How to Make YouTube Thumbnails with ChatGPT (Step-by-Step)

About this video

Elizabeth walks through making YouTube thumbnails with ChatGPT, using an example video titled ‘How to Make a Website with AI in Minutes.’ Instead of just asking ChatGPT to make a thumbnail, she gives context: create a thumbnail for that title, use the attached image of herself, and include the text ‘website in minutes,’ eye-catching and easy to read. Refinement is conversational — she asks for larger words, changes her outfit color to match the thumbnail, and has herself pointing at the computer screen. She also uses the Edit option on the thumbnail itself to select and remove portions she dislikes. For a video about a specific app, product or service, you can upload a logo, screenshot or reference image; for a known brand — she names Base44 as the case — ChatGPT will pull the logo, color palette and similar elements automatically. An alternative workflow is to brainstorm concepts first, separating the idea from the design: ChatGPT suggests thumbnail text and design elements, then you pick the strongest idea and have it generate that thumbnail, or ask it to create all three thumbnails. Design guidance: most viewers see thumbnails very small, especially on phones, so keep text short rather than using the full title, and think about viewer intent — someone searching how to create a website with AI likely wants something good-looking, quick, and not requiring complicated design software. ChatGPT can also give feedback on an existing thumbnail. The goal is a thumbnail that instantly communicates the topic, matches the search, and gives a reason to click.

Key takeaways

• Prompt with context — video title, short thumbnail text, and an attached photo of yourself — rather than a bare ‘make a thumbnail’ request
• Refine conversationally (bigger text, outfit color, pose) or use Edit on the image to select and remove specific elements
• Upload logos/screenshots for specific products, or name a known brand like Base44 and ChatGPT pulls its logo and palette automatically
• Brainstorm concepts first, then generate the strongest one — or all three — separating ideation from design
• Keep thumbnail text short for small/phone viewing and design around viewer intent; ChatGPT can also critique an existing thumbnail

Episode details: published August 24, 2026 · 3:54 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Kevin Stratvert’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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