AI Thumbnail Maker
Create scroll-stopping thumbnails with AI. Describe your video content, pick a style, and generate professional thumbnails optimized for clicks. Works for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and any platform. No design skills needed — just your idea and the AI.
How to create AI thumbnails
Describe your content
Type what your video is about — topic, mood, key visual. The AI understands context and creates thumbnails that match your content and attract clicks.
Choose style and layout
Pick from proven thumbnail layouts — text overlay, face close-up, before/after, comparison, or dramatic scene. Select colors, fonts, and composition that match your brand.
Download and publish
Export at optimal resolution for YouTube (1280x720), TikTok, Instagram, or custom sizes. Generate multiple variations to A/B test which gets more clicks.
Put Your Face in Any Thumbnail
Choose from our library of AI actors or upload your own photo. The AI places the face naturally into the thumbnail composition with the expression and style you pick.
You can also upload your own photos as face references.
Generate Multiple Thumbnail Variations Instantly
One prompt, multiple unique thumbnails. Compare layouts, colors and compositions side by side to find the one that gets the most clicks.
Same prompt, same faces, three completely different thumbnail styles.
One Prompt, Every Platform Format
Generate thumbnails for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and podcasts at the same time. Pick the aspect ratio and the AI adapts the composition to fit each platform perfectly.
Same content, automatically adapted for every platform.
Thumbnails that actually get clicked
Describe your video, generate AI thumbnails, and export for any platform. Unique visuals, proven layouts, A/B test variations - all in seconds.
30+ Thumbnail Templates to Start From
Pick a proven layout and the AI fills it with your content. Split screen, before/after, reaction, versus, countdown - every popular YouTube thumbnail style is covered.
All generated with the "Split Screen" template - different topics, same proven layout.
What makes this AI thumbnail maker different
Most thumbnail tools give you templates. Melies generates original thumbnails from AI image models — unique visuals that stand out in crowded feeds, powered by the same models used for cinematic image generation.
AI-Generated Visuals
Not templates — original AI-generated images tailored to your content. Each thumbnail is unique, eye-catching, and designed to stop the scroll.
Proven CTR Layouts
Layouts based on what actually gets clicks — bold text, face close-ups, dramatic lighting, and high contrast. The AI applies click-through rate best practices automatically.
Multi-Platform Sizes
Export at the right size for YouTube (1280x720), TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and custom dimensions. One generation, multiple platform-ready exports.
Character Consistency
Use your Melies character references in thumbnails. Your recurring cast or brand mascot appears consistently across every thumbnail you create.
A/B Test Variations
Generate multiple thumbnail variations from the same prompt. Test which visual, layout, or text gets the highest click-through rate.
Brand Styling
Apply consistent brand colors, fonts, and visual style across all your thumbnails. Build a recognizable visual identity for your channel or brand.
What can you create with AI thumbnails?
From YouTube to product shots, AI thumbnails work for every platform and content type.
YouTube Videos
Create thumbnails that maximize click-through rate. Bold visuals, compelling text, and proven layouts designed for YouTube's algorithm and viewer behavior.
TikTok & Reels Covers
Generate attention-grabbing cover images for TikTok and Instagram Reels. Vertical format, bold text, and high-contrast visuals optimized for mobile feeds.
Podcast Cover Art
Create episode-specific artwork for podcast episodes. Consistent brand styling with unique visuals for each episode.
Blog & Article Headers
Generate header images for blog posts, newsletters, and articles. AI-generated visuals that match your content — no stock photos needed.
Course Thumbnails
Create professional thumbnails for online courses and educational content. Clean, informative designs that communicate the lesson topic at a glance.
Social Media Posts
Generate eye-catching graphics for tweets, LinkedIn posts, and social media content. Thumbnails that stand out in every feed.
AI thumbnail maker: frequently asked questions
Create thumbnails that get clicks
Describe your video, generate AI thumbnails, and publish. Original visuals, proven layouts, no design skills needed.
No credit card required
