YouTube star MrBeast has announced upcoming changes to his AI-powered thumbnail tool following criticism from fellow creators who claim the technology threatens creative integrity on the platform.
Developed in partnership with Viewstats, the tool allows users to generate AI-based thumbnails by referencing thumbnails from existing YouTube channels, including their own. Designed to improve engagement and accessibility for smaller creators, the platform charges a monthly fee of $80 — far less than hiring a thumbnail artist.
However, backlash erupted after creators like JackSepticEye and PointCrow criticized the tool. JackSepticEye expressed outrage over the unauthorized use of his branding in promotional material, stating on X (formerly Twitter): “What the actual fk… and he used my logo… Fk AI.”
PointCrow added that the tool enables the replication of artists' work without permission. “You’ve made something that can steal my (and my artists') hard work without a thought,” he said, noting that MrBeast’s model appeared trained on creator content.
The backlash prompted a direct conversation between MrBeast and PointCrow, after which MrBeast acknowledged the concerns and pledged to revise the tool.
“Faceswap should only be used to swap your face on YOUR thumbnail, obviously not others,” MrBeast clarified. “My goal is to build tools to level the playing field… not to replace artists.”
Though tensions between MrBeast and critics like JackSepticEye have previously eased, this latest clash suggests renewed friction in the ongoing debate over AI’s role in content creation.
As of now, Viewstats remains active, but updates are underway to address ethical concerns raised by the creator community.
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