How to Change Your YouTube Thumbnail

By / June 26, 2024

If you’re looking to refresh the visual appeal of your YouTube videos, changing the thumbnail is a great start. Whether on a desktop or a mobile device, the process is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

Desktop Users 

  1. Access YouTube Creator Studio: Sign in at youtube.com with your Google account, click the “Create” button, and select “YouTube Studio” from the dropdown.
  2. Choose Your Video: In the dashboard, click the “Content” tab and pick the video you want to update.
  3. Open Video Settings: Click the three vertical dots next to your video’s title and select “Edit”.
  4. Adjust the Thumbnail: Scroll to the “Thumbnail” section and press “Upload thumbnail” to choose a new image file from your computer.
  5. Save Your Changes: Confirm your new thumbnail by clicking “Save”.

Mobile Users

  1. Launch YouTube Studio App: Open the app on your mobile device.
  2. Select Your Video: Tap the desired video.
  3. Edit Video Details: Tap the three horizontal lines next to the video title and choose “Edit”.
  4. Edit Thumbnail: Tap “Edit thumbnail”, choose one of the auto-generated thumbnails or upload your own.
  5. Confirm Your Selection: Tap “Save” to update your video.

Note: Thumbnails can only be changed after a video has been uploaded. For pre-upload changes, consider using third-party video editing software.

Enhancing Your Thumbnail

Here are additional tips to ensure your thumbnail stands out:

  • Quality and Relevance: Choose a high-quality image that represents the video content.
  • Utilize Design Tools: Consider using tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud to add custom text and graphics.
  • Keep It Simple: Use clean designs with contrasting colors to ensure readability and attract viewers.
  • Experiment: Try different designs to see which resonates best with your audience.

Final Touch

Changing your YouTube thumbnail can significantly affect your video’s first impression. Remember to adhere to YouTube’s guidelines to ensure your thumbnails remain effective and engaging. Regular updates to your thumbnails can help attract new viewers and keep your content feeling fresh.

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