This is a step-by-step walkthrough of how I create my YouTube thumbnails and ensure they look great in all sizes.
I start with a blank PSD with the dimensions set to 1280x720 and 300DPI. This is the max size for a thumbnail.
Next, I add a background. For this example the background is a gradient with a diagonal pattern overlay I've made previously.
After we add the background, my next step is to typically add the logo of what my video is about. In this case it will be the Steem logo.
The third and final step is adding the text. Like the logo, it needs to be big and readable. For this reason, I typically use the 'Impact' font.
Color is also important here. You want certain text to stand out, but also go with the flow of the rest of the image. I use different color variations depending on what else is in the picture. In this case I used a light gray for the text 'VLOG#12' because this isn't an important part of the message. Next is 'Steem' which is in big white letters, largest font size, and the main focus of my video. Below Steem I have two more rows of text in bright easy to read colors,. These lines add a little more detail to what the video is about.
Created with Adobe Photoshop.
Logos grabbed from Google Images.
Original PSD can be found on my GitHub.
https://github.com/nolyoly/design/blob/master/PSD/vlog11.psd
