Great thumbnails are like eye-catching headlines for your YouTube Shorts – they grab attention and make people want to click. They can seriously boost your views! But how do you actually set a thumbnail for a Short? We’ll break it down for you step-by-step, including the perfect size for YouTube so your thumbnail looks sharp.
Step 1: Create or Choose a Thumbnail
You can only change the thumbnail of the YouTube Shorts once you have a new one with you. You create one through a YouTube Thumbnail Editor or choose a frame from the video you are uploading.
Size of a YouTube Thumbnail Frame
How big is a YouTube thumbnail? For your thumbnail to look sharp on any phone or computer, aim for a size around 1280 by 720 pixels wide. A good rule of thumb is at least 640 pixels wide. Keep it under 2MB, so it loads quickly.
Step 2: Upload Your Video
Once your thumbnail is ready, upload your YouTube Short through the YouTube app or website. During the upload process, you’ll have the opportunity to add a title, description, tags, and other details about your video.
Step 3: Access YouTube Studio
Once you are done, go to YouTube Studio and change the thumbnail of the video that you just uploaded. YouTube Studio is a very effective instrument that helps to control channels, make amendments, or analyze study results. To access YouTube Studio, go to the YouTube homepage and click on the profile picture in the upper right corner before choosing YouTube Studio from the drop-down list. Now, go to the Content section on the left-side panel of YouTube Studio.
Step 4: Select Your Video
In the “Content” tab, you’ll see a list of all your uploaded videos, including your YouTube Shorts. Find the video for which you want to change the thumbnail and click on the title or the pencil icon to edit it.
Step 5: Change the Thumbnail
Now that you’re on the video details page changing the thumbnail is time.
Scroll down to the “Thumbnail” section. You will see a few auto-generated thumbnail options provided by YouTube. To upload your custom thumbnail, click the “Upload Thumbnail” button. Select the thumbnail image you created using the YouTube Thumbnail Editor and upload it.
Step 6: Save Your Changes
After creating your thumbnail, upload your Short on YouTube.
Tips for Creating Effective YouTube Shorts Thumbnails
Use High-Quality Images: Smeared or pixelated views can chase the viewers away. Ensure your thumbnail is clear and in high resolution so that when a user arrives, it entices them to stay.
Include Text and Graphics: Incorporating words or lines of graphics into the video can contribute to quickly communicating the contents or message of the video. Use bold, easy-to-read fonts.
Maintain Consistency: Make your thumbnails recognizable immediately. Ensure consistency with the style, colors, and any form of branding.
Highlight Key Elements: Contrast the thumbnail, and by highlighting the objects, such as the button, it guides the user’s attention to it.
Conclusion
Changing the thumbnail in your YouTube Shorts is easy, yet it plays a significant role in the video’s performance. With the help of YouTube Thumbnail Editor and the instructions described in this article, you can make captivating thumbnails for your videos and attract more attention.
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