SpriteSplit
Free Runs right in your browser

YouTube Thumbnail Maker

You, cut out and popping; big words with a highlighted part; an arrow or a circle; and a feed preview so you know it reads at phone size. 1280 × 720, under 2 MB.

✓ No upload, 100% private✓ No sign-up✓ Works on phone & desktop
1 Add your photo
Drop a photo of yourself or the subject
A 1280 × 720 thumbnail with you cut out, big words, an arrow or a circle, and a feed preview so you know it reads at phone size.
JPG · PNG · WebP · HEIC. Your photo stays on your device.

Missing an option? Suggest an improvement or ask for a new tool.

How to make a YouTube thumbnail

  1. Drop a photo of yourself (or the subject), or try the sample
  2. Tap ✂️ Cut me out: the AI runs on your device; add an outline so you pop from the background
  3. Type the headline; put the key words in *stars* to highlight them; pick a style and font
  4. Add an arrow, circle, box or badge and drag everything into place
  5. Tap In the feed to see it at phone size; add A/B headlines and download them all

What makes a thumbnail work

  • Three to five words, readable at the size of a stamp. Use the feed preview to check.
  • A face with an expression, cut out and outlined, on a blurred or plain background.
  • One highlighted word in yellow or red, one arrow or circle pointing at the thing.
  • Contrast: dark background, light text with a black outline, or the reverse.
  • Test two versions: export A/B variants and use YouTube’s own thumbnail test, or ask friends which one they would click.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about the youtube thumbnail maker tool.

What size is a YouTube thumbnail?

1280 × 720 pixels (16:9), under 2 MB, JPG or PNG. This tool saves exactly that.

Is my photo uploaded?

No. The cut-out AI and the drawing run in your browser.

Can I use my brand colours and fonts?

Yes: set them in the Brand kit and they appear in the colour pickers and font list; the watermark switch is under the download button.

More free image tools

Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

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Make a thumbnail