How To Edit Thumbnail On Youtube Shorts

Introduction

How To Edit Thumbnail On Youtube Shorts: YouTube Shorts has rapidly gained popularity as a platform for sharing short, captivating videos. With its engaging content and vast user base, it offers an excellent opportunity for creators to showcase their talents and connect with audiences worldwide. One crucial element in capturing viewers’ attention is the thumbnail—the static image that represents your video and appears in search results and on the Shorts shelf.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of editing thumbnails for your YouTube Shorts, helping you enhance the visual appeal of your content and increase its discoverability. Customizing your thumbnail allows you to convey the essence of your video, pique curiosity, and stand out in the crowded Shorts ecosystem.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator looking to refine your thumbnail game or a beginner seeking to make your Shorts more appealing, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to be a graphic design expert to create compelling thumbnails. We will explore easy-to-follow steps and valuable tips, as well as the tools and techniques you can use to craft eye-catching thumbnails that entice viewers to click on your Shorts.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to edit YouTube Shorts thumbnails effectively. Elevate your Shorts game and watch your content soar to new heights of engagement and popularity.

How do I change the thumbnail on my YouTube shorts app?

In the thumbnail of the video, tap the pencil icon. To select a thumbnail, navigate along the video’s timeline and click ‘Done’ once selected. Once the Short is uploaded, YouTube will showcase the chosen image from the video to viewers.

YouTube Shorts may not provide an explicit option to change the thumbnail for your Shorts videos within the app itself. However, you can still influence the thumbnail by following these steps:

Upload a Custom Thumbnail: When you create your YouTube Shorts video, make sure to use visually engaging content in the first few seconds of your video. YouTube will often use the initial frame of your video as the thumbnail. Therefore, ensure that this frame represents your video effectively.

Edit Your Video: You can edit your video on the YouTube app to trim or cut the beginning to influence the thumbnail. Here’s how:

Open the YouTube app.

Tap on your profile picture at the top right to access your channel.

Select the video you want to edit.

Tap the “Edit” button.

Use the video editor to trim or cut the beginning as needed.

Upload a New Video: If you’re not satisfied with the current thumbnail, consider re-uploading your Shorts video with a more appealing initial frame. This way, you can control the thumbnail better.

Wait for YouTube to Update: Sometimes, YouTube automatically updates the thumbnail over time. If the initial frame doesn’t change immediately, give it some time to see if it updates on its own.

YouTube’s features and app interfaces may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the latest app updates or YouTube Help resources for any changes related to customizing thumbnails for Shorts videos in the YouTube app.

Can we set thumbnail for Shorts?

You can customize your Shorts thumbnail on the final upload screen by tapping the new icon and making your selection.

YouTube Shorts didn’t offer users the ability to set custom thumbnails for their Shorts videos in the same way you can for regular YouTube videos. Thumbnails for Shorts were typically generated automatically by YouTube, often using a frame from the beginning of the video.

YouTube continuously evolves its features, so it’s possible that there have been updates or changes since then. To determine if custom thumbnails for Shorts are now available, you can follow these steps:

Open the YouTube Shorts Studio: Access the YouTube Shorts Studio on your mobile app or the YouTube website.

Select or Upload Your Short: Choose the Short you want to edit or upload a new one.

Check for Thumbnail Options: While editing your Short, look for any options related to custom thumbnails. If available, YouTube would likely provide an option to select or upload a custom thumbnail image.

Follow Prompts: If you find an option to set a custom thumbnail, follow the prompts to select or upload an image of your choice.

Save Your Changes: Be sure to save your changes once you’ve selected or uploaded a custom thumbnail.

If, after following these steps, you still cannot set a custom thumbnail for your Shorts video, it means that YouTube has not yet introduced this feature for Shorts. In that case, you’ll have to rely on the automatically generated thumbnails, which are often based on the video’s content.

Why is my Shorts thumbnail black?

Aspect ratio refers to the proportion of the width to the height of an image or video. 9:16 is the aspect ratio for a vertical video, also known as a portrait video. So, if the aspect ratio of the image you are using as the thumbnail is different from 9:16, then black bars will appear on the sides.

A black thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts video can occur for several reasons, and it’s usually a technical issue. Here are some common explanations and potential solutions:

Processing Delay: Sometimes, YouTube takes a bit of time to generate a proper thumbnail for your Shorts video. If your video is relatively new, give it some time, and the thumbnail might update to a more accurate representation of your content.

