Creating attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails is essential if you want to drive clicks and grow your audience. A thumbnail is the first impression viewers get, and with millions of videos uploaded daily, standing out is more important than ever. That’s where MidJourney, a powerful AI image-generation tool, comes in.
MidJourney allows you to generate high-quality, visually stunning images using simple text prompts. Whether you’re a YouTuber, marketer, or content creator, you can now design thumbnails that wow your audience—without needing to be a professional designer.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use MidJourney to create compelling thumbnails that boost your video’s visibility and click-through rate (CTR).
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
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MidJourney account (via Discord)
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Discord account (MidJourney runs through a Discord bot)
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Basic knowledge of prompt crafting
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Image editing software (optional) for final tweaks (e.g., Canva, Photoshop)
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YouTube channel or content you want to create thumbnails for
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Join the MidJourney Discord
To use MidJourney, you’ll need to access it via Discord.
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Visit midjourney.com
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Click “Join the Beta”
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Accept the invite to the Discord server
Once inside, you’ll find several “#newbie” channels where you can start generating images.
2. Subscribe to a MidJourney Plan
Free trials are limited or unavailable, so subscribing is recommended.
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Plans start at around $10/month
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Choose a plan that fits your usage needs (Basic, Standard, or Pro)
3. Use the /imagine Command
MidJourney generates images from text prompts. In a “#newbies” channel:
Type:
/imagine prompt: futuristic youtube thumbnail, bold text, close-up of surprised person, neon colors, cinematic lighting --v 5 --ar 16:9
This command tells MidJourney to generate a thumbnail-like image. The --ar 16:9 sets the aspect ratio ideal for YouTube.
4. Refine and Upscale
Once the image is generated:
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Choose your favorite version (V1, V2, V3, V4)
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Click “U1” to upscale version 1, for example
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You can also click “V1” to generate more variations of that version
After upscaling, download the image to your device.
5. Edit the Thumbnail (Optional)
You can use tools like Canva, Fotor, or Photoshop to:
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Add readable text
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Overlay branding or icons (e.g., play button, emoji)
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Crop or resize for a perfect fit
Remember: text generated by MidJourney may not always be legible, so it’s often better to add it yourself later.
6. Upload to YouTube
Now upload your video and select your new thumbnail under “Custom Thumbnail.”
Make sure the image:
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Matches your video’s tone and topic
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Is under 2MB
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Is 1280×720 resolution (ideal)
Pro Tips
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Use Clear Descriptions: Include emotion, action, and style in your prompts.
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Example: “Excited man pointing at screen, colorful background, comic book style, vibrant lighting –ar 16:9”
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Avoid relying on AI-generated text. Add your own readable text post-generation.
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Use the latest MidJourney version (
--v 5.2or newer) for best quality. -
Leverage aspect ratio control (
--ar 16:9) to fit YouTube format.
Pros and Cons of MidJourney for This Task
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Produces eye-catching visuals | Requires a paid subscription |
| Fast and easy to use via Discord | Generated text is often unreadable |
| Allows full customization via prompts | Learning curve for crafting effective prompts |
| No design skills required | Can’t edit generated images natively |
FAQs
1. Can MidJourney create thumbnails with text?
MidJourney can generate text in images, but it’s not always accurate or legible. It’s better to add text using editing software afterward.
2. Is MidJourney better than Canva or Photoshop for thumbnails?
MidJourney is ideal for generating background imagery or visual concepts. Canva and Photoshop are better for final edits and text overlays. Many creators use both tools together for best results.
3. What’s the best prompt for a YouTube thumbnail?
There’s no one-size-fits-all. A great prompt includes:
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Emotion (e.g., “shocked”, “excited”)
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Style (e.g., “comic book”, “realistic”, “3D render”)
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Color tone (e.g., “bright”, “neon”, “cinematic”)
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Subject (e.g., “close-up of a person”, “gaming setup”)
Example Prompt:
Using MidJourney to make YouTube thumbnails is a game-changer for content creators. It simplifies the design process while enabling you to produce high-quality, clickable visuals that reflect your video’s theme and style. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned creator, MidJourney gives you the creative edge to stand out.
Ready to level up your YouTube thumbnails?
Sign up for MidJourney today and start generating eye-catching visuals that boost your views and engagement.
Join MidJourney and explore your creativity now.
