# YouTube Thumbnail Workflow

> Combine your photo and headline into four video thumbnail options.

Canonical URL: https://allimageai.com/workflows/youtube-thumbnail/

Website: All Image AI

Language: English

A thumbnail is judged at fingernail size. This workflow turns the three rules that follow from that — few words, high contrast, avoid the badge corner — into defaults.

## Included in one run

- 20 credits total; all required steps and final exports included.
- Estimated time: 2–6 min
- Dimensions: 1280 × 720 px
- Format: Optimised JPG
- Safe area: Bottom-right reserved for the duration badge
- Headline length: 5 words or fewer

## Inputs

- Source image: A sharp face, product or subject photo works best. The workflow expands it to 16:9.
- Thumbnail headline: Example: I Tried 30 AI Models
- Reference image required: Yes

## Editing steps

### 1. Upload a face or source image

Half-body shots work best.

### 2. Pick a style

Sets palette and mood.

[YouTube Thumbnail Maker](https://allimageai.com/ai-tools/youtube-thumbnail.md)

### 3. 16:9 composition

Missing area is outpainted rather than stretched.

[Image Expander](https://allimageai.com/ai-tools/image-expander.md)

### 4. Raise contrast

So the subject reads at thumbnail size on a phone.

### 5. Text safe area

Keeps clear of the duration badge and overlays.

[Ideogram 3](https://allimageai.com/models/ideogram-3.md)

### 6. Export 1280×720

Optimised JPGs ready for review and upload.

## Frequently asked questions

### Do I need a face?

No. Choose the "No person" layout for a purely graphic direction.

### Can I A/B test versions?

Yes, generate four variants in one run and pick.