image generation

Tons of Templates

With over 14,000 templates, you'll never run out of ideas. Whether you're doing tech reviews or cooking videos, there's a template for you.

Loads of Design Assets

Visme gives you access to:

Asset TypeFree PlanPaid Plans
Photos5+ million9+ million
IconsThousandsFull access
FontsWide selectionThousands
AudioLimitedFull library

You've got everything you need to make your thumbnails pop.

Team-Friendly

Got a YouTube channel with multiple creators? Visme's got you covered:

  • Share designs via email

  • Control who can edit or view

  • Work together in real-time

Plus, you can upload your brand stuff to keep your look consistent.

Pricing

Visme has options for every budget:

PlanMonthlyAnnual (per month)
Basic$0$0
Starter$29$12.25
Pro$59$24.75
EnterpriseCustomCustom

Try it for free, then upgrade if you need more features.

Real Results

With nearly 26 million users worldwide, Visme is clearly doing something right.

Pro Tip: Use Visme's data tools to make infographic-style thumbnails. They're great for educational videos and really stand out in search results.

Visme might not be as famous as some other tools, but it's a solid choice for YouTubers who want to step up their thumbnail game in 2024.

4. VEED: Video-First Design Tool

VEED is a top pick for YouTube thumbnail creation in 2024, especially if you're all about video content. Here's why it's worth checking out:

AI Thumbnail Maker

VEED's AI analyzes your video and suggests designs that click with your audience. It's like having a design assistant that never sleeps.

Easy to Use

Not a Photoshop pro? No problem. VEED's drag-and-drop editor lets you whip up thumbnails in no time. Add text, effects, even music - it's all point-and-click simple.

Tons of Assets

With over 2 million video and audio assets, you'll never run out of fresh ideas for your thumbnails.

Team-Friendly

Got a YouTube crew? VEED lets you collaborate in real-time. It's like Google Docs, but for thumbnails.

Pricing

VEED's got plans for everyone:

PlanPriceWhat You Get
Free$0Basic editing, watermarked videos
Basic$12/monthNo watermarks, longer exports
Pro$24/month4K exports, subtitle translation
Business$59/monthTeam tools, VIP support

Real Talk

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what a pro says:

Thumbnail Tips

  1. Let AI kickstart your design process

  2. Tweak AI thumbnails to match your brand

  3. Play with text tools for eye-catching titles

  4. Use the Photo Editor to perfect your images

VEED's video-first approach is perfect for YouTubers who want their thumbnails and videos to feel like a package deal. It's got the AI smarts and easy-to-use tools to make your channel pop and boost those click-through rates.

5. PicsArt: Mobile-Friendly Editor

PicsArt is a go-to app for YouTubers who want to make killer thumbnails on their phones. Here's why it's hot in 2024:

It's stupid-easy to use. Seriously. You can drag and drop stuff around like it's nothing. Even if you're tech-challenged, you'll be cranking out pro-looking thumbnails in no time.

But don't let that fool you. PicsArt's got some serious muscle under the hood:

  • AI that zaps backgrounds away

  • Tons of free stickers (like, millions)

  • Filters and effects that'll make your thumbnails pop

  • Text tools with fonts for days

Need inspiration? PicsArt's got your back with a bunch of free templates. Tech reviews, travel vlogs – whatever your thing is, there's probably a template for it.

Now, let's talk money:

PlanMonthlyYearly (per month)
Free$0$0
Plus$13$5 ($60/year)
Pro$15$7 ($84/year)
EnterpriseCall 'emCall 'em

The free plan's cool for dipping your toes in. But if you're serious, those paid plans unlock the good stuff and ditch the watermarks.

Here's a pro move: Use PicsArt's AI to whip up unique backgrounds. It'll make your videos stand out in that sea of search results.

Want to make a thumbnail on your phone? Here's the quick and dirty:

  1. Open PicsArt, hit the plus (+)

  2. "Pick Canvas" under "Drawings"

  3. Set it to 1280×720 pixels (that's what YouTube likes)

  4. Slap on a photo that fits your video

  5. Add some eye-catching text

  6. Save it or share it right from the app

PicsArt's huge. They call themselves "the world's largest digital creation platform." While we don't have exact numbers, that's pretty darn impressive.

