How to Change Thumbnail on YouTube Shorts

Changing the thumbnail on your YouTube Shorts can make a huge difference in attracting viewers.

Here's how to do it.

Why Thumbnails Matter

Thumbnails are the first things people see, and they influence whether viewers click on your video.
A compelling thumbnail can increase your view count significantly.
Custom thumbnails help your Shorts stand out from the competition.

Determine If You Can Change Thumbnails on YouTube Shorts

Sadly, YouTube doesn't currently allow custom thumbnails for Shorts directly.

But don't worry, there are workarounds.

Workaround to Choose Thumbnails for Shorts

Upload a custom thumbnail to a regular YouTube video.

Create a regular video with a similar content as your Short.
Upload it to YouTube and set your desired custom thumbnail.
Once it's live, create a YouTube Short from the YouTube mobile app or use the same video file that had the custom thumbnail.

Edit your Short and select a frame.

When uploading your Short, try to make the frame you want as the thumbnail appear within the first 2 seconds of the video.
This can trick YouTube's system into picking that frame as the thumbnail.

Tips for Effective Thumbnails

Keep it simple and clear
Use bold colors and avoid cluttered images
Include text or highlights to make it engaging

Use Instasize for Thumbnail Creation

Want to create an eye-catching thumbnail quickly?

Instasize is your go-to tool for this.

Image Resizing: Use the YouTube Shorts thumbnail size tool to plan a clear 9:16 frame.
Image Filters: Make your thumbnail stand out with professional filters.
Add Borders: Add eye-catching borders to your thumbnail.
Text Overlays: Add text to your image to make it engaging and informative.

Download Instasize on iOS or Android.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Customize YouTube Shorts Thumbnails?

No, YouTube currently does not allow you to directly set custom thumbnails for Shorts.

What Tools Can Help Create a Good Thumbnail?

You can use tools like Instasize to add filters, text, and borders to make your thumbnail stand out.

What's the Ideal Thumbnail Size?

The recommended size for YouTube thumbnails is 1280 x 720 pixels.

How Do I Make YouTube Choose My Preferred Frame?

Try to place the frame you want within the first 2 seconds of your Short video.

That's it!

You’re all set to make your YouTube Shorts shine.

Try these tips and see your view count go up.

And always make sure your thumbnails are engaging and relevant to your content.

How to Change Thumbnail on YouTube Shorts

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