YouTube Shorts Thumbnail How to Upload Any Custom Image of Choice to Change Thumbnail | Beyond Auto-Generated but External Image
In this guide, you'll learn how to effectively create and upload a custom thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts. While YouTube typically generates thumbnails automatically from your video, there are ways to incorporate your own images to enhance your video's appeal.
Understanding YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Limitations
Initially, many users, including myself, find the auto-generated thumbnails for YouTube Shorts to be unsatisfactory. According to YouTube’s help page, "You can't upload a custom thumbnail for Shorts like you can with long-form videos….Once selected, you can't change the thumbnail after uploading the video." Instead, you can only select a frame from the Short itself. This can be frustrating, especially when the auto-generated options don't represent your content well.
Update: Today, I discovered that YouTube has now enabled changing Shorts Thumbnails after Upload.
Adding YouTube Shorts Custom Thumbnail Method
Common Issues with YouTube Shorts Thumbnails
YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Not Showing: Sometimes, users report that their thumbnails are not appearing correctly. This issue could stem from YouTube's processing or selection of thumbnails.
Can't Change Thumbnail YouTube Shorts: Once a Short is uploaded, you cannot change the thumbnail directly through the app or website.
Change YouTube Short Thumbnail on PC: You can upload your Shorts using the YouTube Studio on a PC, but this does not even provide the option to select one from the auto-generated thumbnails - on YouTube mobile app you get auto-generated thumbnail option.
In the image below, you can observe an example of a poorly auto-generated thumbnail created by YouTube's processing system when I uploaded my short from my computer.
A poorly auto-generated thumbnail for youtube Shorts
A Workaround to Add a Custom Thumbnail
To overcome the limitations of YouTube's thumbnail system, follow this step-by-step guide to create and integrate a custom thumbnail into your Short.
Step 1: Create Your Custom Thumbnail
Design Your Thumbnail: Use graphic design software like Canva or Photoshop to create an engaging thumbnail. Ensure it represents the essence of your video.
Prepare Your Video: Open your video editing software and load your YouTube Shorts video.
YouTube Shorts Custom Thumbnail - Add Thumbnail Segment in a Video Editor
Step 2: Edit the Video
Timeline Adjustment: Select all clips in your Short video and shift them forward on the timeline.
Import Your Thumbnail: Import your custom thumbnail image and place it at the very beginning of the timeline.
Duration Adjustment: Extend the thumbnail’s duration to at least three seconds. This is crucial as it will prompt YouTube to generate it as an option for thumbnail.
Merge Clips: Finally, merge the custom thumbnail with the existing video clips to create one complete file.
Note: If Creating YT Short Video in Canva: To edit your short video in Canva, create an extra page with a brief intro clip at the beginning, include your thumbnail, and set its duration to at least three seconds.
YouTube Shorts Custom Thumbnail Creation in Canva
Step 3: Uploading Your YouTube Short
Transfer Video: Move your edited video from your computer to your mobile device via Bluetooth, a cable, or cloud storage.
Open YouTube Mobile App: Tap the plus icon to start the upload process.
Select Your Video: Choose your newly edited Short from your mobile gallery.
Thumbnail Selection: After adjusting the video duration and other settings, tap the thumbnail edit option at the top right. Your custom thumbnail should now appear among the auto-generated options. Select it and proceed to upload your Short.
Step 4: Final Adjustments (Optional)
If you want to remove the extra thumbnail segment from your video:
Publish: Publish your Short on mobile app.
YouTube Studio: Immediately, access YouTube Studio from your computer, locate your short under "Content," and open it. It should be still in processing. Make it private until the necessary trimming.
Trim the Video: Click the edit button next to your short under the “Shorts” tab. Use the "Editor" tab to trim out the extra thumbnail segment, ensuring your Short maintains its required duration. I produced this YouTube Short using the same technique, and you can notice that its thumbnail is not included in the video itself.
Remove the extra segment of uploaded YouTube Short.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Change YouTube Shorts Thumbnail on Phone After Posting?
Unfortunately, you cannot change the thumbnail of an uploaded Short on a mobile device. You must edit the video and re-upload it.
How to Change YouTube Shorts Thumbnail on PC?
Similar to mobile, you cannot directly change the thumbnail after uploading. Instead, create a new video with your desired thumbnail and upload it.
How to Change YouTube Shorts Thumbnail on iPhone or Android?
The process is the same across both platforms: you cannot change the thumbnail after the Short is uploaded. You need to create a new video with your custom thumbnail, by following above-mentioned method.
Can I Upload a Custom Thumbnail for YouTube Shorts?
Currently, YouTube does not allow uploading custom thumbnails for Shorts like it does for regular videos. You can only select from auto-generated options unless you use the workaround mentioned above.
What Should I Do If My YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Is Not Showing?
If your thumbnail is not showing, ensure that YouTube has fully processed your video. If the problem persists, consider re-uploading the video with a custom thumbnail using the steps outlined.
By following the steps in this guide, you can effectively enhance your YouTube Shorts with a custom thumbnail, making your content stand out and attract more viewers. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! Don't forget to subscribe to the Dozro channel for more tips and tricks.
More Resources
If you appreciate the valuable free content, you can choose to Support Dozro with a small contribution.
Check Dozro Price for Creation of YouTube channel banner, Brand Logo, and Small Business Website.
Check our Expert Guide about the Facebook Cover Size.
Learn How to Choose the Right Size and Dimensions for a Facebook Cover Photo.
👉️ Check Dozro Price for Creation of Facebook Cover, Brand Logo, Clickable Business Card, and Small Business Website.
Discover the Comprehensive Valuables Collection by Dozro.
Must-Have Software Suggestions for Everyone in the Online Realm.
Discover Dozro Services or check out the Home page of our website for additional learning resources.
Be sure to check out Dozro's social media platforms, including our YouTube channel and Facebook page.
