Creator Thumbnail

Step 1 — Concept (before generating anything)

From the title/topic, write one concept in three lines and confirm only if the user seems to care about direction; otherwise proceed:

• Promise — the single idea the viewer must get in 1 second (truthful to the video).
• Focal subject — one face/object, big, high contrast. Faces: strong, honest emotion.
• Headline — 0–4 words that add to the title, never repeat it. Optional.

Rules in references/thumbnail-rules.md (composition, contrast, text, honesty).

Step 2 — Generate the art (no text)

• Ratio 16:9 (YouTube) or 9:16 (vertical cover). Size 2k if a provider allows it.
• Reserve space for the headline: generous empty space on the left third for a headline.
• User's face/logo/product → pass photos with --ref and say what each is for.
• Ask for no text in the image; the headline goes on in Step 3.