YouTube Thumbnail: Create Stunning Thumbnails Using PixelLab

Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by Mo. Waseem

YouTube thumbnails help to lead viewers to your videos and therefore have to be designed properly. A good thumbnail can greatly increase the number of clicks and thus it is crucial for content creators to know the rules of thumbnail design. In this guide, you will learn how to create high-definition YouTube thumbnails using the PixelLab app on your mobile phone. Whether you are new to this or have some experience, this tutorial will explain in detail how to make stunning thumbnails.

Getting Started with PixelLab

This guide is designed for users who are unfamiliar with the PixelLab app. This tutorial will take you through the process step by step, beginning with the basics. First, you must transform the canvas size, because the default one is a square. To do this, click on the three dots in the top right corner and go to “Image Size.” Choose the “YouTube” preset with the height of 720 pixels. You can also choose the height of 1080 pixels for higher definition thumbnails.

Creating a Background for Your Thumbnail

First of all, let’s move on to the process of designing the thumbnail since the canvas is set. First, we need to make the background: for this example, we will be using a mobile screen image, and a pink and blue gradient. To get the right images, go to pixels.com and look for the images you need. Then go back to PixelLab and insert the images on the canvas. This is to ensure that the images fit well on the canvas.

Adding Gradient Background

In the next step, we will create a gradient background. To do so, go to colors in the bottom menu. You can select a color or gradient for your canvas background. Choose the gradient option and select your preferred colors. To customize your gradient, click on the plus icon. For our thumbnail, we will choose a pink and blue gradient. The brightness should also be adjusted to ensure that it is appropriate for the rest of the design.

Importing and Adjusting Images

We need to import the main subject of our thumbnail after setting up the background. In this case, we will be using a high-quality image of Mark Zuckerberg. To get a clean PNG of the subject, use a cutout tool from Wikipedia. Once you have the image, import it into PixelLab. You can also use the relative size tool to manually resize the image or.

Adding Text to Your Thumbnail

Now, we are going to add some text to the thumbnail. To add a text box, click on the plus icon. In the text editor, type your desired text, e.g. “It’s the End…” You can change the font or its style and either choose from the available options or upload your own fonts. For this design, we will use the “Montserrat” font. Once you have added the text, make it easier to read by changing the size and position on the canvas.

Enhancing Text Visibility

To make the text easier to read, we can put a shape behind it. To put a rectangle: click the plus icon and select the shapes option. Set its colour to red and the opacity to about 50%. Place this shape behind the text to give it a contrasting background.

Final Touches and Exporting the Thumbnail

Your thumbnail is almost done! Finally, there is one more effect that might help to make the thumbnail look even better – adding some overlays, like fire or action lines. You can find a lot of PNG images that can be used as overlays on the Internet. These images can be imported and made semi-transparent to make them look like a part of the design.

When your thumbnail looks perfect, it’s time to export it. Click on the three dots, select “Export Image,” choose PNG format and save it to your gallery.

Creating Another Thumbnail Example

Let’s look at another example of what else can be done with different elements. Begin with a blue and pink gradient background as we did before. Choose a photo relevant to the content you are creating and make it more vibrant by increasing its brightness and contrast.

The same way to use text and shapes and make sure everything is lined up. It is always recommended to lock the layers of images and text that you are happy with to avoid making more changes.

Finding Killer Concepts for Thumbnails

Now that you know how to make thumbnails, the next step is to find killer concepts. A good thumbnail should be eye-catching and reflect the main idea of the video. Explore the types of thumbnails that viewers like and use core principles of design for your brand and communication.

For more tips on how to come up with amazing ideas for your thumbnails, check out our in-depth video on YouTube Thumbnail Concepts.

Conclusion

Designing YouTube thumbnails with PixelLab is not only simple but also a enjoyable way to showcase your imagination. Using the right approaches and tools, it is easy to design thumbnails that will lure viewers to your content. Do not be afraid to try out different styles and elements and find out what suits your channel best.

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