Adding a custom thumbnail to your video can be a great way to make your content stand out and catch viewers’ attention. The default thumbnail that gets automatically generated from your video may not always be the most eye-catching or informative about what the video is about. With a custom thumbnail, you have full control over the image viewers will see before clicking on your video.
A good custom thumbnail gives viewers a sneak peek into what your video is about in a visually appealing way. It could be an exciting scene, a relevant symbol or graphic, text overlay, or a combination of elements that will pique interest. Custom thumbnails help you brand your videos, connect them to your channel, and boost your overall video clickthrough rate.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about adding custom thumbnails to make your YouTube videos look their best.
What are the thumbnail image requirements?
YouTube has specific requirements for custom thumbnail images that you must follow for the thumbnails to work properly across devices and platforms. Here are the key requirements:
- File format: .JPG, .GIF, or .PNG
- Minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (with a 16:9 aspect ratio)
- Maximum file size of 2MB
- RGB color mode (not CMYK)
Using the right file type, high resolution, and color mode ensures your custom thumbnails are crisp, clear, and display properly everywhere. The 2MB file size limit allows thumbnails to load quickly without slowing things down.
Where do I upload custom thumbnails?
You can upload custom thumbnails when first uploading your video file or after your video is already live and published on YouTube.
Uploading during first video upload:
In the “Basic info” section when uploading your video, you’ll see a spot to upload your thumbnail file. Upload your pre-made custom thumbnail here the same way you upload your video file.
Adding to already published videos:
Go to YouTube Studio and find the video you want to add or change the thumbnail for. Under the video name, description, and metadata, you’ll see a spot to upload and preview your new custom thumbnail. Simply select your JPG, GIF, or PNG file here.
How do I make custom thumbnails?
You can design custom thumbnails using photo editing apps, graphic design software like Photoshop and GIMP, or free online editing tools.
Here are some tips for creating eye-catching thumbnails:
- Choose an interesting, recognizable scene from your video, like an important moment or reveal. This gives viewers a preview.
- Ensure the main subject is in focus and well-lit.
- Use high contrast colors that pop.
- Incorporate text like your channel name or descriptive titles.
- Maintain YouTube’s 16:9 aspect ratio when editing the thumbnail.
Play around with different graphics, arrangements, and text to see what catches your eye the most!
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a simple step-by-step walkthrough on how to add a custom thumbnail to your YouTube videos:
1. Create your thumbnail image
Use photo editing software like Photoshop, GIMP, or an online editor like Canva to create your thumbnail. Follow YouTube’s specifications for file type, resolution, size, and color mode mentioned above.
2. Upload your video file to YouTube
Go to YouTube Studio and select “Upload video” to choose your video file from your computer. Allow time for it to process and load.
3. Click “Add thumbnail”
In the “Basic info” section where your video is uploading, click “Add thumbnail” next to the auto-generated thumbnail preview image.
4. Select your custom thumbnail file
Find and select the custom thumbnail file you made on your computer. Double check that it meets YouTube’s proper image formats and size.
5. Crop and adjust the framing
Once uploaded, you can preview your thumbnail and adjust the cropping and framing as needed. Drag the edges of the crop box inward to get the ideal framing.
6. Click “Save changes”
Once you have your thumbnail looking just right, click “Save changes” to officially update and apply your new custom thumbnail to your video.
And that’s it! Your video will now display your custom thumbnail. You can repeat these steps to change thumbnails anytime.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about custom YouTube thumbnails:
Why does my thumbnail look blurry?
This is likely because your thumbnail image does not meet YouTube’s minimum resolution requirements. Ensure your image is at least 1280 x 720 pixels. Uploading lower resolution images will cause blurriness.
Can I use the same thumbnail across multiple videos?
Yes, you can reuse the same custom thumbnail for different videos if you wish. Many YouTubers reuse thumbnails that are part of their branding. Just be sure each use of the image is contextually relevant to that video.
Does YouTube approve custom thumbnails?
No, YouTube does not manually review or approve custom thumbnails. As long as your thumbnail image meets the technical requirements, you can immediately upload and apply it without waiting for approval. However, YouTube may flag or remove inappropriate, misleading, or spammy thumbnails.
How soon after uploading can I add a custom thumbnail?
You can add a custom thumbnail immediately after uploading your video file while it is still processing. You do not have to wait for processing to complete. Adding it right away ensures your custom thumbnail is visible for the soonest possible views.
Can I add text or effects to my thumbnail?
Yes! Text, logos, graphics, emojis, and other visual effects are great to overlay on your thumbnail image. This adds branding, titles, visual interest, and helps convey what the video is about. Just be sure to follow thumbnail resolution requirements.
VIDEO THUMBNAIL DIMENSIONS
| Thumbnail Type | Minimum Size | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Thumbnail | 1280 x 720 pixels | 16:9 |
| High Resolution Thumbnail | 2560 x 1440 pixels | 16:9 |
| 4K Thumbnail | 3840 x 2160 pixels | 16:9 |
Conclusion
Custom thumbnails give you full creative control to make your YouTube video previews stand out. With the right tools and optimization for YouTube’s specifications, you can quickly design and upload custom thumbnails that will grab attention and visually represent your content. Use colors, text, graphics, and key video scenes to make compelling thumbnails. Arrange and test different versions to determine which thumbnails boost your clickthrough rate the most. Add and update custom thumbnails to improve the branding and discoverability of your YouTube channel.