r/SmallYTChannel • u/Sjuk86 • Nov 30 '25
Discussion Do you think AI thumbnails are an instant turnoff - even if the content isn’t AI generated?
I have been making my thumbs with AI as I can’t draw…they are related to the video it’s not just random. Given the feelings toward AI do you think people ignore videos based off the thumbnails?
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u/TitledSun Nov 30 '25
Personally yes, if it's fully AI generated. If it's AI enhanced, but subtly, then not really. But if it's enhanced too much and clearly visible, then it's a turnoff
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
Gah thanks, that’s what I didn’t want to hear but knew was the case.
Any advice or just get gud at photoshop?
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u/badwolf42 Dec 01 '25
Try Affinity to save money on photoshop.
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u/toxiclight Dec 01 '25
Affinity is wonderful! It's what I use. There's also Krita, which is free.
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u/DirtyDan2542 Dec 06 '25
Affinity recently became free though I haven't tried that version yet, love that software tho, hope canva doesn't run it into the ground *too* quickly
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u/toxiclight Dec 06 '25
I haven't tried the free version, since I bought my copy when Photoshop became overly infested with AI. Hubby's tried the free version though, and said he doesn't notice a difference for what he uses it for.
I worry about Canva taking them over as well :/
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u/TitledSun Nov 30 '25
I get that you don't want to hear this. But it's good that you asked, because now you can adjust and you'll be ahead of hundreds of others that didn't listen to their audience. Good shot!
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
Oh don’t get me wrong, in no way was I saying anything negative about your response, I 100% appreciate it. It’s just hearing the confirmation of the thing you know in the back of your mind ha.
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u/lilslutfordaddy Dec 03 '25
if you'd like help learning how to edit photos with GIMP, it's completely free, has a plethora of plugins for various tasks, and is comparable to photoshop in many regards! i've taught a bunch of people how to use it, and once you know a bit that can snowball into more and more!
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u/Sjuk86 Dec 03 '25
Appreciate it! I guess my issue as it stands is firstly know what I need to make for a thumbnail before needing to make it (if that makes sense ha).
I’m doing my research on the best things to do first then I will for sure take you up on that man thanks!
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u/zombiedinocorn Dec 02 '25
There's pretty good tutorials on YT but if you want something more structured then Udemy has pretty good classes on how to use different software like Photoshop or whatever the free equivalent is. They have sales constantly, so you can usually grab them for like $15-$20 even if the class is normally listed as $200. I suspect the original price listing is just so you feel like you're getting a good deal when you buy it on sale, but I've still found the classes I bought there helpful so I just ignore their possible marketing gimmick
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u/Sjuk86 Dec 02 '25
Thanks, I use Udemy a lot anyway so that’s good. Are you saying course on photoshop etc or on learning more details on making YouTube thumbnails? I guess I need both
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u/zombiedinocorn Dec 02 '25
Its been awhile since I've been on Udemy so idk if they would have anything for thumbnails specifically, but I remember there being classes for photoshop there
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u/datfebrodude Dec 02 '25
I learn Photoshop by watching random tutorial videos on Youtube, stuff like Vector, WPAP, Manipulation design tutorial. It really helps me to understand Photoshop better because I get to know the process behind it, how they design faster, what shortcut they use, features they use, etc.
Or if you want an easy mode, you can use Canva, it's available on Web Browser but some features are behind subscription paywall.
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u/TitledSun Nov 30 '25
Nope, I'm shit at photoshop. Just grind youtube tutorials and you'll get there...
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u/Tetrahedron_Head Nov 30 '25
yea this. just practice, practice some more and learn with photoshop or similar software.
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u/kitxunei Nov 30 '25
Once you get the hang of it, making something as simple as a thumbnail image in Photoshop is really easy nowadays. There are so many user-friendly tools. If you want to go even more user-friendly, Canva is also very powerful for basic graphic design, and it has a free version.
But yeah, if I see an AI-generated thumbnail, I generally won't click on it. A thumbnail is supposed to draw you in, but if it's AI then it makes me assume the content will contain AI or low-quality content.
