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Creator Kit · Canva
custom youtube thumbnails
the click is won before the video
A custom YouTube thumbnail in 1280×720, designed to stay readable when small: one face, strong contrast and three words maximum. Customise each template in Canva with your channel colours.
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How to use them
Why it matters
On YouTube, the thumbnail and the title are what trigger the click. A good video with an unreadable thumbnail stays invisible: it is often the fastest lever to improve your click-through rate.
What makes a thumbnail work
An expressive face, three words maximum, strong contrast and a single subject. The thumbnail adds to the title instead of repeating it. Always check how it looks very small, as on a phone.
How to customise them
In Canva, replace the photo with a screenshot or a cut-out portrait, adapt the text and colours to your channel, then export as JPG or PNG at 1280×720.
Custom thumbnail: the 4-step process
Choose a template, replace the visual with your photo or a screenshot, adapt the text and colours to your channel, then export at 1280×720 and test how it looks at a very small size.
FAQ
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
1280×720 pixels (16:9), as JPG, PNG or GIF, under 2 MB.
Do I need a verified account to upload a custom thumbnail?
Yes, YouTube asks you to verify your channel (for example by phone) before allowing custom thumbnails.
How much text should a thumbnail have?
Three to four words at most: beyond that, the text becomes unreadable on mobile.
How do I create a custom YouTube thumbnail?
Choose a Canva template, replace the photo, adapt the text and colours, then export at 1280×720.
How do I add a custom thumbnail to a YouTube video?
In YouTube Studio, open the video and upload the image in the thumbnail section. Your channel must be verified.
Which free tool can I use to make a YouTube thumbnail?
The free version of Canva is enough to use and customise these templates.