Bottom line: If you're always on the go and need to pump out pro thumbnails from your phone, PicsArt's got you covered. It's the perfect mix of easy-to-use and powerful, so your channel always looks on point – even when you're nowhere near a computer.

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6. Snappa: Quick Design Tool

Snappa is a cloud-based graphics tool that's perfect for YouTubers who need to create eye-catching thumbnails fast. Here's why it's worth checking out in 2024:

Speed is the Name of the Game

With Snappa, you can create a professional-looking thumbnail in about two minutes. How? It's all about the templates:

  • 100+ pre-made YouTube thumbnail templates

  • Sized at 1280x720 pixels (YouTube's preferred dimensions)

  • Designed to boost click-through rates

No Design Skills? No Problem

Snappa's got you covered with:

  • A drag-and-drop interface

  • 5,000,000+ stock photos

  • 200+ fonts

  • 100,000+ graphics and shapes

Features That Save You Time

Snappa packs a punch with:

  • One-click background removal

  • Instant graphic resizing for different platforms

  • Direct scheduling and sharing to social media

Pricing Options

PlanPriceFeatures
Free$0/month3 downloads/month, 6000+ templates
Pro$10/month (yearly billing)Unlimited downloads, custom fonts, social integrations
Team$20/month (yearly billing)Pro features + team collaboration (up to 5 users)

What Users Are Saying

Snappa boasts a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Here's one marketer's take:

Tips for Thumb-Stopping Thumbnails

  1. Start with Snappa's pre-made templates

  2. Use high-quality stock photos that match your video's vibe

  3. Add bold text (3-5 words max) to grab attention

  4. Use the one-click background removal to make your subject stand out

Snappa might not have every feature under the sun, but for quick, professional-looking YouTube thumbnails, it's tough to beat. It's ideal for creators who want to spend less time on design and more time making awesome videos.

7. Fotor: Basic Design Software

Fotor is a simple online tool for editing photos and making graphics. It's great for YouTube thumbnails, especially if you're new to design.

Here's why Fotor is worth checking out in 2024:

It's Super Easy to Use

Fotor's layout is clean and simple. You can drag and drop elements to make thumbnails fast, even if you've never designed before.

Loads of Templates

With over 500 YouTube thumbnail templates, you'll always have a starting point. They cover everything from travel videos to tech reviews.

AI Tools That Help

Fotor has some cool AI features:

  • Make unique backgrounds

  • Boost image quality automatically

  • Remove backgrounds with one click

How Much It Costs

PlanPriceWhat You Get
BasicFreeSimple editing tools
Pro$3.33/month (yearly)Better AI tools, no watermarks
Pro+$7.49/month (yearly)Edit multiple images at once, more storage

Making a Thumbnail with Fotor

  1. Go to Fotor's website

  2. Pick "YouTube Thumbnail" size

  3. Choose a template you like

  4. Change it up with Fotor's tools

  5. Save your design in high quality

Quick Tip: Use Fotor's AI to make backgrounds that match your video. It'll help your thumbnail pop in search results.

Fotor's great, but it's not perfect:

  • You can't work with others in real-time

  • It might be slow sometimes

  • The free version is pretty basic

Fotor might not do everything, but for YouTube thumbnails, it's pretty great. If you want to spend more time on your videos and less on design, give it a try.

8. Placeit: Template-Based Editor

Placeit is a cloud-based design tool that's perfect for YouTubers who want to create eye-catching thumbnails without design experience. Here's why it's worth a look in 2024:

Placeit has over 2,500 YouTube thumbnail templates. That's fewer than Canva's 10,000+, but Placeit's templates are made specifically for YouTube creators.

The platform is super easy to use. Even if you've never touched a design tool before, you can create pro-looking thumbnails in minutes. Just drag and drop to customize.

Placeit is especially good for tech reviewers and gaming channels. They have tons of templates for these niches, so you can make thumbnails that really click with your audience.

