How to Add a Thumbnail to YouTube Shorts

by Sebastian Voppmann

01.) Uploading Your YouTube Short

To effectively add a custom thumbnail to your YouTube Shorts, you must first upload the Short to the platform. This feature plays a significant role in capturing viewers’ attention on the Shorts shelf and encouraging clicks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get it right:

Access the Upload Feature: Begin by opening the YouTube app on your smartphone or navigating to YouTube on your desktop. Look for the plus button, usually located at the bottom of the screen on the mobile app or at the top-right corner of the desktop interface. Click this button to start the upload process.
Select “Upload a Video”: Once you click the plus button, a menu will appear with various options. Choose “Upload a video” from this menu. This will take you to your device’s media library where you can select the video you want to use as your Short.
Choose Your Video: Navigate through your media library to locate the video you want to upload. Ensure that it meets YouTube’s requirements for Shorts, such as being less than 60 seconds long and having a vertical aspect ratio (9:16). Select the video to proceed.
Set Video Details: After selecting the video, you will be prompted to enter details such as the title and description. Take this opportunity to craft a compelling title that accurately reflects the content of your Short. The title should be engaging and include relevant keywords to help it reach your target audience.
Preview and Adjust: Before finalizing the upload, review the video details and ensure everything is accurate. This is also the stage where you will encounter the option to set your custom thumbnail. If you proceed without setting a thumbnail, you will not be able to change it once the Short is live.
Finalize Upload: Once you’ve confirmed that all details are correct and your thumbnail is set, you can proceed to upload your Short. Click the “Upload Short” button to complete the process. Your video will then be processed and made available on YouTube’s Shorts shelf.

By following these steps, you ensure that your YouTube Short is not only uploaded correctly but also stands out with a custom thumbnail that attracts viewers and enhances engagement.

02.) Navigating the Upload Process

After selecting your video, you will move through the upload process, which involves several key steps to ensure your Short is set up correctly and effectively. Here’s a detailed look at each stage:

Title Your Short: The first step in the upload process is to enter a title for your Short. This field is crucial as it provides viewers with a glimpse of the content and helps in searchability. Make sure your title is concise, engaging, and includes relevant keywords that describe the content of your Short. Aim for a title that captures attention and encourages clicks, while also staying within the character limit imposed by YouTube.
Add a Description: Following the title, you will be prompted to add a description. This is where you can provide additional context about your Short. Use this space to elaborate on what viewers can expect, include any relevant hashtags, and provide links or calls to action if applicable. Although descriptions for Shorts are often shorter than those for standard videos, a well-crafted description can enhance visibility and engagement.
Select a Thumbnail (if applicable): If you have access to the custom thumbnail feature, you will see an option to select or adjust the thumbnail at this stage. Click on the pencil icon in the top left-hand corner to enter the thumbnail selection mode. If you do not have this option, it means the feature is not yet available to you, and the thumbnail will be automatically generated from your video.
Set Visibility and Other Settings: Determine the visibility of your Short by choosing between Public, Unlisted, or Private. Public means anyone can view your Short; Unlisted means only those with the link can view it; and Private means only you and selected users can view it. Additionally, you may have the option to schedule your Short for future publication, which can be useful for timing your content release.
Review and Confirm: Before finalizing the upload, take a moment to review all the details you’ve entered. Check the title, description, visibility settings, and thumbnail selection. Ensure everything is accurate and as intended. This is also the time to make any necessary adjustments to ensure your Short meets your expectations and YouTube’s guidelines.
Complete the Upload: Once you have reviewed all the details and are satisfied with the settings, proceed to complete the upload. Click the “Upload Short” button to finalize the process. Your video will be processed and made available on the Shorts shelf once the upload is complete.

By carefully navigating each step of the upload process, you ensure that your YouTube Short is presented in the best possible way, enhancing its potential to attract viewers and engage your audience effectively.

03.) Accessing the Thumbnail Feature

To utilize the custom thumbnail feature for your YouTube Shorts, you need to navigate through a specific process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to access and use this feature:

