Creating a thumbnail with Video Toolbox is straightforward. This guide walks you through the essential steps to generate your first high-quality YouTube thumbnail.
Step 1: Select Your Person
Every thumbnail starts with a person. The person defines who will appear in your thumbnail and their appearance.
- Navigate to the thumbnail creation panel
- Choose from your saved person profiles, or create a new one
- If you're creating a new person, you'll need to provide reference images (see Person Management for detailed guidance)
The person is crucial because it ensures consistency across your thumbnails. Take time to create detailed person profiles with accurate descriptions and clear images.
Step 2: Add Style References (Inspirations)
Inspirations guide the AI toward your desired aesthetic and visual direction.
- Click "Add Inspiration" in the creation panel
- Select from your inspiration library or add new ones from YouTube URLs
- You can add 1-3 inspirations for optimal results
- Inspirations establish color palettes, layout styles, and emotional tone
Multiple inspirations create blended visual styles. For example, combining a minimalist inspiration with an energetic one creates balanced, modern thumbnails.
Step 3: Upload Reference Images (Optional)
Reference images help the AI understand specific elements you want to incorporate.
- Click "Add Image" to upload or paste images
- These might include logos, products, text graphics, or other visual elements
- The AI automatically analyzes and names each image
- You can upload up to 10 total reference images
Reference images are particularly useful when you need specific branding elements or products in your thumbnail.
Step 4: Write Your Prompt
Your prompt guides the AI on what to create. This is where you describe the thumbnail concept.
Prompt Structure
Write clear, specific prompts that describe changes and visual elements:
- Reference images by name: Use exact names in parentheses, e.g., "(Logo) positioned in top-right corner"
- Focus on changes: Describe what should be changed rather than the entire scene
- Be specific about details: Instead of "change the background," say "change the background to a vibrant red gradient"
- Describe elements one by one: Separate instructions for each element make refinement easier
Prompt Example
Person with shocked expression looking at (Product Image) in center.
Add bold white text "EXCLUSIVE DEAL" at top.
Vibrant blue background with geometric shapes.
Step 5: Generate & Review
Once your prompt is ready:
- Click "Generate" to create your thumbnail
- Review the result carefully
- Check if the person's expression matches your intent
- Verify all referenced elements are present and properly positioned
Iteration Strategy
Validate before scaling:
- Start with one generation to ensure the concept works
- Review the result - does it match your vision?
- Make adjustments - refine your prompt or person selection if needed
- Generate variations once you've validated the core concept
- Iterate and refine - use the Edit feature to make targeted improvements
This approach prevents wasted generations on concepts that need major revision.
Tips for Success
- Minimize simultaneous changes: Change one or two elements at a time rather than rewriting the entire prompt
- Use specific descriptors: Instead of "nice lighting," say "warm golden lighting from top-left"
- Preserve context: When editing, keep the core concept intact while refining details
- Test with one generation first: Validate the concept before creating multiple variations
Next Steps
