How To Change Thumbnail on YouTube

Author: Sam | Guide: YouTube |

Change Thumbnail on YouTube to attract more viewers to your videos! The thumbnail is the first thing viewers see when browsing through videos, so having an eye-catching thumbnail can make all the difference. In this blog post, we will walk you through the simple steps to change your YouTube video's thumbnail and give you tips on how to create effective thumbnails that will grab your audience's attention. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned content creator, improving your video's thumbnail can increase your views and help your channel grow.

Change Thumbnail on YouTube: 12 Steps

STEP 1 Download YouTube studios - The YouTube Studio app allows creators to manage their channels and content from their mobile devices. To change your video's thumbnail, you need to have the YouTube Studio app on your mobile device.

  • You can download the YouTube Studio app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Make sure to log in to your YouTube account before opening the app.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 1

STEP 2 Open library in YouTube - Once you have downloaded the app and logged in to your account, open the "Library" tab from the bottom menu. This tab contains all the videos uploaded to your channel.

  • You can switch between different tabs, such as "Videos," "Playlists," and "Comments," from the bottom menu.
  • You can also search for specific videos by using the search bar at the top of the screen.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 2

STEP 3 Your videos - Choose the video for which you want to change the thumbnail. You will see a thumbnail preview of your video, which you can change.

  • You can sort your videos by date, views, and other metrics to find the video you want to edit quickly.
  • You can also filter your videos by category, such as "Published," "Scheduled," "Drafts," and "Private."
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 3

STEP 4 Three dots - Tap the three dots on the right side of the video thumbnail. This will open a menu with several options.

  • You can use the three dots to perform different actions on your videos, such as editing, deleting, and sharing.
  • You can also access video analytics and comments from the menu.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 4

STEP 5 Open edit advanced settings in studio - From the menu, select "Edit" to open the video editing screen. Then, tap "Advanced Settings" to access more options.

  • You can also edit the title, description, and other details of your video from this screen.
  • Make sure to save your changes before exiting the screen.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 5

STEP 6 Content - On the "Advanced Settings" screen, select "Content." This will take you to the section where you can change your video's thumbnail.

  • You can also add subtitles, end screens, and other elements to your video from this section.
  • Make sure to preview your changes before publishing your video.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 6

STEP 7 Three dots - In the "Content" section, tap the three dots next to the current thumbnail. This will open a menu with different options.

  • You can use the three dots to upload a custom thumbnail or choose from the suggested thumbnails generated by YouTube.
  • You can also edit the start and end time of your video from this menu.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 7

STEP 8 Edit video - From the menu, select "Edit Video" to open the thumbnail editor.

  • You can crop, resize, and adjust the brightness and contrast of your thumbnail from the editor.
  • You can also add text, stickers, and other elements to make your thumbnail more engaging.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 8

STEP 9 Pen symbol - To change the thumbnail, click on the pen symbol located at the bottom of the screen. This will open a menu with different options.

  • You can use the pen symbol to draw or write on your thumbnail using your finger or a stylus.
  • You can also choose from different brush sizes and colors to customize your drawing.
image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 9

STEP 10 Change - You'll be taken to a screen where you can select a new thumbnail image from your existing videos or upload a new one from your device. Make your choice and tap "Change".

image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 10

STEP 11 Select whichever you want - Choose the new thumbnail from the selection provided, or upload your own image.

image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 11

STEP 12 Tap done - Once you've chosen your new thumbnail, tap "Done" to save your changes.

image titled change thumbnail on youtube step 12

Changing the thumbnail on YouTube is a quick and easy process that can have a big impact on the success of your videos. By following the steps outlined above and incorporating some of the tips we've provided, you can create effective thumbnails that will attract more viewers to your channel and help you grow your audience.

Tips

  • Make sure your thumbnail is relevant to the content of your video.
  • Use bright and bold colors to make your thumbnail stand out.
  • Try to include an image of a person's face, as this can help to draw in viewers.

FAQ

  1. Can I change the thumbnail for a video that has already been uploaded?
  • Yes, you can change the thumbnail for any video on your YouTube channel, even if it has already been uploaded.
  1. Can I use any image as my thumbnail?
  • While you can use any image as your thumbnail, it's important to make sure that it is relevant to the content of your video and visually appealing to potential viewers.
  1. How often should I change my video thumbnails?
  • There's no hard and fast rule about how often you should change your video thumbnails, but it's a good idea to experiment with different images and see which ones perform best with your audience.
  1. Can I create custom thumbnails for my videos?
  • Yes, you can create custom thumbnails for your videos by uploading your own image or selecting a still from your video.
  1. Will changing my video's thumbnail affect its ranking on YouTube?
  • No, changing your video's thumbnail should not affect its ranking on YouTube. However, a more appealing thumbnail may help to attract more viewers and improve engagement with your content.
  1. How can I track the performance of my video thumbnails?
  • You can track the performance of your video thumbnails by monitoring your video analytics in YouTube Studio and comparing the click-through

Was this article helpful ?

No