Generating Thumbnails

Once your project is set up with Style DNA, you're ready to generate thumbnails. Here's how to get the best results.

The Generation Form#

Video Title#

Enter your video's title or working title:

• Helps AI understand the topic
• Influences visual elements chosen
• Used alongside your description

Video Description#

Describe what the thumbnail should convey:

Good description:

"Person looking shocked at laptop screen, text says 'IT WORKED', bright energetic feeling, morning sunlight"

Weak description:

"Make a good thumbnail"

Be specific about:

• Main subject/scene
• Emotional tone
• Key visual elements
• Lighting and mood

Headline(s)#

Text that appears on the thumbnail:

• Keep it short (2-5 words ideal)
• Make it readable at small sizes
• Consider mobile viewing
• Use contrasting colors (AI handles this)

Examples:

• "IT CHANGED EVERYTHING"
• "DON'T DO THIS"
• "$10K MISTAKE"

Number of Variants#

How many options to generate:

More variants = more choices but uses more of your monthly limit.

Resolution#

YouTube recommends 1280×720 minimum. Higher resolutions give sharper text.

Model Selection#

Use Pro for important thumbnails, Flash for iteration.

Writing Effective Prompts#

Be Visual#

Describe what you want to SEE:

• ❌ "Make it exciting"
• ✅ "Person with surprised expression, mouth open, bright yellow background, bold red text"

Specify Key Elements#

Include:

• Subject: What/who is in the image
• Expression: Emotional state (if person)
• Background: Setting or color
• Text placement: Where headline appears
• Mood: Overall feeling

Example Prompts#

Tutorial thumbnail:

"Clean desk setup with laptop, hands typing, text 'STEP BY STEP' in corner, professional and calm atmosphere, soft lighting"

Reaction thumbnail:

"Person with shocked face looking at phone, eyes wide, mouth open, dramatic lighting, 'NO WAY' text large and bold"

Review thumbnail:

"Product prominently displayed, clean background, star rating graphic, 'HONEST REVIEW' text, professional studio lighting"

Reviewing Results#

After generation:

Quality Check#

For each variant, check:

• Is the text readable?
• Does the face look natural?
• Are colors consistent with your brand?
• Would you click on this?

Rating Variants#

Rate each variant (1-5 stars):

• Helps you track preferences
• Informs future generations
• Quick to revisit favorites

Favoriting#

Star your best variants:

• Easy to find later
• Quick comparison
• Download queue

What to Do Next#

Happy with a variant?#

1. Click Download
2. Choose resolution
3. Use in your video

Almost there?#

1. Click Refine on the variant
2. Describe changes needed
3. Get an updated version

Not close?#

1. Rewrite your description
2. Adjust settings
3. Generate again

Counts and Limits#

Each generation request = 1 count from your monthly limit, regardless of variants:

• Generating 4 variants = 1 generation
• Generating 8 variants = 1 generation
• Refining a variant = 1 generation

Plan your generations to maximize your limit.

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Related Articles

• Understanding Style DNA
• Using Assets
• A/B Testing and Refinement