How To Use AI Video Thumbnail In Filmora

Key takeaways:

• AI thumbnail tool is built into Filmora 14+
• Generates custom thumbnails during export
• Easy to edit, swap templates, and add text or images

Struggling to get people to click your videos? Thumbnails are everything. Filmora just dropped an AI thumbnail generator that makes this whole process way easier. No more stressing over Photoshop or Canva—just let the editor handle it, then tweak until it feels right.

If you’re running Filmora 14 or newer, you can start making eye-catching thumbnails right inside the app. I’ll break down how it works, how to get the best results, and some tips for customizing your look.

Getting Started With The AI Thumbnail Generator In Filmora

So, the new AI thumbnail tool is right in the export workflow. You don’t need any extra plugins or third-party stuff—just your video and Filmora 14 or up. If you’re not sure which version you have, you can check out how to know if Filmora is registered to make sure you’re set.

Open your project, and when you’re ready to export, hit the export menu. There’s a new thumbnail section with an edit button. Click that, and the AI thumbnail maker pops up.

What The AI Actually Does

The AI scans your video and spits out up to three thumbnail options. It tries to guess the context—so if your video has people eating, it might label it “restaurant promo video.” If your video is silent or lacks context, you might get some random guesses, but the visuals still pull from your footage.

One cool thing: the AI can do background removal, like cropping out the sky or isolating a subject. Sometimes it gets creative with the templates, so you’re not just getting boring screenshots.

Customizing Your Thumbnail: Templates, Text, And Images

If you don’t like the first batch, jump into the template section. There are plenty of styles for different video types—vlogs, promos, tutorials, you name it. Just pick a format, download it, and it’ll show up in the “mine” section.

Select your new template, hit “change,” and the AI will re-render the thumbnail using that style. It’s fast, and you can swap templates as much as you want.

Want to tweak the text? You can edit or add more text right in the thumbnail editor. If you need to add another image—like your logo or a sticker—just click the image button and upload from your computer.

For more on adding text in Filmora, check out how to add text in Filmora.

Exporting Your Video And Thumbnail

When you’re happy, click save. Now, when you finish exporting your video, you’ll get both the video file and a separate thumbnail image. Filmora puts the thumbnail at the start of the video, which is smart—platforms like TikTok and Instagram often grab the first frame as the preview.

You can find both files in your export folder. One is your video, the other is the thumbnail image. If you want to make sure your video quality is on point, check out how to improve video quality in Filmora.

Tips For Getting The Best Results With AI Thumbnails

• Use videos with clear context and some audio or voice—AI works better with more info.
• Experiment with different templates to match your video style.
• Don’t be afraid to edit the text or add your own graphics.
• Always check how the thumbnail looks in the export folder before uploading to YouTube or social.

If you want to blur out faces or sensitive info in your thumbnail, here’s a guide on how to blur face in Filmora.

Why AI Thumbnails Matter For Your Videos

Let’s be real—thumbnails are the first thing people see. If yours looks generic or confusing, people just scroll past. AI tools like this make it way easier to get something that pops, even if you’re not a designer.

You don’t have to stick with what the AI gives you, either. Mix and match templates, play with fonts, and try different images. The more you experiment, the more you’ll figure out what gets clicks for your audience.

Common Problems And How To Fix Them

• Thumbnail text looks off: Edit the text in the thumbnail editor, or pick a different template.
• AI gets the context wrong: Use a video with more obvious scenes or add some voiceover.
• Thumbnail doesn’t show up on social media: Make sure the image is exported and uploaded as the thumbnail, not just the first video frame.

If you ever need to rotate your video or thumbnail, here’s a quick guide on how to rotate video in Filmora.

FAQs

How do I access the AI thumbnail generator in Filmora?

Just export your video and look for the thumbnail section. Click edit, and the AI tool will launch.

Can I use my own images in the thumbnail?

Yes, you can upload any image from your computer to add to your thumbnail.

What if the AI picks a weird scene for my thumbnail?

Try a different template, or edit the text and images. You can always override the AI’s suggestions.

Does the AI thumbnail work for all video types?

It works best if your video has clear visuals and some audio. Silent or random footage might confuse the AI, but you can still pick and edit templates.

Where do I find my exported thumbnail?

It’s saved in the same folder as your exported video. Look for the image file right next to your video.

👀 Thumbnails matter, and now you don’t need to stress about making them from scratch. Filmora’s AI tool is built right in, so just export, tweak, and upload. If you want more editing tips, check out how to add transitions in Filmora and keep your content looking sharp.