| name | youtube-thumbnail |
| description | Design click-worthy YouTube thumbnails using each::sense AI. Generate attention-grabbing thumbnail images with bold visuals, dramatic expressions, contrasting colors, and high-impact compositions optimized for YouTube's grid layout. Use for: YouTube thumbnails, video thumbnails, clickbait visuals, channel branding, video preview images. Triggers: youtube thumbnail, video thumbnail, thumbnail design, youtube cover, click-worthy thumbnail, thumbnail maker, video preview, youtube graphic, yt thumbnail |
| allowed-tools | Bash(curl *), WebFetch |
YouTube Thumbnail Design
Design click-worthy YouTube thumbnails that drive views using each::sense — the intelligent AI agent that automatically selects the best model for your request.
Quick Start
Requires an each::labs API key. Get one at eachlabs.ai.
Using curl
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": "Create a YouTube thumbnail for a tech review video. Split composition with a glowing smartphone on the left and an explosion of colorful app icons on the right, dark background, dramatic lighting, bold and vibrant, 16:9 aspect ratio."
}
],
"stream": false
}'
Using Python (OpenAI SDK)
from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(
api_key="YOUR_EACHLABS_API_KEY",
base_url="https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1"
)
response = client.chat.completions.create(
model="eachsense/beta",
messages=[{
"role": "user",
"content": "Create a YouTube thumbnail for a tech review video. Split composition with a glowing smartphone on the left and an explosion of colorful app icons on the right, dark background, dramatic lighting, bold and vibrant, 16:9 aspect ratio."
}]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)
With Reference Image
Provide a frame from your video or a style reference for consistent channel branding:
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": [
{"type": "text", "text": "Create a YouTube thumbnail using this video frame as a base. Add dramatic lighting, increase contrast, make the background darker and more cinematic, 16:9 aspect ratio."},
{"type": "image_url", "image_url": {"url": "https://example.com/video-frame.jpg"}}
]
}
],
"stream": false
}'
Images are sent inside messages using the OpenAI multimodal content format. Maximum 4 images per request.
Streaming
Set "stream": true for real-time SSE responses, or "stream": false for complete result in a single response. Streaming is useful for showing progress in UIs; non-streaming is simpler for scripts and automation.
Thumbnail Anatomy
| Element | Purpose | Tip |
|---|
| Subject | Primary focal point | Place on the left or right third |
| Background | Sets mood and context | Dark backgrounds increase contrast |
| Color contrast | Draws the eye | Use complementary colors |
| Negative space | Area for text overlay | Reserve 30% for title text |
| Emotion | Creates connection | Dramatic expressions or reactions |
Prompt Engineering Tips
Keywords That Work
YouTube thumbnail, dramatic lighting, bold contrast, vibrant saturated colors,
cinematic composition, dark background, eye-catching, 16:9 aspect ratio,
high impact visual, attention-grabbing, split composition, spotlight effect
Keywords to Avoid
subtle and muted — thumbnails need to pop at small sizes
lots of small details — lost in YouTube's grid view
text-heavy — add text in post-production for reliability
realistic documentary style — too bland for thumbnail grid
Prompt Structure
YouTube thumbnail for [topic], [subject description], [background/lighting], [color scheme], [composition notes], 16:9 aspect ratio
Examples
Cooking Channel Thumbnail
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": "Create a YouTube thumbnail for a cooking video. A perfectly plated gourmet burger with melting cheese and steam rising, dramatic dark background with warm spotlight, ultra close-up food photography style, vibrant colors, 16:9."
}
],
"stream": false
}'
Science Explainer Thumbnail
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": "Design a YouTube thumbnail for a space science video. A massive black hole warping light around it, stars streaking into the event horizon, deep blue and purple cosmic colors, dramatic and awe-inspiring, cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio."
}
],
"stream": false
}'
Before/After Transformation Thumbnail
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": "Create a YouTube thumbnail showing a dramatic room makeover. Split down the middle: left side is a dull, cluttered room in desaturated tones, right side is the same room transformed into a stylish modern space with warm lighting and vibrant colors, 16:9."
}
],
"stream": false
}'
Click-Through Rate Tips
- Face close-ups with exaggerated expressions consistently outperform other thumbnail styles
- 3 or fewer elements — thumbnails are viewed at ~120px wide on mobile
- High contrast between subject and background is critical
- Bright yellow, red, and orange accents draw attention in YouTube's white feed
- Consistency — use a recognizable style across your channel for brand recall
Workflow
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": "YouTube thumbnail for a fitness transformation video. Athletic person mid-action with dynamic pose, bold red and black background, dramatic gym lighting, powerful and motivating, 16:9."
}
],
"stream": false
}'
curl -X POST https://eachsense-agent.core.eachlabs.run/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-H "X-API-Key: $EACHLABS_API_KEY" \
-d '{
"messages": [
{
"role": "user",
"content": "YouTube thumbnail for a fitness transformation video. Athletic person mid-action with dynamic pose, bold red and black background, dramatic gym lighting, powerful and motivating, 16:9."
},
{
"role": "assistant",
"content": "..."
},
{
"role": "user",
"content": "Add more dramatic backlighting creating a silhouette edge glow effect. Make the reds more saturated and add subtle smoke in the background."
}
],
"stream": false
}'
Related Skills
Related Models
Documentation
