MrBeast removes controversial AI thumbnail tool after wave of backlash

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On June 22, 2025, MrBeast enthusiastically presented his AI-based YouTube thumbnail creator tool to the public. However, just five days afterward, he decided to remove it and offer an apology to the community.

Being the most popular YouTuber globally right now, MrBeast’s actions are under constant scrutiny by countless viewers. Consequently, if anything displeases his audience, it triggers a substantial surge of criticism that’s difficult to overlook.

On June 22, 2025, MrBeast unveiled a novel aid for his content creator-focused company, Viewstats. As the leading figure of the team, the highly influential personality introduced an AI-powered thumbnail creation software designed to assist creators in automatically producing eye-catching images for their videos to increase engagement.

As an aspiring content creator, I can look up to a YouTube channel as my guide, and with a simple command, an AI generates a unique thumbnail for me. I can even incorporate pictures of myself, effortlessly blending them onto an established YouTuber’s existing design.

Straight away, the AI tool, hidden behind a monthly fee of $80, ignited debate among users. Other YouTubers expressed anger, including JackSepticEye who was enraged when MrBeast utilized his logo without obtaining proper permissions.

Five days on, the tool is gone, and the initial advertisement has been taken down. In response to the criticism, MrBeast has spoken up, expressing regret, making amends with the community, and eliminating the AI software altogether.

Wow, it appears that someone has misused my logo during their promotional activities. This action is quite frustrating, and it seems like the platform’s direction isn’t sitting well with me. It’s disheartening to see such behavior from AI.

— Jacksepticeye (@Jacksepticeye) June 21, 2025

MrBeast swiftly removes his AI thumbnail generator

The influencer, aged 27, expressed in a June 27th video on X (previously known as Twitter), “I assumed there would be quite a lot of enthusiasm for it,” but it seems I underestimated the situation.

We’ve taken the time to review all your suggestions, and as a result, certain adjustments have been made. In the future, you won’t see an AI thumbnail tool anymore.

Instead of getting directed to the AI program upon visiting the Viewstats website, viewers will now be guided towards a list of genuine thumbnail artists that they can subsequently hire for their commissions.

MrBeast expressed his intention to do even more to demonstrate his concern for artists by saying, ‘I wanted to advance a step further.’ Essentially, he aimed to transform this difficult situation into something beneficial. My affection for the YouTube community exceeds what most could comprehend. As the largest YouTuber globally, I don’t underestimate this responsibility.

Hello there! A big thank you for your valuable feedback on our ViewStats AI thumbnail tool. We’ve made some changes and introduced a system that allows content creators to easily discover skilled thumbnail artists they can hire instead. Enjoy the new experience!

— MrBeast (@MrBeast) June 27, 2025

In a more explicit explanation, MrBeast emphasized that his team of in-house thumbnail designers are not facing job losses due to AI, but rather, he believes they will benefit from it.

It’s quite likely that I’ve invested more money in my YouTube thumbnails compared to what the top 100 YouTubers have collectively spent.

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2025-06-27 05:48