Looking to boost your YouTube game? Here's a quick rundown of the top thumbnail makers for 2024:
Canva: Easy-to-use, tons of templates
Adobe Express: Pro-level features, AI-powered
Visme: Great for teams, lots of assets
VEED: Video-first approach, AI analysis
PicsArt: Mobile-friendly, perfect for on-the-go creators
Snappa: Quick designs, budget-friendly
Fotor: Simple interface, AI tools
Placeit: Niche-specific templates
Video Tap: AI-powered frame selection
PosterMyWall: Cheap and cheerful option
Related video from YouTube
Quick Comparison
Tool | Best For | Key Feature | Free Plan? | Paid From |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canva | Beginners | Easy to use | Yes | $12.99/mo |
Adobe Express | Design pros | AI tools | Yes | $9.99/mo |
VEED | Video creators | Video analysis | Limited | $24/mo |
Snappa | Budget-conscious | Team features | Limited | $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:
Elements: Add graphics and stock photos
Uploads: Use your own images or logos
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
Plan | Price | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic tools, lots of templates, Adobe Fonts |
Premium | $9.99/month or $99.99/year | Everything 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 Type | Free Plan | Paid Plans |
---|---|---|
Photos | 5+ million | 9+ million |
Icons | Thousands | Full access |
Fonts | Wide selection | Thousands |
Audio | Limited | Full 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:
Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) |
---|---|---|
Basic | $0 | $0 |
Starter | $29 | $12.25 |
Pro | $59 | $24.75 |
Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
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:
Plan | Price | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic editing, watermarked videos |
Basic | $12/month | No watermarks, longer exports |
Pro | $24/month | 4K exports, subtitle translation |
Business | $59/month | Team tools, VIP support |
Real Talk
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what a pro says:
Thumbnail Tips
Let AI kickstart your design process
Tweak AI thumbnails to match your brand
Play with text tools for eye-catching titles
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:
Plan | Monthly | Yearly (per month) |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | $0 |
Plus | $13 | $5 ($60/year) |
Pro | $15 | $7 ($84/year) |
Enterprise | Call 'em | Call '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:
Open PicsArt, hit the plus (+)
"Pick Canvas" under "Drawings"
Set it to 1280×720 pixels (that's what YouTube likes)
Slap on a photo that fits your video
Add some eye-catching text
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.
sbb-itb-f396625
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
Plan | Price | Features |
---|---|---|
Free | $0/month | 3 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
Start with Snappa's pre-made templates
Use high-quality stock photos that match your video's vibe
Add bold text (3-5 words max) to grab attention
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
Plan | Price | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Basic | Free | Simple 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
Go to Fotor's website
Pick "YouTube Thumbnail" size
Choose a template you like
Change it up with Fotor's tools
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:
Plan | Price | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Monthly | $14.95 | Use everything, download as much as you want |
Annual | $89.69 ($7.47/month) | Same deal, but cheaper |
Free Trial | $0 | Limited stuff, watermarks on designs |
Making a thumbnail is quick:
Pick a template from the YouTube section
Change the text, colors, and images
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
Plan | Price | What You Get |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic 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:
Pick a template
Add photos (yours or stock)
Change text and colors
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
Tool | Templates | Stock Images | AI Features | Collaboration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canva | 2.1M+ (free), 3.8M+ (paid) | 127M+ (paid) | Basic | Yes |
Adobe Express | 155K+ (free), 220K+ (paid) | 200M+ (paid) | Advanced | Yes |
VEED | Not specified | Included | Video analysis | Yes |
Snappa | 6000+ | Included | Limited | Team plan |
Visme | 50+ pre-designed | Millions | Basic | Yes |
PicMonkey | 100+ | Included | Limited | No |
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
Tool | Free Plan | Paid Plans (Monthly) | Annual Savings |
---|---|---|---|
Canva | Yes | $15 (Pro) | 16% |
Adobe Express | Yes | $9.99 (Premium) | 33% |
VEED | Limited | $24 (Pro) | Not specified |
Snappa | Limited | $10 | 17% |
Visme | 5 projects | $12.25 (Standard) | 20% |
PicMonkey | No | $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
Tool | User Rating | User Base |
---|---|---|
Canva | 4.4/5 | 190 million |
Adobe Express | Not specified | 43 million |
VEED | 4.7/5 | Not specified |
Snappa | Not specified | Not specified |
Visme | Not specified | Not specified |
PicMonkey | Not specified | Not 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
Tool | Best For | Key Feature | Free Plan? | Paid Plan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Canva | Newbies | Easy to use | Yes | $12.99/mo |
Adobe Express | Pros | AI tools | Yes | $9.99/mo |
VEED | Video creators | Video analysis | Limited | $24/mo |
Snappa | Budget-conscious | Team work | Limited | $10/mo |
How to Choose
Think about:
Your skill level
Your budget
If you need team features
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:
Tool | Best For | Key Feature |
---|---|---|
Canva | Beginners | Easy to use, 2.1M+ free templates |
Adobe Express | Design pros | AI tools, works with other Adobe stuff |
PlaceIt | Brand consistency | Templates you can tweak to match your brand |
Fotor | Quick edits | Make 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:
You can just drag and drop stuff
It has tons of pre-made designs
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.