# Thumbnail Creator > Generate AI-powered YouTube thumbnails, analyze videos for thumbnail ideas, manage styles/faces/brands, and create SEO-optimized titles and descriptions. Use when users want to create thumbnails, need thumbnail ideas for a video, want to clone a thumbnail style, or need YouTube SEO content. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/thumbnail-creator` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/thumbnail-creator` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/thumbnail-creator/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Marketing & Growth - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/thumbnail-creator --- # Thumbnail Creator Generate professional YouTube thumbnails using AI. This skill connects to the Thumbnail Creator API to create thumbnails, analyze videos, manage creative assets, and generate SEO content. ## Setup Before using this skill, ensure you have: 1. A Thumbnail Creator account at https://app.thumbcraft.io 2. An API key from Settings → Developers → API Keys ### MCP Configuration (Recommended) Add to your Claude Desktop config (`~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` on macOS): ```json { "mcpServers": { "thumbnail-creator": { "url": "https://app.thumbcraft.io/api/mcp", "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" } } } } ``` ### REST API Base URL: `https://app.thumbcraft.io/api/v1` All requests require the header: ``` Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY ``` ## Available Tools ### Thumbnail Generation #### `generate_thumbnail` Create a thumbnail from a text description. **Parameters:** - `prompt` (required): Detailed description of the thumbnail - `youtube_url` (optional): YouTube URL for context - `style_id` (optional): Apply a saved style - `face_ids` (optional): Array of face IDs to include - `brand_id` (optional): Brand ID for colors/logo - `aspect_ratio` (optional): "16:9" (default) or "9:16" **Best practices for prompts:** - Be specific about composition, colors, and emotions - Mention text overlays explicitly if needed - Describe the main subject's expression and pose - Include background details **Example:** ``` Generate a thumbnail with a surprised man looking at a giant golden trophy. Bold yellow text says "I WON". Dark gradient background with sparkles. Photorealistic style, dramatic lighting. ``` #### `analyze_video` Analyze a YouTube video and get 5 thumbnail concepts with prompts. **Parameters:** - `youtube_url` (required): Full YouTube URL **Returns:** Video summary and 5 thumbnail concepts with: - Title and description - Ready-to-use generation prompt - Emotional hook explanation ### Asset Management #### `list_faces` Get uploaded face models for personalized thumbnails. **Parameters:** - `active_only` (optional): Only return trained faces #### `create_face` Create a new face from an image URL. Requires training before use. **Parameters:** - `name` (required): Display name - `image_url` (required): Clear face photo URL #### `list_styles` Get saved thumbnail styles to apply to generations. #### `list_brands` Get brand assets (logos, colors) for consistent branding. #### `list_thumbnails` Get recent generated thumbnails. **Parameters:** - `limit` (optional): Number to return (default: 10) ### SEO Tools #### `generate_seo_titles` Generate 10 SEO-optimized video titles from a YouTube URL. **Parameters:** - `youtube_url` (required): YouTube video URL **Returns:** 10 titles with style labels: - Search-Driven (keyword-focused) - Curiosity/Viral (click-driving) - Authority/Expertise (trust-building) - Emotional/Story (connection) - Contrarian/Controversial (attention-grabbing) #### `generate_seo_description` Generate a complete video description. **Parameters:** - `youtube_url` (required): YouTube video URL **Returns structured description with:** - Hook (2 engaging sentences) - About This Video (150-200 word summary) - Key Takeaways (3-5 bullet points) - Timestamps/Chapters (6-10 sections) - Notable Quotes (1-2) - SEO Hashtags (3-5) #### `get_credits` Check remaining credit balance. ## Workflows ### Generate Thumbnail from YouTube Video 1. Call `analyze_video` with the YouTube URL 2. Present the 5 concepts to the user 3. Let user pick a concept or provide feedback 4. Call `generate_thumbnail` with the chosen concept's prompt 5. Optionally apply a style or include faces ### Create Thumbnails with Consistent Style 1. Call `list_styles` to show available styles 2. Let user pick a style or describe a new one 3. Call `generate_thumbnail` with `style_id` parameter ### Full YouTube Optimization 1. Call `analyze_video` for thumbnail concepts 2. Generate thumbnail with `generate_thumbnail` 3. Call `generate_seo_titles` for title options 4. Call `generate_seo_description` for the description 5. Present complete package: thumbnail + title + description ## Tips for Best Results ### Thumbnail Prompts - **Be specific**: "A woman with wide eyes and open mouth" > "surprised person" - **Describe lighting**: "dramatic side lighting", "soft natural light" - **Mention style**: "photorealistic", "3D rendered", "illustrated" - **Include text carefully**: Specify exact text, font style, and placement - **Consider contrast**: High contrast between subject and background ### Using Faces - Faces must be trained before use (check `trainingStatus`) - Use `face_ids` array to include multiple people - The AI will match the face to the described expression ### Using Styles - Styles capture visual aesthetics from reference images - Great for maintaining channel consistency - Combine with custom prompts for unique results ## Error Handling Common errors: - `401 Unauthorized`: Check API key - `402 Payment Required`: Out of credits - `429 Too Many Requests`: Rate limited, wait and retry - `Invalid YouTube URL`: Ensure full URL format ## Credits Operations that consume credits: - `generate_thumbnail`: 1 credit - All other operations: Free Check balance with `get_credits` before generating. --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/greg-prospyr) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.