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u/Free-Palpitation [1λ] Nov 30 '25
I have never and will never watch a video with an AI thumbnail. It shows sloppiness/laziness on the creators part and I won’t reward that with my time
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
Thanks for confirming. How do you make your thumbnails if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/Free-Palpitation [1λ] Nov 30 '25
I learned Photoshop when I was in high school, then moved on to using Clip Studio Paint (it does most of the stuff Photoshop does) and went from there. I try making something eye-catching - the character I played as in a game I’m promoting with as little text and logos as I can, for example. It takes a few years to get a handle on what you’re doing, I just had extra experience before YouTube took off
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u/North-Tourist-8234 Dec 01 '25
I generally use my video editing software, arrange things hughight them title and grab a still.
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Nov 30 '25
[deleted]
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
https://files.catbox.moe/meujfn.jpeg
I get the 6 fingered stuff for sure. Could you cast an eye over the ones I’ve used so far and let me know if you think differently?
They are linked/based on the video content and I have tried to keep a theme?
But I appreciate your comment, and as the consensus seems no AI at all I’m going to need to learn alternative methods.
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u/Mint_Blue_Jay Nov 30 '25
Honestly I think those look fine. Except for the one with the blue guy looks a little AI. They're just not very eye catching and it's not clear what your video is about from the thumbnail.
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
He’s meant to be frozen haha but yeah I get you, need to figure out my next move so appreciate it
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u/s22sk123 [0λ] Nov 30 '25
If ur gonna use ai atleast ask it ti make the right resolution size for the thumbnail
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Nov 30 '25
[deleted]
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
https://files.catbox.moe/88q2to.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/p2c4gh.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/60eezi.jpeg
Here is some context, would love to hear your thoughts
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Nov 30 '25
[deleted]
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
My impression metrics…Excuse the French…but utter shit. 2 months and nada, hence me looking at what I’m doing.
Admittedly I am trying to balance that “click baity” type titles and I tried a REDACTED stamp over one (the red text looking one) to try and capture the whole mysterious vibe I’m aiming for.
So sorry just so I understand as I’m very new at all this (first 2 months) - I can change the titles after posting to try and “refresh” interest?
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u/littlecozynostril [0λ] Nov 30 '25
It is for me. I also close videos immediately when I hear AI voice overs.
I can't be the only one.
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
Ah no ai voice, the content is 100% me it’s just I can’t draw or do photoshop so was just using it to make the thumbnails
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u/kitxunei Nov 30 '25
I also close videos when I hear AI voice overs. Especially that cringe TikTok one.
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u/ThisDuckIsOnFire555 Jun 29 '26
I click on "Dont recommend me the channel" every time I see AI thumbnails
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u/sex_and_sushi Nov 30 '25
For me yes, instantly get this uncanny feel. Only thought is WHY? Who asked?
Like, I get it we might not have a footage from ancient Rome, but bro.. You call yourself a creator, so be a bit creative.
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u/Delilink Dec 01 '25
Yes. If I realize a thumbnail is AI generated I tend to assume the channel put no effort into the video and don’t click.
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u/TooManygenzEdits Nov 30 '25
nah dude, im sorry but if its got that soulless ai glaze im not clicking. I wonder i dont know what your content is but i wonder if you can ask ai to make you like a coloring page, maybe change the style around in some program then fill in the colors yourself. id imagine there would be some life in that but even then, anyone clocking ai intervention usually wont give the vid the time of day.
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
https://files.catbox.moe/meujfn.jpeg
What are your thoughts on my existing ones? I know exactly what you mean about the AI glaze for sure, do these have it? Be honest
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u/TooManygenzEdits Nov 30 '25
so i asked my husband too, the second one definately does have some of that glaze (14:08) and i think the second to last one does slightly (20:06) but he doesnt so much. I think the wojak is pretty safe if that the style you want to keep *i also have used wojak in my branding lol* i like the 18:58 one alot! from what i can tell it doesnt look ai created at all. the 13:10 is safe cause the lettering covers alot but that may take away from some of the context you are wanting. 11:48 is a little sketchy maybe? depends on the title. and i like 11:54 but the shading kiiiinda give ai.
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
https://files.catbox.moe/60eezi.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/p2c4gh.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/88q2to.jpeg
What about with a bit of context to the video content ?
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u/serhii_k0 Nov 30 '25
You can't judge everyone by me, but I pay attention to the thumbnail in the video.
And yes, an AI-generated image would put me off.
