How To Make a YouTube Thumbnail - Easy & Free (UPDATED!)

Learn how to make a YouTube thumbnail! We'll share the top YouTube thumbnail maker apps, design tips, size & more so your videos get clicks & YouTube views.

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(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)

YouTube Thumbnail Creation Tools:

YouTube Tutorials to level up your videos:

Timestamps:
00:00 How To Make a YouTube Thumbnail
01:02 How to Grab a Photo From Video
02:04 Canva Thumbnail Tutorial
03:49 How to Add a Gradient Background in Canva
05:00 How to Add a Photo in Canva
05:28 How to Remove a Photo Background in Canva
06:12 How to Remove a Photo Background on iPhone
07:00 Canva Pricing
07:27 How to Color Grade in Canva
08:51 How to Add a Shape in Canva
09:50 How to Add Text in Canva
12:41 How to Add Graphic Elements in Canva
15:33 How to Add Logos in Canva
16:11 How to Save & Download Photos in Canva
16:50 How to Upload a Thumbnail on YouTube
17:13 How to Have Thumbnails that Rank on YouTube

Music in this video:
► “Siberian Summer” - Sunny Fruit

*** GEAR WE USE ***

Learn how to build an audience, generate new leads on autopilot and SCALE your business with video step-by-step in our fast-track Primal Video Accelerator program!

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-- How to Make a Thumbnail for YouTube Videos - Easy & Free! --

Wondering how to get more views on YouTube? Your thumbnails are an excellent place to start! YouTube thumbnails are one of the most important AND overlooked elements of YouTube optimization.

You might have the world’s best YouTube video but if it doesn’t have a clickable video thumbnail, no one will click it and the video will get zero views! That’s why you need an attractive thumbnail that instantly grabs your viewers attention.

Thankfully there are some awesome free thumbnail maker apps that will help you create a custom YouTube thumbnail design that gets the click!

In this video, we'll cover how to make thumbnails WITHOUT Photoshop using free & easy YouTube thumbnail maker apps.

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Check out all the gear we use and recommend at Primal Video!
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--- Related Content —

#YouTubeThumbnails #VideoThumbnail #ThumbnailTutorial #YouTubeForBusiness #PrimalVideo

DISCLOSURE: We often review or link to products & services we regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible we use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase we may receive a small commission or other compensation.

[PrimalVideo]

❓What do you use to create thumbnails? Let me know 👇

[physicsforstudents]

Here comes the best YouTube teacher. Always clean, to the point and most importantly very detailed tutorial. Thank you Justin Brown. You are the best ❤️❤️

[solomonayo]

To all the small channel out there, I hope that we attain a great level of our YouTube success before the year runs out.
Let's keep pushing. I'm rooting for you all

[michaeldesiano]

The video is great, packed and fast moving. The cut out background using iOS is a mindblower, so simple.

[rosecoloredglasses-logan]

Great video, Justin! Although I actually enjoy creating my own thumbnails through photoshop — you have given me a lot of ideas. Plus, one of your previous videos about thumbnails helped me to transform my original and not so visible thumbnails to something more inviting. Of course, there is always room for improvement and I hope to keep getting better. I appreciate you and your extremely helpful information! 😎😍😇

[robertf]

Very helpful! Your channel has become my first stop when I'm looking for information on how to create content.

[mediaapps]

These guys deserve ALL the success that comes their way.

[mrsperry]

Thank you so much for always teaching us. I’m new to youtube and I have learned a lot and still learning. Keep the videos coming.

[fitnessoverfifty-suncoastfit]

Thank you for making this updated video - so helpful!! 😀

[mykitchenandbeyond]

Awesome videos! I've learned a lot from your tutorials. Thank you Justin!

[dinilifestyleamerica]

Yay! I am still learning and thank you for this info but unfortunately I am still Phonto but will try to upload this canvas thank you

[DrFumblesSenpai]

I am so happy I found you video! I have been using another site for my thumbnails, and not only have they gotten expensive but it is a hassle whenever I try to cancel. Told myself it's time to find a new one. Thanks so much! Subbed!

[subarobert]

Love the making coffee and chatting with Lamb. Thumbnail picture is attractive. Looking forward to day 2 🏍️🏍️

[sir.shreddington]

Your tutorials are the best! This is my goto channel for all questions on content creation. Thanks!

[humanbodyacademy]

THANKS YOU SO MUCH BRO! Simple and straight to the point . 😇👍🏾

[ArashiTheStorm]

Amazing video! Learned a lot and I'm now applying what you've taught me! Thanks a million!!😁

[travel-warrior]

Excellent video, this puts it all into perspective in an easy to follow format that works like magic, thanks for the info Justin

[aidennyoutube]

thank you so much! i will probably use it in the future!

[katsnoveladventures]

Thanks, Justin! You are always super helpful. 😊

[avpgraphicswraps]

Bro, literally the simplest, most 1, 2, 3 instructions ive found on how to make and download a thumbnail to youtube...i subscribeed ecause you were amazing bro....ty