How to Change The Thumbnail on YouTube? – (Updated)

Wondering about changing your YouTube video thumbnail? But no idea how you can or if there even is a possibility. Thankfully, YouTube does have the option to change the video thumbnail in case you don’t like the previous one, made a mistake, or for any other reason.

YouTube thumbnail is relatively easy to change, and you can learn how to change the thumbnail on YouTube in this article.

Why Change The Thumbnail on YouTube?

For changing YouTube video thumbnails, there can be multiple reasons. Firstly, you made a mistake in your video thumbnail, like too big letters or anything that shouldn’t be in the thumbnail. The second reason for changing the YouTube video thumbnail is that you uploaded the wrong thumbnail, like some other videos. Lastly, reasons for changing thumbnails can be that you don’t like it or you think it isn’t attracting an audience.

YouTube Requirements Before Uploading a Thumbnail

On YouTube, there is a set of rules for everything, and that includes thumbnails. YouTube doesn’t want someone to have a bad experience on the platform, so there are rules to follow.

Before uploading thumbnails, make sure these requirements are met:

Verified Account: If you want to add custom thumbnails to YouTube, you must have a verified account. Otherwise, you cannot.

Thumbnail Size: There is an image recommendation on YouTube, which is that your thumbnail image should be 1280×720 resolution.

File Format: To upload an image for a YouTube thumbnail, the file should be in GIF, JPG, or PNG and under 2 MB.

Aspect Ratio: There is an aspect ratio for YouTube thumbnails, which is 16:9.

How to Change The Thumbnail on YouTube on YouTube Studios (Before Posting)

• Visit YouTube Studio and sign in.
• Click “Create” at the top right-hand side.
• Select “Upload Video” and add a video to upload.
• Under “Thumbnail,” select a recommended thumbnail or make a custom thumbnail by clicking “Upload Thumbnail.”
• Upload your Thumbnail and click “Save.”

After you have posted a video with a thumbnail, you may have to change it because there may be a mistake in it, such as a file corrupted, wrong thumbnail, or change of mind. Below you can find all the information you need for changing thumbnails after posting a YouTube video, whether your device is a Desktop, Android, iPhone, or iPad.

How to Change The Thumbnail on YouTube on the Desktop:

• Visit YouTube.com and log into your account.
• Click on your “Profile Icon.”
• Click “YouTube Studios” from the dropdown menu.
• Click “Content” from menu on the left side.
• Select “Videos.”
• Now, go to the video from which thumbnail you would like to change.
• Click on “Edit.”
• You can now see thumbnails to choose from, and there will also be a “Custom Thumbnail”
• Upload a new thumbnail and click on “Save Changes.”

How to Change The Thumbnail on YouTube on iPhone or iPad

• On your mobile, open the YouTube Studios application.
• Tap “Content” from the menu.
• Select the video on which you wish to change the thumbnail.
• Tap “Edit” and then “Edit Thumbnail.”
• You will have thumbnails to choose from, or you can upload a “Custom Thumbnail.”
• Select the thumbnail you are going to upload and tap “Save.”

How to Change The Thumbnail on YouTube on Android

• On your Android, open the YouTube application.
• Tap “Library,” and then go to “Your Videos.”
• Select the video on which you wish to change the thumbnail.
• Tap “Three Dots” and then “Edit Thumbnail.”
• You will have thumbnails to choose from, or you can upload a “Custom Thumbnail.”
• Confirm your thumbnail and tap “Save.” 

How to Change The Thumbnail on YouTube on Live Broadcasts

• Visit YouTube Studios and sign in.
• Click “Create” at the top right-hand side and click “Go Live.”
• On the “Stream” page, Click “Change Thumbnail.”
• Upload the thumbnail you want.
• After the thumbnail is uploaded, click “Save.”

FAQs:

How many times you can change thumbnails on YouTube?

You can change YouTube video thumbnails as many times as you want.

Is changing thumbnails on YouTube free?

Yes, it is free to change thumbnails on YouTube.

Is there a subscriber requirement for changing thumbnails on YouTube?

There is no subscriber requirement for changing thumbnails on YouTube.

Wrapping Up

Thumbnails are important on YouTube, and you should use the best ones. Like titles on YouTube, video thumbnails also play a huge role in the amount of views you get. The thumbnails attract users to your video by showing them a picture and making them interested in the content. Also, read the What Is YouTube Premium?

So, it is always good for you to use the best thumbnail, and if you ever get it wrong, make a mistake, or don’t like it, you should change it. That is why knowing how to change the thumbnail on YouTube can benefit you, and you can quickly learn how to change the thumbnail on YouTube by following this article.