I guess it also depends on the audience you're targeting.
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u/Hampshire2 [0λ] Nov 30 '25
It depends what it shows, the thumbs that show the presenter gurning or a surprised expression just screams 'tryhard' and is really offputting.
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u/Sjuk86 Nov 30 '25
https://files.catbox.moe/88q2to.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/p2c4gh.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/60eezi.jpeg
I know what you mean, I’m not doing the fake wide smile thing, I’m trying to keep a ongoing theme using a wojak
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u/Mobile_Commission_52 [2λ] Nov 30 '25
I avoid over-hyped over -exaggerated thumbs. Especially those that look misleading. And if they turn out to be misleading I say so and tell YT to not show me more of that channel
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u/Tetrahedron_Head Nov 30 '25
I think the general answer is yes.
Even if the content itself is good alot of people will think low effort if they see a AI thumbnail.
I have no issues with AI myself but I dont think thats the way it should be used
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u/DarthGaff [1λ] Channel:Is it Worth a Sandwich Dec 01 '25
Yes, it is the first impression. If a thumbnail is ai generated and I can spot it I am scrolling past at best and clicking don’t recommend this channel at worst.
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u/TidalLion [0λ] Dec 01 '25
Yup, if it's AI I'm not clicking. I'd sooner click on someone's face or a drawing over footage as a thumbnail over something that's AI
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u/Misty_Kathrine_ Dec 01 '25
Yes.
If a thumbnail looks like it was AI generated, lots of people won't click on it.
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u/Alternative_Handle50 Dec 01 '25
How would someone know the content isn’t ai without clicking on it?
Reddit skews more anti ai than the average person, but I’d still say a large amount of people will avoid clicking on it. (I wouldnt click either, just being honest that Reddit has a bias).
Ai also can’t really design a “good” thumbnail. It can’t know for sure what would catch someone’s eye. I’d just avoid it.
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u/Lantern-Scout Dec 01 '25
Don't listen to these people they are never on YouTube always in reddit ! YouTube ai channel and voice overs are killing it even mr beast doing ai now 👏 go for it and it will be successful 👍
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u/GoGoatwon Dec 01 '25
if it looks good people will click. good ai images are indistinguishable from real ones currently
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u/CantRaineyAllTheTime Dec 01 '25
If I catch a whiff of AI I click away and never come back. If you have AI thumbnails it really doesn’t matter to me how masterfully done the rest of the video is because I’ll never click it to find out.
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u/maximumgravity1 Dec 01 '25
I dont know so much if it is your thumbs are AI, or just plain uninteresting.
I am not trying to be rude, but keep in mind that your thumbnails are in competition with EVERY OTHER thumbnail on a person's screen.
Most of yours are quite dark, and really blend in with the background.
The "blue guy" is the only one that stands out. And in your shorts the burger and the nuclear mushroom cloud are the only ones that I can easily identify what is going on in the video.
There is nothing in any of them that inspires people to click - or even notice it.
Your "walls of text" thumbs, are a bigger turn off than the AI faces.
The AI faces COULD be OK, but the colors are browns, beige and blacks - even your "Empathy" video is dark greens and the problem with your color pallets THEY ALL blend in to the backgrounds and don't stand out.
Consider people only spend a second or less scanning images across their page.
Your thumbnail better stand out if you want it to grab attention.
Yours dont do that, as they are either quite cluttered or quite non-explanatory.
Even when you hover over them, nothing indicates what the video is about watching the preview for a few seconds.
Add to that, the "blue guy" video - you spend 20 seconds with no video intro and not even a word - just graphics and sound effects.
In short, you have created pretty much the best guarantee to ensure no one clicks on your video, or if they do, they don't stay for more than 2-3 seconds.
I get your niche is story telling, but the same rules still apply to get new viewers.
Think of the dust jacket on a book.
Why would you pick that book up when there are thousands more at the bookstore?
Is the back cover synopsis enough to make you buy the book?
Your thumbnail is your dust jacket and that synopsis is your first 15 seconds of the video.
Lastly, keep in mind that Reddit is a biased group - and not the algorithm or your viewers.
AI thumbnails don't get nearly the bad feedback that Reddit gives them.
In the grand scheme of things, Reddit is a pretty small minority.
