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Did you know that 90% of the top-performing videos on YouTube use custom thumbnails?
YouTube backs up that stat, which brings us to the question of how to create thumbnails that sell. Most people stop at this step because they don’t know how to proceed.
But it is not as difficult as you might think. In the age of AI, everything can be generated, edited, and posted through an AI YouTube thumbnail generator. Now, that brings us to our next question. Which thumbnail maker to use?
Let’s save you those hours of searching and see a few free and paid thumbnail design tools and their benefits.
Free vs. Paid Designed Custom YouTube Thumbnails
These are some of the free and paid tools we're going to look at
Free Tools
These are the parameters we will use to judge our free thumbnail-designing tools. We have selected these features because they are widely available in free thumbnail designers.
Paid Tools
We will use these thumbnails to measure the output of our paid thumbnail-generating tools. These features outline what is generally expected of paid thumbnail-designing tools, which claim to offer premium services.
Free Tools: Put To The Test!
All right, the stage is set! Let’s get workin’ then!
Below is the list of thumbnails to be evaluated.
Canva (Free Version)
Aside from their paid creative tools, Canva provides a free version with a thumbnail designer. Let’s take a look at what this thumbnail designer has to offer.
These are some basic features
Easy-to-Navigate Website
These users can find the components they are looking for easily on the website, the website opens on the template library directly once the user logs in. Making the navigation easier and avoiding confusion for the users.
Filters
Some filters make it easy for users to choose the kind of thumbnail they want.
Image Uploader
Under the filters, an image uploader takes the user to the designing page, where the user can design and add graphics, fonts, and other elements to their thumbnails.
Template Library
Besides the image uploader, a template library sorts thumbnail designs based on the filter chosen.
Speed and Performance
The output and performance are simple and straightforward, the users can select a thumbnail template from the library and start creating YouTube thumbnails right away! It takes time to create a thumbnail at first as the elements can be tricky to figure out, but once the users get a hang of it, they can work with it.
Template Variety
There are over 833 templates on Canva free that users can choose from. With pro subscription, the users can gain access to the premium templates too.
Crello (Vistacreate)
Crello (Vistacreate) offers a free thumbnail maker that allows users to create thumbnails for many topics. These thumbnails can be produced without purchasing the full version.
These are some of the basic features
Template Variety
Crello offers over 500 thumbnail templates to choose from and edit.
Image Uploader
If the user is unsatisfied with the templates provided, they can upload their images and create a thumbnail from scratch.
Fonts, Graphics, Backgrounds
Crello offers thumbnail designs that can be enhanced using fonts, graphics, and backgrounds. However, not everything in this section is accessible, as some features are exclusive to the pro version.
Speed and Performance
The process of editing and selecting the elements can be a bit slower for new users as the placement of the elements needs careful attention.
Template Variety
The users can select templates offered on the website and edit them to make their desired thumbnails. There is a variety of templates. However, they look generic.
VEED.IO
Aside from their usual short video creation services, VEED.IO also offers an AI-powered thumbnail generator that generates YouTube thumbnail images based on text input.
These are some of the basic features
Easy-to-Navigate Website
The thumbnail generator is browser-based and AI-powered; users have access to the prompt input on the main page; you can input the prompt and create YouTube thumbnails right away.
Authority Over Layout
Because the thumbnails are generated using text prompts/input, the user has authority over the results and can edit them as they please.
High-Quality Images
The thumbnails produced are high-quality and can be easily downloaded and uploaded to YouTube.
Speed and Performance
The website generates the thumbnails once the prompt is input, and the generation speed is decent. However, depending on the internet connection and server issues, it can take a few minutes. The overall performance isn't bad either if the users know how to structure a prompt.
Template Variety
The website has no templates, as the thumbnails are generated based on the prompt/text input.
Thumbnail.AI
Thumbnail.AI offers free thumbnail-generating services in their browser-based thumbnail. The users can give the bot a prompt and edit as per their wishes using various tools and tweaks in the prompt.
These are some of the basic features
Easy-to-Navigate Website
The website for thumbnail.ai is easy to navigate; the user is taken directly to the main page with the prompt input bar as there is no login page; users can input the prompt for the thumbnail there and create YouTube thumbnails right away.
Browser-Based Generator
Thumbnail.AI's browser-based nature makes it convenient, as there is no need to download the software.
Speed and Performance
Thumbnail.AI is fast in speed and performance, as the generated thumbnails result from an input. However, the performance can sometimes be a little janky, affecting the quality of results.
Template Variety
There is no template variety as the website is AI-powered and works on prompts.
That's how free thumbnail-designing tools perform. Now, let’s examine what their paid counterparts offer.
Paid Tools: Put to the Test!
Now it’s time for Paid tools to put on a contest and show what they can do!
3,2,1 and off we go!
Rizzle
Rizzle is an AI-powered platform that provides various tools for content creation. One of their tools is a thumbnail generator. Let’s see how it performs!
Advanced Editing Features: These are the features provided by the tool
Color Grading
Users can add various colors and edit the gradients in their thumbnails, making it easy to achieve the desired results.
AI-Generated Text for Thumbnails
The AI generates suitable text for the thumbnails as soon as the video is uploaded.