Locate the Pencil Icon: After selecting your video and moving through the upload process, look at the top left-hand corner of the screen. You should see a pencil icon, which is used for editing. This icon signifies that you have options to adjust settings for your Short, including the thumbnail.
Check Feature Availability: It is important to note that this feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be available to all users immediately. If you do not see the pencil icon or the thumbnail customization option, it might not yet be available in your region or account. Keep checking back, as YouTube frequently updates its features.
Click the Pencil Icon: If the pencil icon is visible, click on it to enter the editing mode. This action will open a new interface where you can manage various aspects of your Short, including setting a custom thumbnail.
Choose Your Thumbnail: Once in the editing mode, you will be able to scrub through your video to select the best frame for your thumbnail. YouTube allows you to choose a frame from the video itself. Scroll through the video timeline and pause at the moment you believe will best capture viewers’ interest. This frame will serve as the thumbnail that appears on the Shorts shelf.
Preview and Adjust: After selecting a frame, you may have the option to adjust the position or crop the thumbnail to better fit the dimensions required by YouTube. Preview the chosen thumbnail to ensure it looks good and effectively represents your Short.
Save Your Changes: Once you are satisfied with your thumbnail selection, confirm and save your changes. Click on the “Done” button or equivalent option to apply the custom thumbnail to your Short. This will update the thumbnail that appears on the Shorts shelf, helping to attract viewers and enhance the visibility of your video.

By following these steps, you can effectively access and use the custom thumbnail feature, providing your YouTube Shorts with a visually appealing and engaging cover image.

04.) Selecting the Perfect Thumbnail

Once you’ve entered the thumbnail editing mode, selecting the perfect frame for your YouTube Short is crucial for attracting viewers. Here’s how to ensure you choose the most compelling and effective thumbnail:

Scrub Through Your Video: Use the video scrubber or timeline to navigate through different frames of your Short. Move the playhead to examine various moments in your video. This process allows you to view each frame and choose the one that best represents your content.
Identify Key Moments: Look for frames that capture the essence of your Short. The thumbnail should ideally showcase a key moment that conveys the theme or message of the video. For example, if your Short features a funny or dramatic scene, selecting a frame from that moment can entice viewers to click on the video.
Focus on Visual Appeal: Choose a frame that is visually appealing and stands out. High-quality, vibrant, and well-lit frames generally attract more attention. Consider frames with expressive faces, dynamic actions, or interesting visuals. A frame that includes bright colors or engaging facial expressions can make your Short more clickable.
Consider Thumbnail Dimensions: Ensure that the selected frame fits well within YouTube’s thumbnail dimensions. Thumbnails for Shorts are displayed in a vertical format, so choose a frame that looks good when cropped to this aspect ratio. Avoid frames with too much empty space or that are difficult to view at smaller sizes.
Evaluate Thumbnails in Context: If possible, preview the selected thumbnail in the context of how it will appear on the Shorts shelf. This helps to ensure that it will be effective in drawing attention among other Shorts. A good thumbnail should be distinctive and help your Short stand out in a crowded feed.
Apply and Save: Once you’ve identified the ideal frame, finalize your choice by clicking the “Done” button or equivalent option. This action will set the selected frame as your custom thumbnail. Make sure to save your changes to ensure the thumbnail is updated for your Short.

By carefully selecting and setting the perfect thumbnail, you enhance the visual appeal of your YouTube Short, which can significantly impact viewer engagement and click-through rates.

05.) Current Limitations

As of now, there are some important limitations regarding the custom thumbnail feature for YouTube Shorts:

Smartphone-Only Feature: The ability to customize thumbnails for YouTube Shorts is currently limited to smartphone devices. This means that if you are using a mobile app to upload your Shorts, you will have access to the feature. You will find the option to set a custom thumbnail in the thumbnail editing mode, as described in the previous sections.
Desktop Restrictions: If you are uploading your Short from a desktop computer, you will not have the option to select a custom thumbnail. Instead, you will see a message indicating, “For now, you can’t change the thumbnail on your Short.” This means that desktop users will have to rely on automatically generated thumbnails, which are chosen based on the content of the video and may not always be ideal.
Feature Rollout: The custom thumbnail feature is gradually being rolled out and may not be available to all users immediately. YouTube often introduces new features incrementally, so it might take some time before the feature becomes accessible to everyone. Keep an eye on updates and announcements from YouTube for any changes to the availability of this feature.
Potential Future Updates: YouTube frequently updates its platform and features. The limitations on thumbnail customization may be addressed in future updates. It is advisable to regularly check for new features or changes that might allow desktop users to also customize thumbnails or expand access to additional users.

Stay informed about feature updates to ensure you can make the most of YouTube’s tools for enhancing your Shorts.

About Sebastian Voppmann

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Digital Business Development & Video Marketing

Sebastian Voppmann has been involved in online marketing since 2008. He has worked in online marketing for renowned companies such as AutoScout24, Siemens, Infineon, and Bet3000, as well as founded his own online businesses, such as Premium Life GmbH. In 2015, he specialized in video marketing on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram because these platforms can quickly reach millions of viewers, even without large advertising budgets.