In this guide, we’ll study the best:
- Thumbnail designing/making apps (tools, software)
- For both desktop and mobile devices
For each, we’ll explore: Pros, Cons, Features, Pricing.
Top 5: Thumbnail Makers for PCs
These are 5 of the best YouTube Thumbnail Makers for computers: Canva, Photoshop, Snappa, Fotor, PicMonkey.
1. Canva
Link: Canva.
- Features: User-friendly drag-and-drop interface, vast library of templates, images, and fonts, ability to upload your own images, and collaborate with teams.
- Pros: Highly intuitive, great for beginners, and offers a wide range of design elements.
- Cons: Some advanced features may require a Pro subscription, and templates can be common among users.
- Pricing: Free version available; Pro version starts from $12.99/month.
2. Adobe Express
Link: Express.
- Features: Professional-grade design tools, a large collection of templates, integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, and options to customize with your own branding.
- Pros: High-quality output, extensive customization options, and integration with other Adobe products.
- Cons: Might have a steeper learning curve for beginners, and the full suite of features requires a subscription.
- Pricing: Free starter plan; individual plans start at $9.99/month.
3. Snappa
Link: Snappa.
- Features: Easy-to-use interface, high-resolution image downloads, access to high-quality stock photos, and pre-sized templates for various platforms.
- Pros: Simple for beginners, no design skills required, and offers team collaboration features.
- Cons: Limited features in the free version, and fewer template options compared to others.
- Pricing: Free version available; Pro version at $10/month when billed annually.
4. Fotor
Link: Fotor.
- Features: Wide range of editing tools, HDR effects for enhancing photos, template customization, and cloud saving.
- Pros: Versatile editing options, suitable for more than just thumbnails, and user-friendly.
- Cons: High-quality exports and some advanced features are locked behind the Pro version.
- Pricing: Basic version is free; Pro version starts at $8.99/month.
5. PicMonkey
Link: PicMonkey.
- Features: Various editing tools, cloud storage, template library, and the ability to create brand kits with logos, colors, and fonts.
- Pros: Powerful editing capabilities, great for brand consistency, and offers touch-up tools for photos.
- Cons: No free tier available, and some users may find it pricier compared to alternatives.
- Pricing: Basic plan starts at $7.99/month.
Each of these tools has its own strengths, so the best choice depends on your specific needs, skill level, and budget.
Top 5 Mobile Apps: Thumbnail Makers
If you’re on a phone or tablet, these are the 5 best thumbnail makers: PicsArt, Canva, VistaCreate, Pixlr, Thumbnail Maker.
1. PicsArt
Link: App Store, Google Play.
- Pros: Wide range of editing tools; vibrant community for inspiration.
- Cons: Ads can be intrusive in the free version; some features might be overwhelming for beginners.
- Features: Photo and video editor, sticker maker, collage maker, drawing tools.
- Pricing: Free with ads; Gold subscription at $11.99/month for ad-free editing and exclusive content.
2. Canva
Link: App Store, Google Play.
- Pros: User-friendly interface; vast selection of templates.
- Cons: Some features are behind a paywall.
- Features: Drag-and-drop design tool, extensive image library, custom fonts.
- Pricing: Free version available; Pro version starts at $12.99/month.
3. VistaCreate (ex. Crello)
Link: App Store, Google Play.
- Pros: Simple interface; great for beginners. Offers animated graphics options.
- Cons: Animation features might be limited in the free version.
- Features: Photo editing, video and animation maker, large template library.
- Pricing: Free version available; Pro version at $10/month with advanced features and assets.
4. Pixlr
Link: App Store, Google Play.
- Pros: High flexibility with both simple and advanced editing tools, making it suitable for users of all skill levels.
- Cons: The interface may be less intuitive for beginners compared to some other apps.
- Features AI-powered tools for quick edits. Layer-based editing in the advanced version for detailed projects.
- Pricing: Free option. Premium version at $4.90/month, offering full library access, advanced tools, and ad-free editing.
5. Thumbnail Maker
Link: App Store — this specific app isn’t available on Android.
- Pros: Easy to create engaging thumbnails and channel art; perfectly cropped sizes for YouTube.
- Cons: Interface might be overwhelming due to many features.
- Features: 1000+ backgrounds, 100+ typography fonts, stickers, 30+ filters.
- Pricing: Free with in-app purchases; $3.99/week or $39.99/year subscription options after a 3-day trial.
FAQs
1. What software do I need to make a YouTube thumbnail?
To make a great YouTube thumbnail, you need a good combo of software: A designing app (e.g. Photoshop) and an A/B tester (e.g. Thumbnail Test).
With these tools, you’ll first design the best variations of your thumbnail, and then test them out to see which one performs better.
2. What is the best app to make thumbnail for YouTube?
Canva is the #1 best app to make a thumbnail for YouTube. Recommended by thousands of computer and mobile users!
They have a 4.7/5 score on G2, with over 4.500 reviews.
3. Is there a Free YouTube Thumbnail Maker?
Yes, Canva is a popular option for creating free YouTube thumbnails with customizable templates.
Another choice is Adobe Express, offering a range of design tools and resources without cost.
Thank you for reading this,
ThumbnailTest