Upload Error: If there was a glitch or error during the upload process, it could result in a black thumbnail. In such cases, consider re-uploading the video to see if the issue is resolved.

Corrupted Video: If the video file itself is corrupted, it may not display a proper thumbnail. Try re-exporting or converting your video to a supported format before uploading it again.

Privacy Settings: If your video’s privacy settings are set to “Private” or “Unlisted,” the thumbnail might not display correctly to the public. Ensure your video is set to “Public” to allow proper thumbnail visibility.

YouTube Server Issue: Occasionally, YouTube may experience server issues that affect thumbnails. In such cases, the problem usually resolves itself when YouTube’s servers stabilize.

Clear Browser Cache: If you’re viewing the video on a web browser, your browser’s cache may be causing display issues. Try clearing your browser cache and refreshing the page.

Report the Issue: If the problem persists, consider reporting it to YouTube through their Help Center. Provide details about your video and the issue you’re experiencing.

YouTube’s features and functionality may evolve, so it’s also a good idea to check their official support resources or community forums for the most up-to-date information and assistance regarding thumbnail issues with YouTube Shorts videos.

Why my thumbnail is not changing?

Clear YouTube App’s Cache and Data

Clearing cache and app data can sometimes fix issues like these so you can give it a shot. You can make this happen only on an Android phone since iPhone doesn’t offer an option to clear the cache of a particular app.

If your YouTube thumbnail is not changing despite your efforts, there could be various reasons behind this issue. Here are some potential causes and solutions:

Processing Time: YouTube sometimes takes a bit of time to update thumbnails, especially for newly uploaded videos or changes to existing thumbnails. Wait for some time, and the new thumbnail may eventually appear.

Browser Cache: If you’re viewing the video on a web browser, your browser may be caching the old thumbnail. Try clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page to see if the new thumbnail appears.

Uploading Errors: If there was an error during the thumbnail upload process, it may not have been properly processed by YouTube. Double-check that you’ve successfully uploaded the new thumbnail in the video settings.

Thumbnail Guidelines: Ensure that your new thumbnail follows YouTube’s guidelines, such as size and content restrictions. Thumbnails that violate these guidelines may not be accepted.

Video Privacy Settings: If your video is set to “Private” or “Unlisted,” the thumbnail might not update until the video’s privacy settings are changed to “Public.”

Cache Issue on Mobile Apps: If you’re using a mobile app to view YouTube, clear the app’s cache or data and restart it. This can help refresh the thumbnail.

Report the Issue: If none of the above solutions work, consider reporting the issue to YouTube through their Help Center. Provide details about your video and the problem you’re facing.

Check Custom Thumbnails: If you’re trying to change a custom thumbnail, ensure that you’ve selected the new thumbnail as the default in the video settings.

YouTube’s system may experience occasional glitches, and it might take some time for changes to reflect accurately. Patience and persistence are key when dealing with thumbnail updates on the platform.

How can I change the thumbnail for my YouTube Shorts video?

To change the thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts video, follow these steps:

Access YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and navigate to YouTube Studio by clicking on your profile picture in the top-right corner and selecting “YouTube Studio.”

Select the Video: In YouTube Studio, locate the Shorts video for which you want to change the thumbnail, and click on it to open its details.

Edit Video Details: On the video details page, you’ll find various options to edit your video. Click on the “Details” tab if you’re not already on it.

Custom Thumbnail: Scroll down to the “Thumbnail” section. Here, you can either choose from the automatically generated thumbnails YouTube provides or click on the “Custom thumbnail” button to upload your custom thumbnail.

Upload Your Thumbnail: Clicking on “Custom thumbnail” will prompt you to upload an image from your computer. Choose your desired thumbnail image, and once it’s uploaded, click “Save” to confirm your selection.

Save Changes: After selecting or uploading your custom thumbnail, make sure to scroll down and click the “Save” button to save your changes.

Wait for Processing: YouTube may take some time to process the thumbnail change. Be patient, and your new thumbnail will eventually appear for your YouTube Shorts video.

Keep in mind that it might take a little while for the new thumbnail to appear on your video, especially during the processing phase. Ensure your custom thumbnail follows YouTube’s guidelines for dimensions and content to avoid any issues with the upload.

What are the recommended dimensions for a YouTube Shorts thumbnail?

The recommended dimensions for a YouTube Shorts thumbnail were as follows:

Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (a 9:16 aspect ratio).

File Format: Use an image format such as JPG, PNG, or GIF.

File Size: Thumbnails should be under 2MB.

