There are several software editors that YouTubers can use for their channels. However, most of the time, you’ll have one product for video editing, one for photo editing, and another for creating other types of content.

What if there was a program that had everything you needed in one place with tons of creative templates to choose from? Canva is that one-stop shop for YouTubers! Here are the ways you can use Canva to take your YouTube channel to the next level.

1. Make a Profile Picture

The profile picture, or channel icon, is an important aspect of your channel. It is one of the first pictures any potential viewer will see, so it is important to be unique.

Canva open to YouTube Profile Picture with templates

The easiest way to create a profile picture on Canva is to click Create a Design and type in "YouTube profile picture". Canva has an array of profile picture layouts and designs to choose from to help you stand out against the other channels.

2. Create Your Channel’s Banner

The banner is the wall art of your channel. Simply type in "YouTube banner" in Canva’s search bar and hit Enter; you’ll have a whole list of templates to choose from. You can also use Canva to create your YouTube channel banner from scratch.

Canva open to YouTube banner creator with templates on screen

The best part, Canva already has the ideal banner size of 2560 x 1440 pixels set. Just make sure you use a photo ideally no smaller than that.

Dimensions are important to be aware of when creating your YouTube channel banner. This is because it will look different depending on where people are viewing your content—whether that be on a phone, laptop, or TV.

The logo is the face of your business, so it’s important to have one that’s enticing for viewers. Canva makes it easy to create your channel’s logo with preset dimensions. There are hundreds of templates to choose from that you can use to build your design.

Canva Logo ad with Create a Logo button

To find the logo creator, head to the Canva home page, then go to Design Spotlight > Marketing > Logos. Then you can follow this guide to make your logo in Canva.

To download the logo with a transparent background, you need a Canva Pro account. Canva has a 30-day free trial available for Canva Pro, so you can start the trial and download the logo for free.

4. Use Canva’s Video Editor

If you’re new to content creation or just want to put together a fun video without digging too deep into complex software, you can edit your videos with Canva. There are tons of intro and outro templates to try, you can add transitions between frames, and adding music and overlays is easy too.

Canva's video editer open with camper and intro overlay on video

To find the YouTube video editor, go to Design Spotlight > Photos and Videos > YouTube Video Editor. From here, you can upload your footage and audio and find awesome overlays in the Elements tab.

5. Create a Call to Action

Many YouTubers live by the subscribe call-to-action button, and Canva has made it incredibly easy to integrate this into your video. Within the video editor, click on the Elements tab and simply type in "subscribe".

Canva's create a design open with subscribe call to action on screen

Several different graphics, premade videos, and photos are available for you to choose from. Adding a call to action is sure to get viewers' attention and increase your subscriber count.

6. Create Thumbnails

Each video uploaded to YouTube has a thumbnail. Arguably, the thumbnail is the most important part of your video—you want one that will attract potential subscribers and give you more views. With that being said, creating a YouTube thumbnail with Canva is simple!

Canva Thumbnail creater open with bullet journal thumbnail on display

In Canva, go to the search bar and type in "YouTube thumbnail". Once you click on the option you want, it will take you to the design page with the correct dimensions already set. From there, upload your thumbnail photos, pick out a font that catches your eye, and choose any graphics that help represent your brand.

7. Make a Watermark

Adding a watermark to your videos is another way to show off your brand to viewers. Many times YouTubers will use their own logo or a subscribe button. The nifty part about YouTube's watermark feature is that when anyone hovers over it with their cursor, a button will appear allowing them to immediately subscribe to your channel.

Canva Watermark creater open with templates and JS picture on display

The most important things to remember are that the picture needs to be square, no smaller than 150 x 150 pixels, and transparent. To start creating your watermark, select Create a Design > Custom Size, and type in 150 x 150 pixels. And then start designing your watermark.

8. Use the QR Code Generator

QR codes are everywhere, so why not let Canva help your channel join in on that? You can put a QR code on a sticker, in a video, on your Instagram story, or anywhere else.

Canva QR Code generator on display with QR code made

To get started, all you have to do is go to Design Spotlight > Marketing > QR Code Generator. From there, you can create a QR code that will help others find your channel.

9. Produce Promotional Content

Many YouTubers use other social media platforms to drive potential viewers from one app to YouTube. Some will use TikTok to post a preview of their upcoming video or Instagram to post a photo to keep viewers involved in the creative process.

Canva Social Media ad with two phones

Canva has all the tools to help any YouTuber promote their hard work. You can choose eye-catching graphics and cool filters while editing a photo. Make use of Canva's social media templates to help your Instagram Reels and TikToks stand out. The options for YouTube brand promotion are endless.

YouTubers, Take Advantage of All Canva Has to Offer

From designing your logo to creating your next video’s thumbnail, Canva makes it easy for YouTubers to enhance their channel’s graphics and branding. You can even edit your videos directly in Canva. It truly is a one-stop shop for anything you can think to create!