In this article, weâll walk you through the process of changing your YouTube Shorts thumbnail, step by step. Weâll also explain why having an attention-grabbing thumbnail is essential and how it can help you get more views. If youâve been using YouTube Shorts, you may have noticed that changing the thumbnail is not as easy as it is with regular videos. This can be frustrating, especially if youâre trying to optimize your views. But donât worry; there is a way to change your YouTube Shorts thumbnail, and itâs not as complicated as you might think. 
Why Custom Thumbnails Matter for YouTube Shorts?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of changing your YouTube Shorts thumbnail, letâs first talk about why it matters. Put, your thumbnail is peopleâs first impression of your video. Itâs what catches their eye and entices them to click and watch.
For YouTube Shorts, the thumbnail is even more critical because Shorts are displayed vertically on mobile devices. This means that your thumbnail takes up most of the screen, making it even more crucial to have an eye-catching and relevant thumbnail.
YouTube recommends using custom thumbnails designed explicitly for Shorts. These thumbnails should be clear, high-quality, and relevant to the content of your Shorts.
How to Change Your YouTube Shorts Thumbnail?
Now that we understand why custom thumbnails matter letâs dive into the process of changing your YouTube Shorts thumbnail.
Step 1: Open the YouTube Shorts App
First, open the YouTube Shorts app on your mobile device. If you havenât already downloaded the app, you can do so from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Upload or Create Your Video
Next, choose whether to upload an existing video or create a new one. If youâre uploading an existing video, select it from your device. If youâre making a new video, use the camera function within the app to record your video.
Step 3: Trim and Edit Your Video
Once youâve selected your video, youâll be prompted to trim and edit it as needed. This is where you can adjust the length of your video and add any filters or effects.
Step 4: Choose Your Thumbnail
After youâve trimmed and edited your video, youâll be taken to a screen where you can enter your Shorts videoâs title and other details. Right on this screen, youâll spot a little pencil icon at the top left corner of the video preview. Give it a gentle tap, and you can handpick the perfect thumbnail for your video.
Step 5: Choose a Thumbnail
Once you click on the pencil icon, youâll be given the option to choose from automatically generated thumbnails. If youâre in a hurry or the automatically generated thumbnails look just fine, go ahead and select one of them and proceed to the next step. No pressure! If you want a custom thumbnail, click âAddâ and choose the image you want.
Step 6: Add Your Custom Thumbnail
When you want to customize a Thumbnail other than the available images in the video, you can use Edit options with different colors and filters. When you want to use a completely different thumbnail like in regular Youtube videos, you must add the custom thumbnail using video editors at the end of the video for 5 seconds. You can use that thumbnail as a YouTube shorts thumbnail. Donât add the filling for 5-10 seconds in the beginning. It will affect the Shorts user experience.
Step 7: Publish Your Video
After youâve chosen your thumbnail, click âPublishâ to upload your video to YouTube Shorts. Your custom thumbnail will now be displayed alongside your video.
Tips for Creating Effective YouTube Shorts Thumbnails
Use a High-Quality Image
Make sure to use a high-quality image that is clear and visually appealing. Your thumbnail is like the cover of a book â it needs to look good to catch peopleâs attention. Avoid blurry or low-resolution images, as they can turn people off from clicking on your video.
Keep It Simple
You want your thumbnail to be eye-catching and easy to understand at a glance. Donât clutter your thumbnail with too many elements. Stick to one central image or theme, and use text sparingly.
Use Bright Colors
Bright colors can help your thumbnail stand out in other videos. Consider using bold, contrasting colors to make your thumbnail pop.
Be Consistent
Keep it consistent, my friend! When it comes to branding, consistency is crucial. So, try to use a similar style or color scheme for your thumbnails to give your channel a cohesive look. Trust me; it works like a charm!
Show Whatâs Inside
Your thumbnail should give viewers a glimpse of what they can expect in your video. For example, if your video is a tutorial, consider using an image of the result of a step-by-step process.
Use Text to Tease
While you donât want to overwhelm your thumbnail with text, you can use it to tease the content of your video. Consider using a catchy title or question to pique viewersâ curiosity.
Test and Refine
Donât be afraid to experiment with different thumbnail designs and see what works best for your channel. Pay attention to your analytics to see which thumbnails get the most views and engagement, and use that information to refine your strategy.
Try these tips, and watch your YouTube Shorts thumbnails come to life! Following these simple yet effective tricks, you can create catchy thumbnails to make your videos stand out, draw more eyeballs, and bring those lovely views. Remember to keep it simple, use high-quality images and bright colors, be consistent, and tease your content with text. Happy creating!
FAQs
Can I change my YouTube Shorts thumbnail after Iâve published my video?
Unfortunately, no. You can only change your thumbnail during the upload process. Thatâs why choosing the right thumbnail before you hit publish is essential.
What size should my YouTube Shorts thumbnail be?
The recommended size for YouTube Shorts thumbnails is 1280 x 720 pixels.
Do I need to use text in my YouTube Shorts thumbnail?
While unnecessary, text can help tease your video content and entice viewers to click. Just be sure to keep it simple and easy to read.
Can I use stock images for my YouTube Shorts thumbnails?
Yes, you can use stock images for your thumbnails. Just make sure you have the appropriate license to use them.
How often should I change my YouTube Shorts thumbnail?
Thereâs no hard-and-fast rule for how often you should change your thumbnail, but switching things up occasionally is a good idea to keep your channel looking fresh. Pay attention to your analytics to see which thumbnails get the most views and engagement, and use that information to guide your thumbnail strategy.
Wrap Up
Changing your YouTube Shorts thumbnails is an easy and essential step to make your videos stand out and get more views. Using high-quality images, bright colors, and simple designs, you can create compelling thumbnails that will catch peopleâs attention and entice them to click on your videos. Test and refine your techniques to see what works best for your channel. With these tips, youâll be on your way to creating eye-catching thumbnails that will help your YouTube Shorts videos shine.
Selva Ganesh is a Computer Science Engineer, Android Developer, and Tech Enthusiast. As the Chief Editor of this blog, he brings over 10 years of experience in Android development and professional blogging. He has completed multiple courses under the Google News Initiative, enhancing his expertise in digital journalism and content accuracy. Selva also manages Android Infotech, a globally recognized platform known for its practical, solution-focused articles that help users resolve Android-related issues.
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