Filmora
Filmora - AI Video Editor
Edit Faster, Smarter and Easier!
OPEN
Filmora Video Editor
Effortlessly create video with AI.
  • Various AI editing tools to increase your video creation efficiency.
  • Offer popular templates and royalty-free creative resources.
  • Cross-platform functionality for editing everywhere.

How to Create Thumbnails with & without Capcut?

James Hogan
James Hogan Originally published Jan 20, 25, updated Feb 05, 25

CapCut, a popular video editing app developed by ByteDance, has gained global recognition for its user-friendly interface and rich editing features. However, with the recent U.S. ban on ByteDance-owned apps due to national security concerns, CapCut has been removed from app stores, leaving users searching for viable alternatives. If you’ve been wondering, "What’s the best way to create thumbnails now?" or "How can I edit video thumbnails professionally without CapCut?", this article explores why Filmora stands out as a comprehensive solution for both video editing and thumbnail creation.

In this article

How to Create Thumbnails with CapCut?

CapCut’s thumbnail maker is a straightforward tool that allows users to design visually appealing thumbnails. Here is a step-by-step guide to using it:

Step 1: Launch the Software

Open CapCut and tap on "New Project."

Step 2: Add the Thumbnail

Import the videos that you want to add a thumbnail, and ten click on "Cover" icon to the left of the video track.

Add the Thumbnail

Step 3: Edit the Thumbnail

In the Cover Design window, you can customize the thumbnail:

  • Replace the frame or upload an image/logo.
  • Select a template and set an aspect ratio (e.g., 9:16, 1:1).
  • Apply filters, color themes, and effects.
  • Adjust color and lighting or remove the background.
  • Add text, stickers, photo collages, frames, and shapes.
Edit the Thumbnail

Step 4: Save the Thumbnail

Click "Save" to attach the thumbnail to the video in CapCut. To remove it, click the "x" in the top-right corner.

Save the Thumbnail

Step 5: Finalize and Export

Continue editing the video and export when done.

Are you asking yourself, "What happens now that CapCut is unavailable?" or "How can I keep creating eye-catching thumbnails?" While CapCut’s thumbnail feature is easy to use, its unavailability in the U.S. has created a demand for reliable alternatives. Enter Filmora.

How to Make Thumbnails Without Capcut? A Perfect Alternative

Unluckily, if you can't use Capcut thumbnail maker now, I have a good idea for you. Filmora is a robust video editing platform that offers a wealth of tools for creating high-quality thumbnails. You can choose the thumbnail from the video you uploaded, or generate a thumbnail through AI. Let's explore how to achieve this!

Filmora for Mobile Filmora for Mobile Filmora for Mobile Filmora for Mobile Filmora for Mobile

Create Video Thumbnails on Your Mobile Phone with 1-Click!hot

  • • Fast&easy operations of thumbnail making..
  • • User-friendly video editing for beginners.
  • • Full-featured video editing for professional.

4,085,556 people have downloaded it
logo trustpilot 5 stars 4.5/5 Excellent

Method 1: Set the Thumbnail Manually

Here’s how you can use Filmora to design your thumbnails manually:

Step 1: Launch Filmora and create a new project.

Step 2: Import your desired image or video frame into the media library.

Step 3:After editing, click outside the media clip on the timeline to open the "Project Info" panel on the right. Click "Edit" to access the "Set Thumbnail" window, where you can create thumbnails in the "Video" tab and export them as described earlier.

e thumbnail manuallybenefit of rednote

Method 2: Henerate a Thumbnail With AI

Step 1: Choose a Frame as a Thumbnail
Open the thumbnail generator and navigate left to view AI-recommended frames. Select a frame and click "Edit."

e thumbnail manuallybenefit of rednote

Step 2: Choose a Template
In the editing window, pick a category and template from the AI options provided, then click "Save."

Choose a Template

Step 3: Export the Thumbnail
Click "Export" in the export window to convert the frame into a thumbnail image. Once done, click "Open Folder" to view your thumbnail.

Export the Thumbnail

"How do Filmora’s tools compare to CapCut?" or "Can I create professional thumbnails without advanced skills?" are common questions among content creators. Filmora’s intuitive design ensures you don’t need to be an expert to produce stunning visuals. That's why I recommend it.

