5 Thumbnail Apps: Used By The Biggest YouTubers (2024)

You’re likely here because you have a favourite YouTuber and you’re curious on how they make their thumbnails.

Whether you’re a:

• Small creator who wants to make it big
• Or a viewer who’s curious.
• … this guide is for you.

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Top 5 Apps: Used by YouTubers to Make Thumbnails

These are the top 5 apps used by YouTubers to make and test thumbnails: Canva, Thumbnail Test, Photoshop, Fotor, Figma.

1. Canva

Link: Canva.com

• Features:
  • Easy drag-and-drop interface
  • Large selection of thumbnail templates, images, and fonts
  • Option to add personal images
  • Team collaboration features
• Pros:
  • Very intuitive interface
  • Ideal for those just starting out
  • Comprehensive variety of design components
• Cons:
  • Advanced features may need a Pro plan
  • Templates might lack uniqueness due to wide usage
• Pricing:
  • Free tier available
  • Pro tier pricing begins at $12.99/month

2. Thumbnail Test

Link: ThumbnailTest.com

Features:

• Thumbnail A/B Testing: Experiment with different video thumbnails to find the one that attracts the most views, engagement, or clicks.
• Title A/B Testing: Test various titles along with thumbnails to see which combination works best.
• Analytics for Tests: Gain insights into how your thumbnails are performing with comprehensive analytics.
• Revive Old Videos: Use the tool to test thumbnails on older videos to increase their visibility and views.

Pros:

• Efficiency: Saves time by automating the thumbnail testing process, allowing you to focus on content creation and other important tasks.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Provides detailed data on average view duration, CTR, and audience demographics, helping to make informed decisions.
• Customization: Offers more control over test parameters, including audience targeting and test duration.

Cons:

• Cost: Unlike manual thumbnail switching which is free, ThumbnailTest is a paid service, which might be a consideration for those with limited budgets.

Pricing:

• Paid: $24/month to $75/month, depending on your plan.
• Small channels: You get 40% off if you’re under 10k subscribers!

3. Adobe Photoshop

Link: Adobe.com/Products/Photoshop

Features:

• Advanced photo editing tools (brushes, layers, masks)
• 3D design functionality
• Extensive plugin support
• Customizable workspace
• Cloud storage integration

Pros:

• Industry-standard software with robust features
• Regular updates with new tools and improvements
• Wide range of tutorials and community support
• High precision and control over editing

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• High subscription cost compared to some alternatives
• Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer
• Some might find the interface cluttered

Pricing:

• Monthly subscription as part of Adobe Creative Cloud…
• Individual plans typically start around $20.99/month for just Photoshop or $52.99/month for all Adobe apps (prices might vary based on location and promotions).

4. Fotor

Link: Fotor.com

Features:

• User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
• Wide selection of templates and stock photos
• Text and sticker overlays for customization
• Basic photo editing tools (crop, resize, filter)
• Direct social media sharing options

Pros:

• Easy to use, even for beginners
• Quick creation of visually appealing thumbnails
• Free version available with basic features
• Online platform, no need to download heavy software

Cons:

• Advanced features locked behind a paywall
• Limited functionality compared to professional design software
• Some templates can look generic without customization
• Free version includes watermarks on designs

Pricing:

• Free version with basic features and limited assets
• Paid subscriptions offer more templates, stock photos, and advanced editing tools. Pricing usually starts around $8.99/month, but there can be discounts for annual commitments or special promotions.

5. Figma

Link: Figma.com

Features:

• Vector graphic editing and prototyping
• Collaborative design in real-time
• Extensive plugin ecosystem
• Auto layout for responsive design
• Cloud-based with version history

Pros:

• Highly collaborative, allowing multiple users to work simultaneously
• Intuitive interface, easier to learn for newcomers
• Free tier available with essential features
• Cross-platform compatibility (web-based)

Cons:

• Can be less performant with very complex projects
• Some advanced features may require a learning curve
• Dependent on internet connection for real-time collaboration
• Limited offline functionality

Pricing:

• Free version for individuals with basic features
• Professional plan typically starts around $12 per editor/month for additional features like unlimited projects and version history
• Organization plan with advanced security and admin features, priced higher, often tailored to team sizes and needs.

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FAQs

1. How do YouTubers make their thumbnails?

YouTubers use graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Canva, or GIMP to create their thumbnails, then A/B test them with ThumbnailTest to see which picture is better.

The process is like this:

• They start by choosing a compelling image or design that represents their video content well.
• Many add bold text overlays with eye-catching fonts to summarize the video or grab viewers’ attention.
• They also use bright colors and contrast to make the thumbnail stand out among others.
• And then, branding: logos, colors, and any other branding elements.

Let’s see the top 5 apps!

2. What do most YouTubers use to make thumbnails?

Most YouTubers use this website to make their thumbnails: Canva.com — it is a free designing tool with many templates which you can use for free.

Alternatively, you can try Figma.com as it’s free and very similar!

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Thank you for reading this,
Thumbnail Test