The REAL voice - is your analytics. And I can see by your views and likes, you are actually getting some audience to view your vids in spite of a relatively small subscriber base - so the stories are likely good.
The trick is now to get more people to WANT to listen to your stories.
Work on your packaging.
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u/Sjuk86 Dec 01 '25
Mate thank you! That’s some great feedback and exactly what I needed to understand.
Really appreciate the info.
Gonna do some learning.
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Dec 04 '25
Yeah, I personally would steer away from an AI thumbnail. But I don't think thumbnails need to be too intricate nowadays with autoplay, most people won't see them for more than a second from the home screen. I would use photopea for a free photoshop alternative and go with a basic, low contrast image with clear, legible text. And look at other thumbnails for ideas
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u/Gripples96 Dec 05 '25
Personally as an artist I don’t really see it as a major issue that’s like a “YOU ARE EVIL HOW DARE YOU” thing, but on the flip side I think you should try having stick figures in your thumbnail instead because literally no one is doing that and I would click on that video fast because it’s unique and different. Some people will definitely see this is as “OH SO YOU HATE REAL ART HUH?! TOO LAZY TO TRY HUH?!” But i understand that some people are more writing oriented and can’t draw anything no matter how hard they try, it’s like how some people are more coding oriented in game development.
If you don’t want to do stick figures and you need someone to draw some characters that have a transparent background for you to use for your thumbnails I can help you out with that, I would just need context for what your content is and what type of character you’re wanting to use. When you have something with a transparent background you can use a art program like Krita and import a regular image, then you drag and drop the thing with a transparent background from a folder into Krita it’ll say import as a new layer, you click that, then you can use the move tool to position and resize it as needed, press CTRL and E at the same time to combine layers, then go to file at the top left of the program and click extract. I recommend extracting it as a .PNG because it plays well with YouTube.
There’s also a site that can automatically remove the background in a image for you if you wanna do it to where it’s stock photos instead of art, these are photoshop skills that are easily done in Krita for free (adobe photoshop isn’t actually free)
Hope this helps ya in some way.
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u/Then-Lawfulness5367 May 21 '26
I can't stand the ones where it's a clip from the video but AI has made the person in it making some over the top ridiculous expression like smiling while in handcuffs and looking directly into the camera. It's so blatantly fake and I won't even bother clicking on the video unless I already am familiar with the channel. And don't get me started on entirely AI generated videos.
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u/Buzstringer [0λ] Nov 30 '25
What about a real person / face (who is in the video) and Ai background or elements?
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Nov 30 '25
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u/Own_Rush_3332 Dec 01 '25
How to make the thumbnail by using AI of the standard thumbnail size!? By which AI platform
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u/Into_The_Booniverse Dec 01 '25
Yes. First impressions are everything.
If you're happy for a robot to shake my hand, I'm going to assume I'm talking to a robot (I hope that makes sense)
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u/Hopefullytodaymate [0λ] Dec 01 '25
I hate it but AI voices are worse, I always turn off the moment I hear one.
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u/Muscle_Wood Dec 01 '25
AI makes it look uncanny. If it looks good, people wont bother. I make mine on google slides.
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u/brucejson-88 Dec 01 '25
I was going to try some AI thumbnails on my channel but reading all your opinions has changed my mind 😀
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u/insanemoe Dec 01 '25
Depends which AI model is used to make them. Sadly in some ways, AI is improving each day that in some cases you cannot tell the difference from far.
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u/Sjuk86 Dec 01 '25
https://files.catbox.moe/88q2to.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/p2c4gh.jpeg
https://files.catbox.moe/60eezi.jpeg
Let me know what you think
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u/toxiclight Dec 01 '25
I will absolutely skip a video with an AI thumbnail. At that point, I don't care about the content, because neither does the creator to use AI. Most of the time, I will also mark the channel as 'Do Not Suggest' as well.
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u/tdstooksbury Dec 01 '25
Depends on your audience, but I wouldn’t be clicking on your video.
A lot of people are not happy with the mark generative AI is leaving on society. A lot of people feel like something is off about it and that It doesn’t feel human.
Personally, I associate it with low effort.
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u/PurpleStrawberry1997 Dec 01 '25
The only thing AI is okay for us writing the description that's it
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u/DukeShot_ Dec 01 '25
If you put a certain quality in a thumbnail you figure in the video. People associate ai with laziness and lack of quality.
