Remove the Background for YouTube Thumbnails
Great thumbnails put a clear face or subject on a bold background. Cut yourself out with AI, then layer text and graphics around the transparent PNG.
Preview one result free. Sign in with Google for free credits to download.
How it works
Take an expressive photo
Strong expression, good light, and some space around your head and shoulders make the best cutout.
Upload your image
Drag your photo into the tool. JPG, PNG, WebP and BMP files up to 10 MB are supported.
Compose the thumbnail
Place the PNG over your background in Canva, Photoshop or Photopea at 1280 × 720 px and add large, readable text.
Tips for the best result
- 💡 Add a thin white or colored outline around the cutout to make it pop.
- 💡 Keep text short; it should be readable at very small sizes.
- 💡 Boost contrast and saturation slightly after placing the cutout.
- 💡 Export at 1280 × 720 px, under the file-size limit YouTube specifies.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with video frames?
Yes. Export a high-quality frame as an image and upload it.
What size should the thumbnail be?
1280 × 720 px (16:9) is the common recommendation. Check YouTube's current guidelines.
Can I remove the background of multiple people?
Yes, as long as they are clearly in the foreground. Group shots with overlapping people may need cleanup.