Attention YouTube content creators! StreamYard has just released a new update that you're going to love. Now you will be able to create thumbnails for your live streams from within the StreamYard interface, right at the moment you are scheduling the stream. The best part? You'll do it using artificial intelligence.
In this post, I'll take you step-by-step through how to take advantage of this new feature so you'll never forget to create those all-important thumbnails before your live broadcast again. Are you ready? Here we go!
Why are miniatures so important?
Before we dive into the step-by-step, let's stress why it's crucial to pay attention to your thumbnails (and titles). These elements are what mainly influence users' decision between watching your video or your competitors'.
Think about it, when someone is scrolling through YouTube, they are bombarded with a bunch of video options, each with its thumbnail and title catching their eye. In the end, they'll click on the one that intrigues them the most.
Therefore, you should always be very careful when creating your thumbnails and titles. They should be attractive, but at the same time true to the content of your video. We don't want clickbait, do we?
How to create a thumbnail with AI in StreamYard
Now let's get to work. I'm going to show you how easy it is to use this new StreamYard feature. Just keep it in perspective. While it uses AI, it's pretty basic and has its limitations. But hey, it's something and it saves time.
Step 1: Create a new live event
The first thing is to go to StreamYard and create a new live event, your next live event. Select "Live Broadcast" and then choose the platform where you will broadcast it.
Important: It must be a platform that allows you to schedule the live broadcast in advance, such as YouTube or LinkedIn. On Twitter for example, you will not be able to.
Step 2: Configure the live details
Now fill in the basic details of the event:
- Title
- Description
- Privacy (public, hidden or private)
- Date and time (remember to select "Schedule for later")
This is where before you could only add an externally created thumbnail. But now, you'll see a new button that says "Create with artificial intelligence". Click it!
Step 3: Design the miniature with AI
This will take you to a new screen with several options to customize the thumbnail that the AI will create:
- DesignChoose whether you want a photo with text, text only or multiple guests.
- Background color: The default is StreamYard blue but you can change it.
- Show date and time: Adds a banner with the date and time of the live event.
- Title: It is autocompleted with the event's one, but you can edit it (it will be changed in both places).
The next step is up to you:
Option A: Upload a photo
If you want a custom photo in the thumbnail, upload it from your computer. StreamYard will automatically crop the background, although you can turn it off. You can also adjust the dimensions of the photo.
If you will have guests, you can upload several photos that will be displayed side by side. You can even rearrange them or add a white border.
Option B: Use a profile picture
The fastest way. Simply select from which platform (YouTube, Facebook...) you want to import your profile picture and that's it. StreamYard will crop it for you.
Once you are satisfied with the design, click "Apply". You now have your AI thumbnail ready to use at the event!
In addition, you can edit, download or delete it at any time before the live event with the buttons next to the thumbnail.
Tips and Reminders
- The thumbnail will be published and visible on your channel when you schedule the live broadcast, to generate anticipation in your audience.
- Experiment with the different design options to see which one best suits your content.
- Don't forget to give an attractive but faithful title to go with that attractive thumbnail.
- While a decent thumbnail will be created in seconds, for best results spend a few minutes customizing the options.
- When uploading photos, choose simple backgrounds so that they look good when cropped.
Conclusion
And that's it folks. As you can see, StreamYard has given us a very useful tool to streamline our content creation without neglecting those all-important thumbnails.
I hope this step-by-step tutorial has made it clear to you and you are ready to start creating AI thumbnails for your next live shows.
Thumbnails are an essential part of your YouTube strategy. With this new StreamYard feature, you no longer have an excuse for not having an optimal thumbnail in your live streams.
So now you know, go to StreamYard and get to work. Share your results and experience with the community.
Good luck with your live shows!
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