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Getting Started with Thumbnails

Create your first AI-generated thumbnail in just a few steps. This guide walks you through accessing the tool, picking a mode, and downloading your finished thumbnail.

Accessing Thumbnail Generation

Open the channel you want to create a thumbnail for, then click Thumbnails in the channel navigation. This opens the thumbnail creator, where you can brainstorm new concepts or clone an existing style.

Editor Access Required

You need editor or admin access to create and modify thumbnails. Viewers can browse thumbnail history but cannot generate new ones.

Choosing a Mode

The thumbnail creator has two tabs at the top:

  • Brainstorm -- AI generates 4 concept sketches for your video. You pick your favorite, then render a full-quality thumbnail from it. Best when you want fresh, original ideas.
  • Clone / Remix -- You provide a reference thumbnail (via YouTube URL or image upload), and the AI analyzes its visual style. It then creates a new thumbnail for your topic using that style. Best when you already know the look you want.

If you are not sure which to pick, start with Brainstorm. It gives you multiple options to compare and is the fastest way to explore different creative directions.

Your First Thumbnail in Under 2 Minutes

Using Brainstorm Mode

  1. Make sure the Brainstorm tab is selected.
  2. Enter your Video Title -- this is the title of the video you are creating a thumbnail for.
  3. Optionally describe what the video is about in the topic field. A short sentence or two helps the AI create more relevant concepts.
  4. Click Generate 4 Concepts.
  5. Wait about 60-90 seconds while the AI creates concept sketches.
  6. Review the 4 sketches and click the one you like best.
  7. A detail panel opens. Click Generate Thumbnail to render the final, full-quality version.
  8. Once the render completes, your thumbnail is ready. Click the download button to save it.

Using Clone / Remix Mode

  1. Switch to the Clone / Remix tab.
  2. Enter your Video Title.
  3. Under Style Reference, paste a YouTube video URL or upload a reference image.
  4. Click Generate Thumbnail.
  5. The AI analyzes the reference style and generates your thumbnail.
  6. Download the result from the detail panel.

Understanding the Generation Flow

Thumbnail creation follows a structured process:

Brainstorm mode has two stages:

  1. Concept sketches -- The AI generates 4 rough layout sketches showing different compositions, text placements, and visual approaches. These are pencil-style wireframes, not final quality. Generating concepts uses one generation from your quota.
  2. Final render -- After you select a concept, the AI produces a polished, full-resolution thumbnail based on that layout. Each render uses one additional generation.

Clone mode goes directly to a final render, using the reference image to guide the visual style. Each render uses one generation.

Downloading Your Thumbnail

After generation completes, your thumbnail appears in the detail panel. To download:

  • Click the download icon on the thumbnail image.
  • The file saves as a high-resolution image suitable for YouTube upload.

All your generated thumbnails are stored in the history section below the creator form. You can come back and download any previous thumbnail at any time.

Checking Your Quota

At the bottom of the creator form, you will see how many generations you have remaining this month. If you run out, you can purchase additional packs from your billing settings.

Next Steps

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Thumbnail Credits & Usage
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Improving Thumbnails