Guide

How to make a YouTube thumbnail with your face cut out

Process a photo of yourself with Transparent output, then composite over a graphic background in the editor. Export as PNG at 1280x720.

By Remova Technical Team

Steps

  1. 01

    Take a reaction photo

    Big expression, well-lit. The photo does not need to be from a video shoot. A phone photo works.

  2. 02

    Process with Transparent output

    Download the PNG with alpha.

  3. 03

    Open the editor

    Use the editor to composite the cutout over a background. Solid colour, gradient, or an image all work.

  4. 04

    Add text

    Big text, high contrast. YouTube thumbnails are viewed at 320 pixels wide in the feed.

  5. 05

    Export at 1280x720

    PNG or JPG. YouTube recommends 1280x720 with a 16:9 ratio.

Tips

  • —Face should occupy 30-40 percent of the frame. Bigger than that looks desperate.
  • —Use a small number of words. Three to four is the sweet spot.
  • —High contrast between text and background. Yellow on dark is a cliché for a reason.
  • —Keep your face on the left or right third, not centred. Thumbnails with a centred face look generic.

Common questions

Can I use a screenshot from the video?

Yes, if the screenshot has good lighting. Pause on a frame where your face is well-lit.

What file format does YouTube prefer?

JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP. Under 2MB. 1280x720 minimum.

Should I add a border?

No. YouTube crops the thumbnail in some surfaces. Borders get lost.

Try it now

Open the tool

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