How Filmora Excels as a Thumbnail Maker

Filmora isn’t just about video editing; its robust thumbnail creation capabilities make it a standout choice. Here are additional reasons why Filmora excels as a thumbnail maker:

  1. Customizable Templates: Filmora offers pre-designed templates that simplify the process for beginners. Have you ever wondered, "What’s the easiest way to create professional thumbnails?" With these templates, you can save time and maintain quality.
  2. Extensive Font Library: Access a wide range of fonts to match your brand’s aesthetic. Thinking, "How do I find the perfect font for my thumbnails?" Filmora’s selection makes it simple.
  3. Shape and Icon Integration: Add shapes, icons, and other graphical elements to make your thumbnails stand out. For instance, include arrows or circles to highlight key aspects of your thumbnail design.
  4. Layer Editing: Adjust each element independently, whether it’s text, images, or effects. This flexibility answers the question, "How do I make precise edits to my thumbnail?"
  5. Color Grading Tools: Enhance the vibrancy and tone of your images with Filmora’s advanced color grading options. This feature is invaluable for those asking, "How can I make my thumbnails more visually striking?"

Except for the Thumbnail Maker, What Else Can Filmora Provide?

Filmora goes beyond basic editing tools, offering advanced features that cater to both beginners and professionals. Let's see what else can Filmora help with you except for making video thumbnails:

  • Smart Short Clips: Filmora enables creators to easily extract short, engaging highlights from longer videos. This feature is particularly helpful for social media content creators who want quick and compelling snippets to drive traffic to their main content.
  • AI Audio Stretch: Automatically adjusts audio tracks to match video length seamlessly. This feature is a game-changer for those who struggle with syncing audio and visuals.
  • AI Audio Denoise: Removes background noise for clear audio. Wondering, "How can I improve audio quality in my videos?" This feature has you covered.
  • Silence Detection: Identifies and eliminates silent segments to streamline editing.
  • Motion Tracking: Tracks moving objects to attach elements like text or effects, answering the question, "How do I make text follow a moving object in my video?"
  • Chroma Key (Green Screen): Allows for creative background replacement.
  • 4K Resolution Editing Support: Ensures professional-quality outputs. Ask yourself, "Is 4K editing support necessary for modern video content?" The answer is yes for quality-conscious creators.
  • Integrated Stock Library: Access a vast collection of royalty-free media assets, eliminating the need to search elsewhere for resources.

In addition to these features, Filmora offers tools such as split-screen templates, keyframing, and customizable animations, allowing creators to elevate their videos and thumbnails effortlessly. For a full list of features, visit Filmora’s official page.

Pro Tips for Thumbnail Design with Filmora

Creating impactful thumbnails is essential for capturing audience attention. But why are thumbnails so critical? Statistics show that videos with compelling thumbnails can achieve up to 50% higher click-through rates. If you’re wondering, "How can I ensure my thumbnails stand out?", here are some proven strategies:

  • Focus on Faces: Thumbnails featuring clear, expressive faces often perform better. If you’re using a video frame, make sure it’s focused and high-quality.
  • Highlight Key Text: Keep text minimal but impactful. Use contrasting colors to ensure readability.
  • Experiment with Layouts: Use the rule of thirds to position key elements effectively. Have you thought about "What’s the best way to arrange elements for maximum impact?" Aligning them thoughtfully can significantly improve click-through rates.
  • Leverage Branding: Add your logo or consistent elements that viewers can associate with your content.
  • Test Variations: Create multiple versions of your thumbnail and analyze their performance over time. Wondering, "How do I know which thumbnail works best?" Testing is key to finding what resonates with your audience.
  • Consistency: Maintaining a uniform style across all thumbnails helps establish a strong brand identity and improves viewer recognition.
  • Clarity: Use high-resolution images and readable fonts to ensure your thumbnails look great on all devices. Have you ever thought, "Why do some thumbnails look blurry?" It’s often due to low-resolution images or poor formatting.

Conclusion

The ban on CapCut in the U.S. has undoubtedly impacted its loyal user base, especially those relying on its thumbnail maker. However, "What is the best alternative to CapCut?" and "Can I find an equally powerful tool?" are questions Filmora answers with ease. Filmora emerges as a powerful alternative, offering not only thumbnail creation tools but also a wide range of features that cater to all video editing needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Filmora provides the perfect platform to take your content to the next level.

Are you ready to elevate your video creation game? With Filmora, you’re not just creating content; you’re crafting stories that leave a lasting impact.

James Hogan
James Hogan Feb 05, 25
Share article: