How to Change YouTube Thumbnails

If you want to change the thumbnail for your YouTube video, there are two ways you can do it: by picking from YouTube’s suggestions or by uploading your own custom thumbnail. Let’s go through the steps for both methods.

Method 1: Picking from YouTube’s Suggestions

To pick from YouTube’s suggestions, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser and go to YouTube’s homepage.
2. Log into your account.
3. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
4. Select the “YouTube Studio” option from the dropdown menu.
5. In YouTube Studio, click the “Content” tab on the left side.
6. Select the video you want to edit.
7. Go to the “Thumbnail” section.
8. Choose one of the three thumbnail options.
9. Click the “Save” button.

Method 2: Uploading Your Own Custom Thumbnail

If you don’t like the suggested thumbnails, you can upload your own custom thumbnail. Here’s how:

1. Open your browser and go to YouTube’s main page.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
4. Select the “YouTube Studio” option from the dropdown menu.
5. In YouTube Studio, click the “Content” tab on the left side.
6. Select the video you want to enhance with a custom thumbnail.
7. In the “Thumbnail” section, choose the “Upload thumbnail” option.
8. Select the image you want to use.
9. Click the “Save” button.

It’s important to note that when uploading a custom thumbnail, it’s best to use an image with a 16:9 ratio and a resolution of 1280×720 pixels or larger. The minimum resolution allowed is 640×360 pixels.

Changing the Thumbnail on Mobile

If you’re using a smartphone, you can also change the thumbnail of your video using the YouTube Studio app. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download and install the YouTube Studio app from either iTunes or Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app and tap the “Get Started” button.
3. Sign into your YouTube account or add a new account if needed.
4. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
5. Select the “Videos” tab.
6. Pick the video you want to edit.
7. Tap the pencil icon to enter the video’s edit mode.
8. Tap the pencil icon again to edit the thumbnail.
9. Choose the “Custom Thumbnail” option.
10. Allow the app to access your gallery or Photos app.
11. Select the photo you want to use.
12. Tap the “Save” button.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there rules for which thumbnails I can upload?

Yes, YouTube has rules regarding thumbnails. You cannot upload a thumbnail that doesn’t accurately represent the content of the video. For more information, you can refer to YouTube’s content moderation guidelines.

Can I change the thumbnail after I’ve published my video?

Definitely! You can update the thumbnail of your video at any time, whether it’s been recently published or has been on YouTube for years. Just follow the steps mentioned above to change it.

Press Play

A captivating thumbnail can greatly increase the number of views your video receives. So, instead of sticking with the default options, consider creating a custom thumbnail that stands out. With the help of this guide, you can level up your YouTube thumbnail game.

A captivating thumbnail can greatly increase the number of views your video receives. So, instead of sticking with the default options, consider creating a custom thumbnail that stands out. With the help of this guide, you can level up your YouTube thumbnail game.