These dimensions are specifically tailored to the vertical format of YouTube Shorts videos, which are designed for mobile devices. Please note that YouTube’s guidelines may change over time, so it’s a good idea to check YouTube’s official help resources or guidelines for the most up-to-date information on thumbnail dimensions.

To ensure your thumbnail displays correctly and looks appealing to viewers, design it with these dimensions in mind. Creating thumbnails that are clear, engaging, and relevant to your video content can help increase click-through rates and attract more viewers to your YouTube Shorts.

Are there any specific design tips for creating an attractive Shorts thumbnail?

Creating an attractive thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts video is crucial for grabbing viewers’ attention. Here are some design tips to make your thumbnail stand out:

High-Quality Imagery: Use high-resolution images that are clear and visually appealing. Avoid blurry or pixelated thumbnails.

Contrasting Colors: Make sure your thumbnail has strong, contrasting colors that catch the eye. This can help your video stand out in search results and recommendations.

Legible Text: If you include text on your thumbnail, ensure it’s easy to read, even on smaller screens. Use bold, legible fonts, and place text in a way that doesn’t obstruct the main subject.

Relevance: Your thumbnail should accurately represent the content of your video. Don’t use clickbait or misleading images that don’t relate to your video’s actual content.

Emotion and Expression: Thumbnails that convey emotion or express a clear message can be more compelling. Consider using facial expressions, gestures, or emojis to communicate the tone of your video.

Minimalism: Sometimes, simplicity is effective. A clean, uncluttered thumbnail can be eye-catching. Avoid overcrowding it with too much detail.

Branding: If you have a consistent brand or logo, consider incorporating it into your thumbnail design to help viewers recognize your content.

Thumbnail Consistency: Maintaining a consistent style for your thumbnails across your YouTube Shorts can help build brand recognition. Use a similar design layout, font, or color scheme for all your Shorts.

Test and Optimize: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different thumbnail designs and analyze their performance. YouTube Analytics can help you see which thumbnails are getting the most clicks.

Compliance with YouTube Policies: Ensure that your thumbnail doesn’t violate YouTube’s policies on misleading content, adult content, or copyright infringement.

YouTube Shorts thumbnails are often viewed on mobile devices, so it’s essential to create thumbnails that are visually appealing even at smaller sizes. Regularly assessing and improving your thumbnail designs can help increase your video’s click-through rate and overall visibility on the platform.

Can I edit the thumbnail after I’ve already published my YouTube Shorts video?

Yes, you can edit the thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts video even after it has been published. YouTube provides creators with the flexibility to update or change the thumbnail at any time. Here’s how to do it:

Access YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and go to YouTube Studio by clicking on your profile picture in the top-right corner and selecting “YouTube Studio.”

Select the Video: In YouTube Studio, find the YouTube Shorts video for which you want to change the thumbnail, and click on it to open its details.

Edit Video Details: On the video details page, click on the “Details” tab if you’re not already on it.

Thumbnail Options: Scroll down to the “Thumbnail” section. Here, you will see the thumbnail currently associated with your video, and you’ll have the option to change it.

Custom Thumbnail: To change the thumbnail, click on the “Custom thumbnail” button. This will allow you to upload a new image to replace the existing thumbnail.

Upload Your New Thumbnail: Click on “Custom thumbnail,” and select the new thumbnail image you want to use from your computer.

Save Changes: After selecting or uploading your new thumbnail, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the “Save” button to save your changes.

Wait for Processing: YouTube may take some time to process the thumbnail change. Be patient, and your new thumbnail will eventually appear for your YouTube Shorts video.

Once the new thumbnail is processed, it will replace the old one. Keep in mind that it might take a little while for the updated thumbnail to propagate throughout YouTube’s system and be visible to viewers.

Conclusion

Crafting an appealing thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts videos is a vital aspect of enhancing your content’s discoverability and viewer engagement. Your thumbnail serves as the visual gateway to your video, making it essential to get it right. By following the recommended dimensions and design tips, you can create thumbnails that captivate your audience and encourage them to click.

Consistency in your thumbnail style and adherence to YouTube’s policies are key to building your channel’s identity and maintaining viewer trust. And the good news is that you can always update your thumbnail, even after a video has been published, allowing you to refine your visual representation over time.

As you continue to refine your thumbnail design skills and pay attention to what works best for your audience, you’ll unlock the potential to draw more viewers into your YouTube Shorts. So, invest time and creativity into your thumbnails, and watch as your Shorts gain the attention they deserve in the ever-growing world of online video content.