Learn Thumbnails

We dive deep into why thumbnail designers might actually run YouTube

Plus we roast some thumbnails and have some great discussions about the craft

But the best part? We had a wild surprise guest at the end

A YouTube creator with millions of views jumped in and walked us through his workflow and creative process

The stuff he shared was honestly huge for anyone who cares about thumbnails

Is hiring a human designer even necessary anymore?

AI can create thumbnails, logos, and entire brand identities in minutes.

But more and more clients are begging for human-only creatives.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why this “human resurgence” is happening

• Where AI fits into real creative work

• How to stand out in the next wave of design

Tired of getting garbage assets from creators? Or unsure how to take better photos for your own thumbnails? This episode breaks down exactly what makes a good asset, how to communicate with clients, and the lighting setups that actually work. Whether you’re a designer or a YouTuber, this is the no-BS guide to getting thumbnails that pop.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) - How to Get Good Assets

(01:32) - Where to Find Assets

(02:11) - Why Lighting Matters

(03:04) - Communicating with Creators

(04:51) - Charging for Bad Assets

(05:00) - What Good Lighting Looks Like

(06:28) - Why Skin Needs Light

(07:47) - Ideal Lighting Setup

(08:58) - Using iPhones vs. Cameras

(10:15) - Lens Choice Matters

(11:07) - What MrBeast Does

(12:14) - Still Photos vs. Video Poses

(13:17) - 1080p vs. 4K for Thumbnails

(14:58) - Travel Shoots and Lighting Fixes

(16:38) - CRI Explained Simply

(17:53) - Why High-CRI Lights Matter

(19:17) - Take New Photos Every Time

(21:00) - Matching Outfits with AI

(22:19) - Getting Proper Hand Poses

(24:06) - Hands: DIY, Stock, or AI?

(24:38) - Fixing Low-Quality Screenshots

(26:00) - Mixing Real Faces with AI

(27:24) - Adding Objects with Generative Fill

(28:28) - Using 3D Stock Assets

(29:39) - Know Your Video Before Filming

(31:15) - Unique Product Shots Beat Stock

(32:41) - Outro and Course Info

Join the Learn Thumbnails crew as they return for another lively "Thumbnail Thursday"—now rebranded as the Learn Thumbnails Show! Host David and a rotating panel of top designers and creators dive deep into the evolving world of YouTube thumbnails, the explosive impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on creative workflows, and the launch of the new Thumbnail Academy.

Hear candid discussions about the balance between handmade artistry and AI-generated assets, real-world critiques of community-submitted thumbnails, and practical tips for staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you’re a designer, creator, or just curious about the intersection of technology and creativity, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice.

Plus: behind-the-scenes stories, community Q&A, and a look at what’s next for the Learn Thumbnails community!