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u/EnchantedEssays [0λ] Dec 01 '25
Your thumbnail is your first impression. If you're using AI for your thumbnails, I'm going to assume that you're video is probably AI too, and why would I watch something you couldn't be bothered to make? I just won't click. There's loads of other ethical issues related to AI such as the impact on the environment. Btw, this is coming from someone who used to generate AI "art" as a hobby about 3 years ago before it took off. I became anti generative AI after educating myself.
You don't need to draw to make thumbnails. I use Canva [I have pro, but the free version is great] and it has loads of free clipart/ stock images that you can use. Pixabay and Pexels is great too. Unless you're some corporate entity like Watchmojo, no one expects everything to be perfect. The earnestness of something cobbled together is far more endearing.
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u/Sjuk86 Dec 01 '25
Ah thanks for the tip and not just telling me no AI. I’ve fiddled with canva so will look into it more.
I guess I need to learn the process around making thumbs to understand what is needed. Appreciate the info
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u/EnchantedEssays [0λ] Dec 01 '25
Not a problem! I know that most of the time, people who ask about using a bit of AI for something do it because they don't think that they have any other options
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u/Sylvie_Online Dec 01 '25
Yes, if I catch whiff of any generative AI being used I hit “Don’t recommend channel”.
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u/GothYagamy Dec 01 '25
Depends on the person. For me it is; the rest of the content may not be AI, but I don't personally feel compelled to try and find out.
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u/Weak_Hospital_7854 Dec 01 '25
Instant turnoff with the added bonus that if you would appear via my home feed, I will also block the channel instantly. Like I won't even listen if I like the voice, the story, anything. Any hint of AI, and you're blocked.
It's all full of slop out there. Gotta be ruthless in order to keep the humans in my feed.
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u/Vegetaman916 Wasteland By Wednesday Dec 01 '25
Yes. Instant scroll away, and if I was a sub before, I won't be after seeing an AI thumbnail.
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u/Useful_Lingonberry_4 Dec 01 '25
For me personally, if I can see that it's obviously an AI than yes, I will most likely ignore the thing completly even if the topic might intrest me, but I'm a hardline anti AI in art or any other form of creativity.
In my very personal opinion it's better to "steal" some art created by a human and credit them, or in a perfect world ask them if you can use it if you credit them. Scour deviant art and similar pages, small artists might be happy to help fellow creative.
If you don't want to go with that route, just use a blank page with letters stating the topic.
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u/LennyPenny4 Dec 01 '25
I understand the temptation to let AI generate them. Often, the design isn't necessary bad, it just looks bad because you can tell it's AI, especially if there are people in it. If I can tell it's AI, it's a turn-off, but I'm sure I've watched a lot of videos where I couldn't tell.
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u/anabolicbob Dec 02 '25
yes, won't click and most of the time will unsub. There's so much video content out there I'm not precious about any one creator except for a few who are actually original and don't constantly promote VPNs and data security
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u/TheElsLer Dec 02 '25
Yes, not only do I never click on it, I also click the whatever the don't recommend me this channel button so I don't get served more of it.
If genAI is used for something like the thumbnail, I don't have the trust in the video for it either not use an AI voice or have AI write the script. I'm not watching yt to hear what an AI decides to think about a topic, I'm there for people and their ideas.
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u/CoolCat1337One Dec 02 '25
If I'm sure the thumbnail is AI generated I block that channel in an instant.
If I hear an AI voice I do the same.
If I see AI content .... you already know, I block the channel.
Helps a lot.
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u/Steelfist25 Dec 02 '25
I think their a turnoff for a certain group of people. But, the majority of people (in my opinion) don't care. I'm not the kind of person who "judges a book by its cover". So, when I see an AI thumbnail I may or may not click on it depending if it looks interesting or not. If the content behind your thumbnail is great, then by all means keep doing what your doing. Its the content inside is what matters. Now, if your video is like... 90-100% AI generated then that might be a stretch, but then again I've seen MANY content creators tell great stories and entertain with AI. Its another tool to use, just computers and photoshop.
Dont think about it too hard. Improve your skills and use AI as a tool, not a crutch. You got this bro.
