How to Add Thumbnail on YouTube Video on iPhone

Author: Iqbal | Guide: iPhone |

Thumbnail is one of the most important elements of a video, hence to know how to add a thumbnail to a YouTube video on iPhone is very important.

Creating content on YouTube involves many steps like recording a video, editing the video, coming up with a title, writing the description or the bio of the video, creating a thumbnail, and editing the thumbnail. You can also edit the video and thumbnails after uploading the video. You can learn how to edit YouTube thumbnails on iPhone in a few steps as well.

How to Make & Upload a YouTube Thumbnail on iPhone

Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone in 9 Steps

Step-1 Open the YouTube App: To open the YouTube app you need to look for the app icon in your app library and even search for the app in the search bar in the app menu of your iPhone.

If you don't have the app on your device then you need to:

  • Go to the App Store
  • On the App go to the search bar
  • Type in Youtube
  • Tap on the install icon

After installing the app sign into the app and start using and enjoying the app.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 1

Step-2 Tap on the plus icon: On the YouTube homepage scroll down to the bottom of the page. On the bottom of the page right in the middle you will see a ‘+’ icon. To on the Add icon. Other options you will see are:

  • Home
  • Shorts
  • Subscriptions
  • Library
Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 2

Step-3 Tap on Upload a Video: The next step in the process is to tap on the Upload a video option that comes up on your screen. This will be the second option in a list of three.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 3

Step-4 Tap on a video: Now you will be redirected to a new page. On this page you will see all the videos present on your device. Choose a video you want to upload. Tap on the video.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 4

Step-5 Tap on Next: Once you select the video tap on the Next option. The option will be present on the bottom right corner on the screen.

Here you also have the option to convert your video into a short which is a shorter video format.

 
Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 5

Step-6 Tap on the Image icon: The next step is to create a thumbnail. To set a thumbnail on the video you need to go to the small gallery icon on the top left corner of the video.

For further reference look at the picture below.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 6

Step-7 Select an Image: Now YouTube will redirect you to a new page where you will see all your images. You gave an option to search your device, you can

  • Select photos from a different album
  • Downloads on your phone
  • Pictures from apps like Snapchat, Facebook, etc.
  • Search according to people, faces, places, etc.

Select the thumbnail for your video.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 7

Step-8 Adjust the image: The next step is to adjust the image to fit in the frame. Move the image, zoom in or zoom out to fit it in the aspect ratios of the space that YouTube will provide you with.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 8

Step-9 Tap on Select: In the final step after editing and adjusting the image you have to tap on the Select option on the top right corner of the screen.

This way you will be able to complete the process and add a thumbnail to your YouTube video.

Image titled Add Thumbnail to YouTube Video on iPhone Step 9

FAQ

What is a Thumbnail?

A thumbnail is an image that helps the viewer to take a quick glance and get an idea on what the video is about and what they will watch if they click on the thumbnail.

For this reason, thumbnails are very important. You can add a frame of your video as your thumbnail or create a new thumbnail altogether. Your thumbnail needs to be attractive and informational so that more and more people click on it.

What is the Criterion You Need to Follow to Upload a Thumbnail on YouTube?

YouTube expects you to follow some resolutions and formats to upload a thumbnail on the platform. Some of these requirements are:

  • The image needs to be in a JPG, GIF, PNG
  • Should be lower than 2 MB in size
  • Have a resolution if 1270*720
  • Minimum width of 640 pixels
  • A recommended ratio of 16:9

Is it Compulsory to Create a Thumbnail for a Video?

If you have a channel on YouTube and upload videos regularly then you might want to create a thumbnail. It is not compulsory to create a thumbnail and YouTube selects a thumbnail for you.

However to engage your audience and promote your channel eye catchy thumbnails are important. You can easily learn how to upload a video on YouTube and also learn to create and edit thumbnails for the platform.

 

What are the Guidelines To Follow While Creating Thumbnails?

Like YouTube has guidelines that the creators and the viewers need to follow while uploading content and also commenting in videos, similarly it has guidelines for thumbnails. Some of the criteria are:

  • There should be no nudity
  • No hate speech
  • Harmful content
  • The content should not spread misinformation
  • No propagation of violence

Why Can't I Upload Thumbnails?

If you are a new YouTube content creator then you might face this problem where you can not upload thumbnails. This might be because you have the required option off in the settings.

You need to go to the settings menu of YouTube. In the menu go to videos. Here you will see an option that refers to Custom Thumbnails. Enable this option and now you will be able to upload your own thumbnail that is attractive and high quality.

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