Add video thumbnails on YouTube

Video thumbnails let viewers meet a quick snapshot of your video equally they're browsing YouTube. Later your video is finished uploading, y'all can choose a thumbnail from the three options YouTube automatically generates, or upload your ain if your account is verified.

Add or change a video thumbnail

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, select Content.
  3. Select a video past clicking its thumbnail.
  4. Choose an auto-generated thumbnail and select Salve.

Note: It may take time for your thumbnail changes to appear on YouTube.

Create a custom video thumbnail

To upload custom thumbnails on YouTube, you must accept a verified business relationship.

New videos

Uploaded videos

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, select Content.
  3. Select a video past clicking its thumbnail.
  4. Nether "Thumbnail", select Upload thumbnail.
  5. Choose the file you'd like to utilize every bit your custom thumbnail.
  6. Select Save.

Once y'all've added a custom thumbnail, point to information technology and click More  to download or edit the thumbnail.

Lookout how to add a custom video thumbnail

Sentry the following video from the YouTube Creators channel if you'd like a tutorial on how to add a custom video thumbnail on YouTube.

How to Add Custom Thumbnails to Your YouTube Videos

Custom thumbnail best practices

Image size & resolution

Your custom thumbnail epitome should be as big equally possible. It will be used as the preview image in the embedded thespian. We recommend your custom thumbnails:

  • Have a resolution of 1280x720 (with minimum width of 640 pixels).
  • Be uploaded in image formats such as JPG, GIF, or PNG.
  • Remain under the 2MB limit.
  • Endeavor to utilise a 16:9 aspect ratio as it's the most used in YouTube players and previews.

Thumbnail policies

All custom thumbnail images must follow our Community Guidelines. Your thumbnails may exist rejected and a strike on your business relationship when it contains:

  • Nudity or sexually provocative content
  • Hate Oral communication
  • Violence
  • Harmful or unsafe content

If a strike is issued, y'all'll get an email and see an alert in your Channel Settings the next time y'all sign in to YouTube. You lot can appeal the strike if y'all recollect your thumbnails don't violate the YouTube Community Guidelines. If your appeal is approved and you oasis't already replaced the thumbnail, nosotros may restore it.

Custom thumbnail limits

There's a limit to how many custom thumbnails a channel tin can upload each 24-hour interval. If you get an mistake saying "Daily custom thumbnail limit reached" when trying to upload a thumbnail, try again in 24 hours.

Limits may vary by state/region or channel history. Copyright strikes may impact channel history eligibility. Community Guidelines strikes will bear on how many custom thumbnails you can upload.

Why are my custom thumbnails turned off?

YouTube may plough off custom thumbnails for certain search results when they're considered inappropriate for viewers.

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