Here's what Placeit costs:

PlanPriceWhat You Get
Monthly$14.95Use everything, download as much as you want
Annual$89.69 ($7.47/month)Same deal, but cheaper
Free Trial$0Limited stuff, watermarks on designs

Making a thumbnail is quick:

  1. Pick a template from the YouTube section

  2. Change the text, colors, and images

  3. Download your thumbnail

Pro Tip: Use Placeit's mockup generator to show off your channel merch or gaming setup in your thumbnails. It's a neat trick to make your videos pop.

Placeit might not have as many templates as some other tools, but it's laser-focused on YouTube designs. It's great for creators who want to spend less time on design and more time making videos.

9. Video Tap: AI-Powered Design Tool

Video Tap isn't just a thumbnail maker. It's an AI-powered video tool that can supercharge your YouTube content strategy.

Here's what Video Tap brings to the table:

Smart Frame Selection

Video Tap's AI scans your video and picks out key frames. These frames can make killer thumbnails. It's like having a robot assistant who watches your video and says, "Hey, this shot would make an awesome thumbnail!"

More Than Just Thumbnails

While you're working on your thumbnail, Video Tap lets you:

  • Chop up your video for social media

  • Whip up quick blog summaries

  • Slap on some auto-generated subtitles

It's like getting a full marketing package along with your thumbnail.

Basic Design Tools

Video Tap keeps it simple:

  • Add text to your frames

  • Tweak colors and contrast

  • Crop and resize to YouTube's 1280x720 sweet spot

It's not Photoshop, but it gets the job done.

Pricing

Video Tap plays it close to the chest with pricing. You'll need to reach out for a quote. This could be good or bad, depending on your channel size.

Video Tap shines because it does more than just thumbnails. If you want to squeeze every drop of value from your videos in 2024, it's worth checking out.

10. PosterMyWall: Budget-Friendly Option

PosterMyWall is a cheap and easy way to make YouTube thumbnails that pop. Here's why it's a solid choice in 2024:

Tons of Templates

With over 22,350 YouTube thumbnail templates, you're spoiled for choice. Tech reviews? Cooking shows? Travel vlogs? They've got you covered.

Easy to Use

Never designed before? No problem. PosterMyWall is all drag-and-drop. You can create a pro-looking thumbnail in minutes without pulling your hair out.

Cheap as Chips

PlanPriceWhat You Get
Free$0Basic tools, watermarked downloads
Premium$8.33/month (yearly billing)Everything unlocked, no watermarks

Try it for free, then upgrade if you like it. Even the paid plan won't break the bank.

Stock Photos Included

No more hunting for images or worrying about copyright. PosterMyWall has thousands of stock photos built right in.

Fast and Simple

Here's how quick it is:

  1. Pick a template

  2. Add photos (yours or stock)

  3. Change text and colors

  4. Download and upload to YouTube

You can knock out a thumbnail in 5 minutes flat.

People Love It

PosterMyWall has a 4.8/5 rating from 91 users. That's pretty darn good.

It might not have ALL the fancy features of pricier options, but PosterMyWall hits the sweet spot of easy, cheap, and good-looking. If you're a YouTuber on a budget, give it a shot.

Quick Tip: Start with the free version to play around. Once you know what works for your audience, think about upgrading to get rid of watermarks and unlock more designs.

Tool Comparison

Let's break down the top YouTube thumbnail makers for 2024. We'll look at features, pricing, and platform support.

Feature Comparison

ToolTemplatesStock ImagesAI FeaturesCollaboration
Canva2.1M+ (free), 3.8M+ (paid)127M+ (paid)BasicYes
Adobe Express155K+ (free), 220K+ (paid)200M+ (paid)AdvancedYes
VEEDNot specifiedIncludedVideo analysisYes
Snappa6000+IncludedLimitedTeam plan
Visme50+ pre-designedMillionsBasicYes
PicMonkey100+IncludedLimitedNo

Canva and Adobe Express are the big players here. They've got tons of templates and stock images. VEED is more video-focused, while Snappa and Visme are good for teams on a budget.

