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As a YouTuber, you probably know how important it is to have an eye-catching thumbnail for your videos. Fortunately, there are many online tools you can use to achieve that perfect look. Canva is an example of this that never stops giving results.
This article shares how to use Canva to create beautiful YouTube thumbnails using your PC or mobile device. Plus, you’ll learn how to make your thumbnail stand out from the crowd and appeal to a wider audience. Let’s pe right in.
How to Create a YouTube Thumbnail in Canva on PC
A video thumbnail is the first thing viewers see when they find your channel. It is often the deciding factor in whether you click on the video or not. A rule of thumb says that the perfect thumbnail should be captivating, have a clear and legible font, have colors that match the brand, and accurately reflect the channel’s content.
Thanks to Canva, you can design eye-catching thumbnails that will help you grow your audience. This software runs in a web browser so you can use it anytime, anywhere, without needing to install anything on your computer.
Canva’s main goal is to help you create high-quality graphics with little effort. Thousands of designers have created templates in virtually every category, including YouTube thumbnails. Additionally, a built-in feature allows you to use any frame in your video as a background. And you can do all of that for free!
Begin
To start designing your thumbnail in Canva, you must first create an account. You can sign in from your Facebook or Google account using the desktop app here. Once you are inside, you will see the main panel. Simply follow the steps below to get your first thumbnail ready:
- Press the “Create a layout” button on the left side of the screen. If you plan to create your design from scratch and not use a pre-made template, click “Custom Dimensions” and insert your preferred dimensions manually.
- To use pre-designed templates, type “YouTube thumbnail” in the search bar. You will see many thematic solutions such as instructions, beauty, travel, music, food, etc.
- Change the project name. This will help you find it faster once you finish the design. Click on the existing name at the top of the screen and type the one that works best for you.
make a design
Once you’ve found a template or created a new design from scratch and given it a name, it’s time to start designing. As you search for pre-designed templates, you’ll find many designs that don’t match your video or brand. But do not worry. You can replace any image in the template with your own, change the color, size and font type, and adjust the layout to fit your needs.
- Use drag and drop to add or modify elements to your design.
- Use animation features to make your design stand out. Play with color schemes and font combinations that match your brand.
- Upload your own illustrations or images, adjust the layout or make any changes you want.
Upload an image of your video
Pre-designed templates are good, but there is a better way to customize your YouTube thumbnail content. You can replace the template’s background image with a frame from your video.
- Choose a template.
- Delete the existing background image to clean up the canvas. To do this, right-click on the background image and select “Delete.”
- Navigate to the left side menu and select “Uploads”.
- Go to “Videos” and then “Upload Media.”
- Select the video you need.
- Use the progress bar at the bottom to find the frame you want to use.
- Pause the video once you find the ideal frame.
- Adjust the frame with the crop and crop feature at the top. Don’t worry about the play button in the center, as it will disappear once you export the video.
- Right click on the background and select “Send to Back.”
Summarizing the design
- Once you are done editing, press the “Download” button.
- Save the design to your computer.
How to Create a YouTube Thumbnail in Canva on Mobile
YouTube thumbnails play an essential role in the number of views your videos get. You can consider them as the face of your video. You want your viewers to be drawn to stream the content. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a graphic designer to create captivating thumbnails. Canva has all the tools you need.
Here’s how to create a fascinating YouTube thumbnail in Canva on a mobile device:
- Open the Canva app on your Android either iOS device.
- Create a new account or use Google or Facebook to log in.
- Search for the following keywords in the search bar: “YouTube Thumbnail.”
- Explore the templates and tap the one you like the most.
- Start designing your own template. Use animation features, try different color combinations, and adjust the font to match your brand.
- Add your own logo or images and make any changes you want.
Upload an image of your video
Pre-designed templates are great, but it’s best to customize your thumbnail by adding a frame from your own video. Here’s how you can do it in the Canva mobile app.
- Choose a Canva template you like.
- Delete the existing background image to clean up the canvas. Tap the background image and select “Delete.”
- Tap the purple circle with a plus sign to add your video.
- Tap “Gallery” and grant access to Canva.
- Select the video you need.
- Use the progress bar at the bottom to find the frame you want to use.
- Pause the video at the frame you want to use as the background.
- Modify the frame using the crop and crop function. The play button in the center will disappear when you export the video, so don’t worry.
- Tap the background image and select “Position.”
- Tap “Backward.” This will move the background layer behind, so that the font and other designs can be visible.
Summarizing the design
- Once you’re done making changes, save the thumbnail by tapping the “Export” button.
- Choose the location where you want to save the design.
We only recommend using your phone to create designs if you can’t do it on a computer. Creating a thumbnail on a computer will leave more room for precision. Plus, it’s easier to drag and drop items on a larger screen.
Additional FAQs
What is the size of YouTube thumbnails?
YouTube’s default thumbnail size is 1280 x 720 pixels. The minimum pixel width is 640. The aspect ratio must be 16:9 and the maximum file size must not exceed 2 MB.
Create eye-catching YouTube thumbnails with Canva
Canva is a godsend for DIY designers. Whether you’re starting a blog, video channel, or social media page, you can create stunning designs that match your brand’s personality. Designing YouTube thumbnails with Canva is no different. With the easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface and hundreds of pre-designed templates, your perfect YouTube thumbnail is just minutes away.
Do you find it easier to create designs on your desktop or mobile device? Did you use pre-made Canva templates or create a new one from scratch? Share your experiences in the comments below.
