How to Make a Tier List: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are wondering how to make a tier list, the short answer is simple: choose a focused topic, collect the things you want to compare, define meaningful tiers, and drag every item into place. The quality of the result, however, depends on the choices you make before and during the ranking.

This guide walks through the complete process using our free Tier List Maker. You can follow the same method for image rankings or use the Text Tier List Maker when names are enough.

How to make a tier list with a Tier List Maker

A tier list sorts a group of comparable items into horizontal levels. The top level usually represents the strongest, best, or most preferred items; lower levels represent progressively weaker choices. The familiar S, A, B, C, and D labels came from grading systems in games, but you can rename them to fit almost any subject.

Step 1: choose a focused Tier List Maker topic

Start with a topic that is specific enough for every item to be compared fairly. “All entertainment” is too broad, while “Marvel movies released after 2010” gives you a coherent set.

• Games: playable characters, weapons, maps, bosses, or updates.
• Movies and TV: films in one franchise, seasons, episodes, or characters.
• Food: fast food chains, snacks, drinks, or dishes from one cuisine.
• Music: albums, songs, singers, or live performances.
• Personal lists: books, travel destinations, study tools, or weekend activities.

If you need inspiration, browse the trending tier list topics currently popular with creators.

Step 2: prepare items for your Tier List Maker

Collect every item before ranking. A small list of 8–20 items is quick and readable. A complete game roster may contain more than 100 items, but it requires more time and a larger exported image.

For an image tier list

Use clear, consistently cropped images. Square images work especially well because rows remain compact. Give every image a descriptive filename so you can recognize it if a thumbnail is similar to another.

For a text tier list

Paste one name per line into Text Mode. Text cards are ideal for books, songs, ideas, or any topic where a picture adds little value.

Step 3: design useful Tier List Maker levels

The default S–D structure is familiar and fast, but custom labels often communicate more. A food ranking might use “Would order again,” “Good,” “Fine,” and “Never again.” A character ranking could use “Meta,” “Strong,” “Situational,” and “Needs a buff.”

1. Keep the number of tiers between four and seven.
2. Make each label distinct from its neighbors.
3. Use colors consistently from strongest to weakest.
4. Decide whether ties are allowed before ranking.

Step 4: rank items consistently in the Tier List Maker

Place the obvious top and bottom choices first. These anchor the scale. Then compare uncertain items against something already ranked instead of reconsidering the entire list each time. You can also order items from left to right inside a tier when you want a more precise result.

For a useful video walkthrough, this YouTube tutorial demonstrates the full creation process, including templates, uploads, customization, and saving:

Step 5: export and share your Tier List Maker result

Review the full board before exporting. Check that no item was accidentally left unranked, tier labels are readable, and your title explains the topic. Download the PNG, then share it where the discussion already happens.

• Use a landscape image for YouTube videos and community posts.
• Crop a vertical version for TikTok or Shorts.
• Add your ranking criteria in the caption.
• Ask one direct question, such as “What would you move to S tier?”

TikTok's official Creative Center page for the #tier hashtag is useful for seeing how ranking-style topics connect with current gaming, anime, sports, and entertainment interests.

External platforms and videos are provided as optional examples. Rankly is not affiliated with YouTube, TikTok, or the featured creator.