Thumbnail design is key to engaging potential viewers and boosting your YouTube channel’s views and click-through rate.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make YouTube thumbnails using Canva updated for 2024.
Get started with Canva
- First things first, open Canva on your browser. If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for free. Canva also allows you to log in with Google so that’s even quicker.
- Once you’re logged in, use the search bar at the top of the page to search for “YouTube Thumbnail”. Click on the relevant option from the dropdown menu. This will bring up a bunch of pre-made thumbnail templates.
- You’ll see a ton of Canva templates, free and paid. Paid templates have a crown icon. If you want to create a thumbnail for free, focus on the templates without the icon. Choose a template you like and click “Customize this template”.Using YouTube thumbnail templates can significantly impact your video viewership. These professionally designed templates save time and allow even those without design skills to create eye-catching thumbnails that enhance their video branding.
Customize your Canva Template
Customize Your Template
You’ll be taken to the customization screen where you can edit the template to your heart’s content. While the template is a great starting point, let’s go through how to create your own thumbnail from scratch so you have full control.
Create a Blank Canvas
To start from scratch, click the “+” icon to add a new page. This will create a blank canvas. This blank slate will allow you to design your thumbnail exactly how you want.
Add a Background
Go to the ‘Elements’ tab on the left-hand side of the screen. Scroll down to ‘Photos’ and click ‘See all’. In the search bar, type “Black” (or whatever background color or theme you prefer) and select a background image. Use the points on the image corners to stretch the background to fill the canvas.
Upload Your Image
Next, go to the ‘Uploads’ tab and click ‘Upload Files’. Choose the image you want to use from your device and click open. Once uploaded, click on the image to place it on your thumbnail. You can move and resize the image to fit your design. If the image needs to be flipped use the ‘Flip’ option.
Remove Image Background
If your uploaded image has a background that you need to remove, you can use free tools like remove.bg to make the background transparent. This step is important if you want to overlay your subject on different backgrounds seamlessly.
Adding and Styling Elements
Add a Border
To make your image pop, you don’t need to be a graphic designer. First, click on your image and press Cmd+C (Mac) or Ctrl+C (Windows) to copy it. Then press Cmd+V (Mac) or Ctrl+V (Windows) to paste it. Click on ‘Edit Image’ at the top, go to the ‘Adjust’ tab and set all the ‘Light’ sliders to 100, except for the ‘Blacks’ slider which should be set to -100. Set the vibrance and saturation sliders to -100 as well. Select the ‘Position’ option and choose ‘Backward’. Increase the size of the adjusted image slightly and reposition it behind the original image to create a white border.
Add Shapes for Text
Go back to the ‘Elements’ tab and click ‘See all shapes’. Click the curved rectangle shape three times to add three shapes to your canvas. Change the color of each shape by clicking on the shape and selecting your desired color. Resize, reposition, rotate and reorder the shapes to a nice position for your text.
Add and Edit Text
Go to the ‘Text’ tab and select ‘Add a Heading’. Type in your text and select your font and color. Place the text inside the shapes you added earlier. You can copy text by holding Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) and dragging the text. This will allow you to duplicate text elements and adjust the words as needed.
Finalize Your Thumbnail
Add Extra Elements
You can add more to your thumbnail by going into the ‘Elements’ tab and searching for specific graphics, icons or shapes you want to add to your design. These elements can add a nice touch and help convey the theme or content of your video.
Download Your Thumbnail
Once you’re happy with your design, click on ‘Share’ at the top of the screen and then ‘Download’. Choose your file type (PNG is best for high-quality images) and click ‘Download’. Your new thumbnail is now ready to upload to YouTube.
Creating a thumbnail with Canva is easy and has endless options to make your video stand out. Using YouTube thumbnail templates can significantly impact your video viewership by allowing you to create visually appealing and effective thumbnails quickly, even if you lack design skills.
Viddyoze for Your Video Content
A great thumbnail will attract viewers, but high-quality video content will keep them engaged. To really elevate your YouTube videos, consider using professional animations with Viddyoze.
Why Viddyoze for Your Videos?
Awesome Animations
Viddyoze has a huge library of animation templates that will make your videos look professional. These animations can be used for intros, outros, transitions, lower thirds and more.
Simple to Use
Viddyoze is easy to use. No technical skills required. Just choose a template, add your text and branding, and you’re done.
Professional Results
The quality of Viddyoze animations is high, so your videos will look professional. High-quality visuals can help build credibility with your audience.
How to Make Animated Videos with Viddyoze
Sign Up and Choose a Template
If you don’t have a Viddyoze account sign up first. Once logged in browse through the templates. Viddyoze has templates for different purposes, intros and outros, logo stings and transitions etc.
Edit Your Animation
Once you’ve chosen a template, you’ll be taken to the edit screen. Here, you can add your text, images, and brand colors to the template. This is easy and allows you to match the animation to your brand.
Render and Download
Once you’ve edited your animation click the render button. Rendering will take a few seconds. Once rendered, you can download your animation. It’s ready to add to your video.
Add Viddyoze Animations to Your Videos
To use your Viddyoze animations, simply import them into your video editing software. Add them as intros, outros, or transitions to increase your video’s production value.
Viddyoze Animation Tips
Consistency is Key
Make sure your animations match your branding. Use the same colors, fonts, and styles across all your animations to look consistent.
Keep it Short and Sweet
Animations should support your content not overshadow it. Keep intros and outros short and engaging to keep the viewer interested.
Key Points
Use animations to highlight important information or key points in your video. This will keep viewers engaged and make your content more sticky.
Conclusion
Creating great thumbnails and high-quality video content doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. With Canva and Viddyoze, you can level up your YouTube game.
Canva makes it easy to create professional-looking thumbnails that attract viewers, and Viddyoze lets you create awesome animations that keep them.