Pricing Breakdown

ToolFree PlanPaid Plans (Monthly)Annual Savings
CanvaYes$15 (Pro)16%
Adobe ExpressYes$9.99 (Premium)33%
VEEDLimited$24 (Pro)Not specified
SnappaLimited$1017%
Visme5 projects$12.25 (Standard)20%
PicMonkeyNo$7.99 (Basic)25%

Adobe Express is the cheapest for solo users. Canva gives you more bang for your buck if you're working with a team.

Platform Support

Most of these tools work on the web. But some go beyond that:

  • Canva: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac

  • Adobe Express: Web, iOS, Android

  • VEED: Web, iOS, Android

  • Snappa: Web only

  • Visme: Web, iOS, Android

  • PicMonkey: Web, iOS, Android

User Ratings and Popularity

ToolUser RatingUser Base
Canva4.4/5190 million
Adobe ExpressNot specified43 million
VEED4.7/5Not specified
SnappaNot specifiedNot specified
VismeNot specifiedNot specified
PicMonkeyNot specifiedNot specified

Canva's got the most users, but VEED's got slightly better ratings. Keep in mind, we don't have all the data for every tool.

What Makes Each Tool Special?

  • Canva: Tons of templates, easy to use

  • Adobe Express: Works with other Adobe stuff, smart AI tools

  • VEED: Built for video, AI helps out

  • Snappa: Quick designs for social media

  • Visme: Good for data visuals

  • PicMonkey: Great for editing photos

If you want to do more with your videos, check out Video Tap. It's not just for thumbnails, but it uses AI to turn your videos into different marketing stuff.

When picking a tool, think about what you need, how much you can spend, and how good you are at design. Canva and Adobe Express work for most people, but VEED or Video Tap might be better if you're all about video.

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Picking the right YouTube thumbnail maker can boost your channel's success. Let's look at some top options:

Canva: Perfect for Beginners

Canva is great if you're new to this. Here's why:

  • Super easy to use

  • Tons of free templates

  • Free plan available, Pro plan at $12.99/month

Even big YouTubers like MKBHD (15.6 million subscribers) use Canva for quick edits.

Adobe Express: For Design Pros

Want more advanced features? Try Adobe Express:

  • AI-powered tools

  • Works with other Adobe products

  • Huge stock library

It's $9.99/month, good for creators who need extra power.

VEED: Video-First Approach

VEED is built for video creators:

  • AI analyzes your video to suggest thumbnails

  • Real-time team collaboration

  • Create thumbnails from your footage

It's pricier at $24/month, but it's an all-in-one tool for video folks.

Snappa: Budget-Friendly Option

Watching your wallet? Snappa's got you covered:

  • Lots of templates

  • Team features

  • Pro plan at $10/month (yearly billing)

Quick Comparison

ToolBest ForKey FeatureFree Plan?Paid Plan
CanvaNewbiesEasy to useYes$12.99/mo
Adobe ExpressProsAI toolsYes$9.99/mo
VEEDVideo creatorsVideo analysisLimited$24/mo
SnappaBudget-consciousTeam workLimited$10/mo

How to Choose

Think about:

  1. Your skill level

  2. Your budget

  3. If you need team features

  4. How much you'll use video integration

Remember, the best tool is one you'll actually use. Start free, try different options, and upgrade when you're ready.

FAQs

What is the best YouTube thumbnail editor?

The best YouTube thumbnail editor depends on what you need and how good you are at design. Here are some top picks:

ToolBest ForKey Feature
CanvaBeginnersEasy to use, 2.1M+ free templates
Adobe ExpressDesign prosAI tools, works with other Adobe stuff
PlaceItBrand consistencyTemplates you can tweak to match your brand
FotorQuick editsMake thumbnails fast, even if you're not a designer

Canva is a favorite for many YouTubers. It's super easy to use and has tons of templates. Even big channels like MKBHD (15.6 million subscribers) use it.

If you already use Adobe products, Adobe Express might be your best bet. It works well with Adobe Stock, so you can use millions of high-quality images.

What is the easiest thumbnail maker?

Hands down, Canva is the easiest thumbnail maker out there. Here's why:

  1. You can just drag and drop stuff

  2. It has tons of pre-made designs

  3. You don't need to be a design expert

With Canva, you can make thumbnails that look professional in just a few minutes. Even if you've never designed anything before.

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