Image & Design
AI Thumbnail Generator: Bold, Readable Thumbnails
A title and a scene in, a bold, readable thumbnail out.
1-26 credits, based on engine & resolution 10 free credits to start Private by default
Legible bold overlay text
4 style presets
6 image models, up to 4K
What is AI Thumbnail Generator?
AI Thumbnail Generator makes bold 16:9 video thumbnails from a few punchy words and a short scene description. The AI letters your words into the picture as large, readable text, can feature your own face or product, and shows how the thumbnail reads next to your title at phone size.
Best for
- YouTube videos and channels
- Podcast episodes
- Course, webinar and event covers
- Marketing and product videos
How to use AI Thumbnail Generator
Full step-by-step guideStep 1: Write the words for the thumbnail
Type them in “Text on the thumbnail”. Three to six punchy words read well at feed size, and the counter turns red past 40 characters. These are the words the AI letters into the image.
Step 2: Describe the scene
In “Scene”, say what's in the shot: the subject, their expression or action, any props and the background. “Enhance” rewrites your description with more detail for free.
Step 3: Add your face or product (optional)
Under “Your face or product”, press “Add a photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)”. Say whose it is: “This is me”, “Someone else” (who gave you written consent) or “No real person” for a product, then tick the consent box if it shows a person. The photo becomes the star of the thumbnail.
Step 4: Pick a style and a model
Choose a “Style” such as “Bold & dramatic”, “Clean & minimal”, “Gaming & neon” or “Cinematic”. Under “Model”, “Auto (best value)” picks a model that handles your title's lettering well for the fewest credits and names it first; the other cards, some marked “strong at lettering”, each show their price. Models that can't use your photo are greyed out. Pick the resolution under the cards.
Step 5: Check it at feed size
“In the feed” shows the thumbnail beside your title as viewers will see it, plus a small phone-size copy. Each new version joins a strip (v1, v2 and so on), so you can go back to an earlier one.
AI Thumbnail Generator pricing
1-26 credits, based on engine & resolution
New accounts get 10 free credits to try QikTools, valid for 7 days, with no card needed.
See plans and credit pricesEach thumbnail is priced by the model and resolution you choose, and by whether you add a photo; making several variations multiplies it. The total, and the price of each, is shown above the button before you create.
Every price is shown on the button before anything runs, and every plan pays the same number of credits for a run. If a run fails on our side, its credits go back automatically.
AI Thumbnail Generator: questions and answers
Will the words be spelled exactly right?
Usually, especially on models marked “strong at lettering”, but AI lettering can still slip. Check the preview, make another variation, or correct the text in the Design Studio.
Can I put myself in the thumbnail?
Yes. Add a photo under “Your face or product”, choose “This is me” and tick the consent box; you become the main subject.
What size is the thumbnail?
Always 16:9. Depending on the model, you can pick “HD”, “2K” or “4K” under the model cards.
Where do I find my earlier thumbnails?
Open the tool to see “Your Projects”, or use the “Your Projects” button above the editor. Each project keeps its versions.
How much does AI Thumbnail Generator cost?
Pricing: 1-26 credits, based on engine & resolution. The exact price is shown before anything runs, and new accounts get 10 free credits to try QikTools (valid for 7 days, no card needed). Plans and top-ups are on the pricing page.
Are pictures made with AI Thumbnail Generator labelled as AI?
When a result looks realistic, yes: an automatic check decides, and realistic pictures get a visible “AI-generated” label (if the check can't run, the label is added anyway). Stylised results such as illustrations don't need one. Every file carries signed Content Credentials that anyone can check on the verification page, and removing labels or credentials isn't allowed.
What happens to my credits if a run fails in AI Thumbnail Generator?
They go back automatically. The one exception: if a request passes our safety checks but the AI provider's own safety system refuses it and charges us for the attempt, the credits for that run are kept (Terms).
Who owns what I make with AI Thumbnail Generator, and what happens to my data?
You own your inputs and, as far as the law and our AI providers' terms allow, what you create, including for commercial use. QikTools doesn't sell your data or train AI models on your content; some AI providers' own terms let them use what they receive (Privacy Policy). Settings → Profile has Download my data and Delete account, which removes your account, projects and uploads.
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