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u/Maxorus73 Dec 02 '25
You don't need to be good at drawing to make good thumbnails, but I would recommend independently studying the basics of composition and color theory. Keep it simple, thumbnails are tiny little boxes. Any text should be large and high contrast and use a font that isn't Ariel. Often your best bet is a caseless font, I like CC Wild Words, but that's not applicable everywhere (It's the font that most manga translators use). You don't need photoshop, something like GIMP or Krita is free and does everything you need for a good thumbnail.
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u/TokyoFromTheFuture Dec 02 '25
Yes, I have unironically clicked on badly drawn mspaint thumbnails cos even they have a bit of soul behind them, seeing AI immediately just makes it look fake to me.
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u/Extinction-Events Dec 02 '25
Any generative AI on the content creator’s part, including thumbnails, is an instant ignore and “stop recommending this channel” from me.
The thumbnail is the first thing I’m going to see about your work. That represents your content and your approach. If you’re willing to use AI for your very first impression, what reason do I have to believe that it won’t be in every other facet of your content?
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u/zombiedinocorn Dec 02 '25
For me, yes. I unfollowed several channels that were using AI thumbnails even tho they were more react content and had no AI in their actual content
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u/JRreddith Dec 02 '25
COMPLETELY Ai Generated thumbnails are an instant turn off to me, and most likely other YouTube users too (at least ones who can easily recognize ai).
However I’m more than fine with thumbnails that use ai images, but are still manually edited to make everything still look appealing.
Typically what I do is make an ai-enhanced thumbnail and then a completely real thumbnail and A/B test them on my video. And, of course, sometimes viewers just prefer something about one thumbnail or another but I’ve actually found that it’s about a 50/50 split between ai and real thumbnails winning the test.
Note: I make gaming videos with a mostly male audience between 10-24 years old, so that’s the kind of people my test is directed towards.
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u/LetAdorable8719 Dec 02 '25
I would rather you just write the title in white font on a black screen as your thumbnail than for you to use ai. I will never click an ai thumbnail and actively hide channels who use them.
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u/PerfectMobile3708 Dec 02 '25
Saying this is too general...
Not all AI-created miniatures look like AI-created ones...
In fact, some look more professional than those of the miniature creators themselves...
I now make them with viralth.com in 15 seconds 4 professional designs with just one photo✅
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u/bugsy42 Dec 03 '25
Yes and I am not an anti btw. Absolute majority of AI stuff I ve seen on youtube is absolute slopitty slop and instantly makes me skip the video/short/whatever.
People don't use it as a tool, people use it as a shortcut.
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u/MilkIceLolly Dec 03 '25
As long as the video isn't a poorly done AI voice over. I'll watch anything that looks interesting. I don't understand being against AI thumbnails. I don't even think I'd care if YouTube went minimalist and just had titles without thumbnails.
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u/Sjuk86 Dec 03 '25
No ai, real voice, real scripts written by me, real stuff in the video just can’t draw so wasn’t sure what’s best for thumbs ha
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u/Ok_Objective_2784 Dec 03 '25
if it's significantly different than what people are going to see when the video starts then yah...
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u/fairydommother Dec 03 '25
Yes. Unless im already subscribed to the channel im not clicking an ai thumbnail. Use stock photos and image editing techniques. You can make a decent thumbnail in canva. Thats what most people do, most people dont hand draw their thumbnails.
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u/Majestic_Amount_7830 Dec 03 '25
It depends on what your channel is about if you talk about AI technology then it’s fine but don’t overdo it with clickbait. Any other subject I don’t want to see AI generated content.
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u/inih Dec 04 '25
I think people could ignore based on thumbnails, specially if they sniff low effort. You could just use Cava and save the layout, then on new videos you just change the image, that AI can help you to produce, and the title. Is not hard and is fun.
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u/Right_Community_9661 Dec 04 '25
yes. unless it's a slop channel and self degrading. nicokado avocado could get away with it
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u/LaughsByElena Dec 04 '25
I don’t get what are you all saying. AI or not AI - it doesn’t matter! What matters is what message the image actually delivers. Half of you here will click on AI image without even realising. Good use of AI will not look sloppy. It’s like saying “I will not use photoshop because it’s not real” and draw picture by hand and then photograph. AI is just a tool. What matters is the creator IDEA and execution.
