> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.descript.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Generate a YouTube Thumbnail

> Generate YouTube thumbnails for your videos in Descript.

Make a YouTube thumbnail without opening a separate design tool. Pick a style, add reference images, and generate a batch of options to download or share.

<Frame>
  <iframe className="aspect-9/16 h-[600px] rounded-xl" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OmLDFvj0ZU" title="YouTube Shorts player" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />
</Frame>

<Note>
  **Usage note**

  On current plans, this feature uses **AI Credits**. Learn more about [tracking your Media Minutes and AI Credits](/billing-payments-plans/track-and-understand-your-media-minutes-and-ai-credits).

  Legacy and Sunset plans track usage differently. See [Understanding Your Legacy and Sunset Plan](/billing-payments-plans/legacy-sunset).
</Note>

## Generate a YouTube thumbnail

Before you start, it helps to have the title text, subject or frame, and visual style you want in mind.

1. Open the **AI tools** panel in the right-hand sidebar.
2. In the **Publish** section, select **Generate a YouTube thumbnail**.
3. Enter your **Title**. This is the exact text Descript renders on the thumbnail. Keep it short so it stays readable at small sizes.
4. Choose a **Thumbnail style** from the available presets, or upload your own image as a custom style reference. If your style reference includes people, the generator will replace them with the subject from your content—review the result to make sure it looks right.
5. Add any additional instructions or reference images in the **Content** field. If you want the thumbnail to feature a specific person or moment, [save a frame from your video](/visuals/save-a-frame-from-your-video) or attach a reference image so Descript has a strong visual starting point. Focus on describing what should change rather than listing everything the image should contain.
6. Choose an **Aspect ratio** if needed. The default is **16:9**, the standard YouTube ratio.
7. Click **Generate**.

Descript generates four thumbnail options.

## Use your generated thumbnail

After generating, select a thumbnail to see your options:

* **Set as share page thumbnail** updates the preview image that appears when you or anyone else shares your Descript web link.
* **Download** saves the image to your device. To use it as your YouTube thumbnail, upload the downloaded file in YouTube Studio. Generated thumbnails don't automatically sync to YouTube.
* **Add as new layer** places the image in your composition so you can edit or build on it further.
* **Reuse prompt** generates a fresh set of options using the same title, style, and instructions.