Creating Thumbnails

This guide walks you through the complete process of generating professional thumbnails using YouThumb AI. Follow these steps to transform your ideas into eye-catching visuals.

Generation Workflow Overview

Creating a thumbnail involves four key components working together:
1

Face Profile Selection

Choose which face profile should appear in the generated thumbnail.
2

Template Selection

Choose a starting template from your library or generate from scratch.
3

Reference Assets

Upload supporting images like logos, products, or screenshots.
4

Prompt Writing

Describe the specific modifications and composition you want.

Step 1: Select Your Face Profile

From the generation interface, select the face profile you want featured in the thumbnail. This determines whose face appears in the final output.
Make sure your face profile is properly configured before generating. See the Face Profile Optimization guide for setup instructions.

Step 2: Select a Template

Templates are starting images that the AI uses as a base for your thumbnail. You can import them from YouTube or upload your own.

How to Select a Template

  1. Browse your Template Library
  2. Click on a template to select it
  3. The AI will use this as the foundation for generation
  4. Alternatively, generate from scratch without a template
Templates with clear face areas work best for face swap. Avoid overly complex compositions.

What Templates Provide

When using a template, the AI preserves:
  • Overall composition and layout
  • Color schemes and palettes
  • Visual style and effects
  • Background elements and scenery

Step 3: Upload Reference Assets

Reference assets are supplementary images you want incorporated into the thumbnail:
Asset TypeUse Case
LogosBrand elements and watermarks
ProductsItems you're featuring
ScreenshotsApp or website visuals
IconsGraphic elements
PhotosAdditional imagery

Uploading Assets

  1. Click Add Reference Image
  2. Upload your asset files
  3. Give each a memorable name
  4. Assets become available for prompt references

Step 4: Write Your Prompt

The prompt tells the AI what specific modifications and compositions to create.

Prompt Writing Principles

Focus on modifications, not complete descriptions: 
Good: "shocked expression, bright yellow background,
      (Image 1) logo in top right corner"

Avoid: "A YouTube thumbnail with a person looking at
       the camera with a yellow background..."

Referencing Uploaded Assets

Use parenthetical notation to include your reference images:
  • (Image 1) - First uploaded reference
  • (Image 2) - Second uploaded reference
  • (Logo) - Reference by name if you named it
Example prompts: 
Excited expression, blue gradient background,
(Product Image) floating to the left, sparkle effects

Serious face, dark moody lighting,
(App Screenshot) on phone mockup beside me

Specifying Composition

Be explicit about positioning and layout:
  • Background: Colors, gradients, patterns
  • Object placement: Left, right, center, corner positions
  • Facial expression: Shocked, happy, serious, confused
  • Visual effects: Blur, glow, shadows, overlays

Generation Strategy

Start with Single Generations

Always begin with a single generation to validate your prompt before scaling up.
This approach:
  • Conserves credits during experimentation
  • Allows quick iteration on prompts
  • Identifies issues before batch generation

Scale After Validation

Once your single generation looks promising:
  1. Note what worked in the output
  2. Refine any problem areas in the prompt
  3. Generate multiple variations
  4. Select the best results for editing

Iterative Improvement Workflow

The most effective approach follows this cycle: 
Generate → Review → Adjust Prompt → Generate → Review
                ↓
        Promising Result?
                ↓
    Yes → Edit for refinement
    No  → Continue iteration

When to Edit vs. Regenerate

SituationAction
Wrong composition entirelyRegenerate with new prompt
Good composition, wrong expressionEdit the result
Missing elementRegenerate with updated prompt
Close but needs tweaksEdit the result

Quick Reference Checklist

Before generating, confirm:
  • Face profile selected
  • Template selected (or generating from scratch)
  • Reference assets uploaded and named
  • Prompt focuses on modifications
  • Asset references use correct notation
  • Starting with single generation

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Inconsistent Results

  • Try a different template
  • Make prompt more specific
  • Check face profile configuration

Missing Elements

  • Ensure assets are properly referenced
  • Specify placement explicitly
  • Use clearer asset names in prompts

Poor Face Integration

  • Review face profile images
  • Update profile description
  • Try different style references
Generation is an iterative process. Don't expect perfection on the first try—use the editing tools to refine promising results.

Next Steps

After generating thumbnails, continue to: