How to Make YouTube Thumbnails That Get More Views (Even If You’re Not a Designer)

Creating great YouTube thumbnails can be the difference between someone clicking on your video—or scrolling right past it. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to make your thumbnails stand out, especially when you're not a graphic designer, you’re not alone. In today’s post, I’m going to walk you through a super quick and easy method to create YouTube thumbnails that actually get more views. And yes, I’ll show you how to remove the background around yourself to create that pro-looking “cut-out” style that top YouTubers use—all without needing Photoshop or advanced design skills.

First, let’s talk about why thumbnails matter. Your thumbnail is essentially your video’s first impression. It needs to grab attention, communicate your message clearly, and be visually striking—even at a small size on mobile. That’s why having a clean image of yourself or your subject, separated from the background, helps your thumbnail pop and look polished.

Now here’s the game-changer: there are now tools that let you remove the background of your image in just one click. No more struggling with manual selection tools or confusing layers. Websites like Remove.bg and design platforms like Canva and Adobe Express let you upload a photo and automatically cut yourself out from the background in seconds. From there, you can drop that image into a thumbnail template, add some bold text, and boom—you’ve got a thumbnail that looks professionally made.

The best part? These platforms are designed with beginners in mind. You can drag and drop elements, choose from pre-made YouTube thumbnail templates, and customize everything to match your brand. I like to keep things simple: a bold title in the thumbnail, a close-up of my face with some expression or action, and a bright, uncluttered background that helps the elements pop.

If you're looking to boost your video views without spending hours in Photoshop or hiring a designer, this method is a no-brainer. It’s fast, free (or very low cost), and delivers results. Whether you're a vlogger, educator, or creator just getting started, this one-click cut-out technique can elevate your content and make sure your videos get the attention they deserve.