How to Change a YouTube Shorts Thumbnail
By the Post0 team · Published
Short answer
In the YouTube app, tap the thumbnail on the final upload screen and pick a frame, or later go to Your videos, tap More on the Short, then Edit. To use your own image instead of a frame, open YouTube Studio on a computer; custom Shorts thumbnails need a verified account.
Two kinds of Shorts thumbnail
| Option | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a frame from the video | YouTube app (phone) | Before or after upload. Not available in Studio. |
| Upload a custom image | YouTube Studio on a computer | Account must be verified. 9:16 recommended. |
Pick a frame before you upload (YouTube app)
- Tap Create, then Short, and record or add your video.
- Go to the final upload screen and tap Edit on the thumbnail of your video.
- Drag along the timeline and select the frame you want.
- Tap Done, then upload.
Change it after upload (YouTube app)
- Open the YouTube app and go to your channel, then Your videos.
- Find the Short, tap More (the three dots), then Edit.
- Select a new frame as the thumbnail and tap Done.
YouTube notes that frame thumbnails can only be edited in the YouTube app, not in YouTube Studio.
Upload a custom image (computer)
- Sign in to YouTube Studio on a computer and open Content, then the Shorts tab.
- Open the Short and click the edit icon.
- Under Thumbnail, click Upload file and choose your image. Use a 9:16 vertical image.
- Click Save.
If you do not see the option, verify your account first (YouTube asks for a phone number).
Does the thumbnail matter for Shorts?
In the Shorts feed, viewers see the video itself, not the thumbnail. Thumbnails matter on your channel page, in search and when Shorts are shown in grids. A clear frame with a face or a short title helps there. Keep text in the center so it survives being cropped in different views.
Related
See the right YouTube Shorts size and aspect ratio and how long Shorts can be.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I change my Shorts thumbnail in YouTube Studio?
Picking a frame is only available in the YouTube app. YouTube Studio on a computer lets you upload a custom image instead, if your account is verified.
What size should a Shorts thumbnail be?
YouTube recommends a 9:16 aspect ratio for uploaded Shorts thumbnails.
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