Multiple Images for Thumbnails
Users are provided with various images to choose from as thumbnails.
Access to Premium Templates
The users can access various templates from which they can create their thumbnails.
High-Resolution Export
The thumbnails can be downloaded and uploaded to YouTube in high resolution.
Stock Photos and Graphics
Users have access to Getty Images, where they can browse and select a huge selection of stock photos.
Canva Pro
Canva Pro is the upgraded version of Canva. It provides features that are not accessible in the free version.
Advanced Editing Features
The features mentioned below are included in the tool:
Background Remover: Users can remove the background from the images, making adding various elements and subjects to their thumbnails easy.
AI-Powered Graphics Generator: This feature allows the user to generate graphical images and thumbnails based on the prompts provided.
Access to Premium Templates: Canva’s Pro version unlocks the premium templates and backgrounds users can use to create their thumbnails.
High-Resolution Export
Users can export high-quality images for the thumbnails.
Stock Photos and Graphics
The users have access to various graphics and can generate graphics with prompts, too.
Fotor Pro
Fotor Pro is the upgraded version of Fotor and unlocks many user features. Let’s take a look at them,
Advanced Editing Features
The features mentioned below are included in the tool
Removal of Watermark
Upgrading to the pro version allows users to remove the Fotor watermark.
AI Background
Users can add AI-generated backgrounds to their thumbnails.
Ability to Upload Own Fonts
Users who upgrade to the pro version can upload their fonts.
Access to Premium Templates
The users can unlock premium templates and use them for thumbnails in the pro version of the platform.
High-Resolution Export
High-resolution thumbnails can be downloaded and uploaded to the platforms for usage.
Stock Photos and Graphics
High-quality stock images are available in the Fotor’s Pro version.
Adobe Express
Adobe Spark is the paid version of Adobe Express; let’s see what they offer.
Advanced Editing Features
These are the advanced features that Adobe Spark has to offer:
Brand Kits
Users can add brand kits with logos and brand-specific fonts.
Access to Fonts
Users can access multiple versions of fonts to be used in their thumbnails.
Resizing Images and Background Removal
Users can resize images and remove backgrounds with the paid version.
Access to Premium Templates
The paid version enables users to access premium templates.
High-Resolution Export
The users can download high-quality images using the paid version.
Stock Photos and Graphics
The pro version provides a selection of stock photos for the thumbnails.
These tools were great, but nothing can be perfect, right?
I agree; let’s see where these thumbnail generators hit and missed the hardest. These are some of their Pros and Cons.
Benefits of Free Thumbnail Makers
We will start with the positive part!
Let’s see where these thumbnail designing tools are the most perfect.
- Cost-Effective
- Free tools are good if you're on a tight budget or just starting.
- Easy to Use
- Most free platforms have simple, user-friendly interfaces for beginners.
- Basic Features
- You’ll typically find essential tools like image resizing, text editing, and simple templates.
- No Commitment
- You can test it on different platforms without any financial commitment.
- Sufficient for Basic Projects
- Free tools often do the job without extra investment if you only need simple designs.
Benefits of Paid Thumbnail Makers
Advanced Features
Paid versions usually have enhanced features like advanced image editing, custom fonts, and more refined templates.
Higher Quality Assets
You’ll gain access to premium stock photos, icons, and templates that help enhance the look of your thumbnails.
No Watermarks
Free tools often add watermarks to your designs, but paid tools usually let you remove them for a professional finish.
Customization
Paid versions typically offer more creative control, allowing for finer adjustments and personalized branding.
Scalability
If you’re creating content regularly or professionally, paid tools can save time with bulk processing, auto-resizing for platforms, and more advanced features like AI-driven design suggestions.
Misses For Free Thumbnail Makers
Let’s see what these thumbnail generators lack
Limited Features
Free tools often include basic design elements, filters, and editing tools. They lack advanced features like detailed layering, gradient effects, or font editing.
Fewer Templates and Stock Assets
Most free tools offer a small selection of templates and stock images, meaning you might have to settle for designs that aren't highly customizable or as unique as you’d like.
Watermarks and Branding
Many free tools apply watermarks or branding on finished designs, which can affect the professional look of your thumbnails.
Low-Resolution Exports
Free tools often cap the resolution or quality of the exported file, making the image less sharp or suitable for professional use across high-quality platforms like YouTube or Facebook.
Limited Export Formats
With free tools, you can only download thumbnails in basic formats like JPG or PNG, without options for higher-quality formats like SVG.
Ad Interruptions
Some free tools rely on ads for revenue, disrupting your workflow and slowing your design process.
Conclusion
Creating those YouTube video thumbnails was a long ride, but here we are. Free tools like Canva and Thumbnail.AI save money and provide results on your YouTube videos.
Paid thumbnail editing and creation tools like Rizzle and Adobe provide a solid command over editing, premium templates, and various fonts and create YouTube thumbnails that satisfy the users.
In the end, it all boils down to your needs and preferences. After integrating all the YouTube thumbnail best practices and trying all the editing and designing tools, We strongly prefer Rizzle because of its stock image, text generation, and color grading options. Rizzle made it easy for me to generate an eye-catching YouTube thumbnail from the video or stock images.
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