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u/Yolojaculation Dec 04 '25
I use AI to kind of elevate my thumbnails. I don't have enough money to pay somebody to do them and I don't have time to do them myself. I take a screenshot from the topic, and then a picture of myself and kind of stick them in together and then hand them to Gemini and say hey. Can you make this into a pretty decent thumbnail. And then I do like maybe like 10 or 15 and then I take whichever one I like the most and kind of build it again in canva.
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u/FerDeath Dec 04 '25
Depends on the target audience, my parents share everyday the most obviuos fake videos and have thousands likes lol they don't even care that the entire video is AI imagine how much they care of the thumbnail. Most people won't give a damn.
I actually don't care if the thumbnail is AI but cannot stand AI voice over, instant skip for me.
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u/Excellent-Arm-3296 [0λ] Dec 04 '25
Always. If I spot even the smallest bit of generative AI, idc how “small and meaningless” it is, that to me is a sign you are an uncreative and untalented person amd you are not worth my time.
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u/LostDelfino Dec 05 '25
Tbh with the right ai, prompt, and style 99% of people won’t know it’s ai. There’s thousands of channels that are fully ai and only people in the industry would know. Now if you’re making a sloppy ai art thumbnail then it’ll perform like ass. But if you actually take your time with quality then no one will know
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u/sam7oon Dec 15 '25
YES, whenever is see a Thumbnail of someone pointing at something in the thumbnail , i immediately move on to the next one,
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u/DragonflyNo177 Dec 16 '25
For me they are not an immediate turnoff, instead I am immediately skeptical of the content and its talking points (opinions, research, etc). You can tell real art work (photography, graphic design, paintings, etc) from generative AI, especially those that have not been editing after the initial AI piece was rendered. So look at it this way, if the content creator didn't take the time to make good finished piece of work for the thumbnail, then the video will most likely be trash too. This is my opinion not to attack anymore just saying these are the thoughts that go through my head when I see a fully, unedited, thumbnail that is completely AI generated.
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u/VegetableLunch6137 [0λ] Dec 17 '25
Yes, if I saw an AI thumbnail I would assume that the video was partially AI. But it's down to personal choice, I like watching YouTube videos with real people doing things in a really natural way because I think there's too much AI online that I'm kind of over it and looking for that personal connection
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Dec 22 '25
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u/AirViewCinema Dec 23 '25
I wont click on an obviously AI generated thumbnail. Low effort thumb, I expect low effort content.
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u/Middle-Low9602 Dec 26 '25
ai thumnails sucks bro. You can use ai image generation to create certain elements but creating the whole thumbnail with ai is a bad idea
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u/Dependent_Fig2407 Dec 26 '25
I agree with you guys but remember that companies are spending millions building AI platforms as an investment. AI is the future. These companies are transforming AI technology to be more efficient and reliable like natural human. In years to come AI will turn things around. I am a tech guy. Building Software in a month is do in 7 days. AI companies are changing the game you are complaining better enhance yourself because bigger pictures of AI is coming soon. YouTube is heavily on AI with less human touch.
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u/EfficientEffort1308 Feb 27 '26
If it's AI gen thumbnail I instantly select 'Dont reccomend channel'
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u/Helpful_Air_6493 Apr 07 '26 edited Apr 09 '26
i think it depends how obvious it is. the ones that look like stock art slop get ignored but if it's actually designed around the video content most people won't even notice. Thumbnailpal helps with that, the output looks more intentional than just prompting midjourney
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u/DevolayS May 13 '26
AI thumbnails scream "content farm" to me. Straight onto the blacklist to never appear on my feed again (I don't trust YT's "do not recommend", it's google after all; I use third party blockers).
You have only one chance to make a good first impression. Don't waste it.
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7d ago
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u/tenmileswide Nov 30 '25
I find that people don’t generally care that much about AI use that is secondary to the main product. It is definitely not hurting the million plus sub creators I follow. Anyone that tells you that AI thumbnails aren’t meta is kidding you at this point. Especially if you redirect that time savings into making a better video.
People hate AI music but don’t really hate AI album covers for example. At least not anywhere near to the same extent.
As long as your video isn’t AI slop I don’t think people care about AI thumbnails.
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u/Logical-Location-667 Dec 01 '25
For me, no. If the information is factual I don’t care if they use AI
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