16:9 landscape
3840 × 2160
Available for both YouTube and Podcast covers. A compact 1280 × 720 export is also available.
YouTube thumbnail guidanceUpload a photo or create one with AI
Make thumbnails, Shorts covers, and podcast art
Choose YouTube or Podcast, then use any 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1 canvas. Upload an image or generate the background with gpt-image-2.
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Design it in your browser
Platform and ratio are independent. Both YouTube and Podcast support 16:9, 9:16, and 1:1, with local uploads or AI-generated backgrounds.
Uploads stay local. AI prompts are sent only when you generate.
Live preview3840 × 2160 PNG
Use every ratio for either cover type
Choose YouTube or Podcast first, then switch ratios without changing the platform. Each canvas exports at full resolution.
9:16 vertical
1080 × 1920
Available for both YouTube and Podcast covers, including Shorts, vertical podcast video, and social clips.
Open the 9:16 editor1:1 square
3000 × 3000
Available for both YouTube and Podcast covers. The square preset also matches Apple Podcasts show artwork.
Apple Podcasts artwork specsReadable at feed size
A cover is usually seen small. Make the subject and message survive the smallest preview.
One clear focal point
Use one face, object, or graphic that can be understood before the viewer reads.
Short display copy
Keep the main message brief. The video or show title can carry the detail elsewhere.
Strong contrast
Darken busy imagery behind text and check light text against every part of the background.
Safe margins
Keep important type away from the edge where crops and interface controls may compete with it.
Cover maker FAQ
AriaFlow faceless video workflowIs this YouTube thumbnail maker free?
The upload, editing, and watermark-free PNG export workflow is free and does not require an account. AI background generation requires sign-in and image-generation credits.
Can YouTube and Podcast use all three aspect ratios?
Yes. Select YouTube or Podcast independently, then choose 16:9, 9:16, or 1:1. Changing the ratio keeps the selected platform and background image.
What size should a YouTube thumbnail be?
YouTube currently recommends 3840 by 2160 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. This maker also offers a compact 1280 by 720 export.
What size should a YouTube Shorts cover be?
Use 1080 by 1920 pixels in a 9:16 aspect ratio. The Shorts mode exports that exact size and shows an asymmetric safe-area guide for interface controls.
What size should podcast cover art be?
Apple Podcasts prefers 3000 by 3000 pixels. RSS artwork can range from 1400 by 1400 to 3000 by 3000 pixels, and it should have a solid background.
Can AI create the background image?
Yes. Switch the background control to Generate with AI, describe the visual, and AriaFlow uses gpt-image-2 to create an image without baked-in text. Sign-in and image-generation credits are required.
Does AriaFlow upload my image?
Files selected with Upload stay in your browser. When you choose AI generation, only your written prompt is sent to the image service and the returned image is loaded into the editor.
Can I use my own photo?
Yes. Upload a JPG, PNG, or WebP image, then change the title, subtitle, colors, contrast, alignment, and export size.