Create custom video thumbnails with Visla’s AI Thumbnail Generator

Generate a new thumbnail from your video, a written prompt, or reference images without moving the project into another design tool.

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What is Visla’s AI Thumbnail Generator?

Visla’s AI Thumbnail Generator composes a new thumbnail for your video instead of selecting an existing frame. It can generate a thumbnail automatically using AI, follow a prompt you write, or incorporate uploaded and existing Visla images. You can revise the prompt, edit or regenerate the result, save it to My Space, or download the image. The generator supports 16:9, 1:1, and 9:16 formats.

Open the Style panel in Visla’s Scene-Based Editor and find the Thumbnail section.

How to use the AI Thumbnail Generator

1. Open the Style panel>
Open the video in the Scene-Based Editor and select Style from the left sidebar. Find the Thumbnail section in the panel.
2. Open the generator>
Click Generate to open the thumbnail creation window. A prompt field will appear where you can describe the image you want.
3. Add a prompt and reference images>
Write your prompt and use the plus button to add any reference images. Click Generate image when the instructions and source material are ready.

Generate a thumbnail that fits the video

Create a thumbnail automatically

Automatic thumbnail generation is enabled by default while you set up a video with the AI Video Agent. Leave the option checked to let Visla create the image, or turn it off when you plan to provide your own thumbnail.

Describe the image in a prompt

Enter the subject, setting, composition, or visual treatment you want the generator to use. You can later revise the prompt to remove, replace, or change parts of the image.

Edit and manage the result

Visla generates one image at a time, and you can regenerate it when you need another version. The options menu also lets you edit, preview, save, copy the prompt, download, or delete the image.

Where custom video thumbnails help

YouTube and social media videos

A team creating a product demo or tutorial video that uses speed controls to shorten repetitive steps.

Generate landscape, square, or vertical covers for different publishing formats. Download the standalone image when the destination lets you upload a dedicated thumbnail or cover.

Training and support libraries

A marketing team using video speed controls to create a faster social video or slow down a product reveal.

Use distinct thumbnail images to help viewers tell onboarding modules, product guides, and recorded presentations apart. A recognizable subject or product image makes a large video library easier to scan.

Marketing and product videos

A training session supported by video footage adjusted to match narration and background music timing.

Incorporate product photography, campaign images, or brand assets into a new composition. You can revise one image without changing the video itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Visla select an existing video frame?
No. The AI Thumbnail Generator composes a new image rather than selecting a frame that already appears in the video.
Can I upload my own thumbnail?
Yes. You can upload a finished thumbnail, import an image already stored in Visla, or generate a new image with AI.
What happens when I export the video?
Visla places the selected thumbnail at the beginning of the exported video as its first frame. Download the thumbnail separately when you need an independent image file.