Uploading a custom thumbnail image for your YouTube video can be a great way to make your content stand out in search results and entice viewers to click. However, many creators wonder if it’s possible to change or add a custom thumbnail after their video has already been uploaded. The good news is – yes, you can add or change a video thumbnail even after uploading your video to YouTube.
Why Use Custom Thumbnails?
Using a high-quality, eye-catching custom thumbnail is a best practice for YouTube success for several reasons:
- Custom thumbnails help viewers recognize your content more easily in search results, browse features, and suggested videos.
- An appealing thumbnail that represents your content well will get more clicks and views.
- Custom thumbnails allow you to brand your channel and videos for stronger discovery.
- You can align your thumbnails with your channel art for consistency.
- The default thumbnail YouTube selects may not always highlight the best moment.
Because custom thumbnails are so beneficial, you’ll want the ability to add or change them even after uploading. Luckily, YouTube’s platform allows just that.
Adding a Thumbnail After Uploading
There are a couple different ways to add a custom thumbnail after your video already has been uploaded to YouTube:
Method 1: Using the YouTube Studio Dashboard
The easiest way is directly within your YouTube Studio creator dashboard and video manager:
- Go to YouTube Studio and click on “Content” in the left menu.
- Find the video you want to add or change the thumbnail for in the content list.
- Hover over the video thumbnail and click the camera icon that appears.
- In the sidebar that opens, click “Add thumbnail” and select your thumbnail image file from your computer.
- Click “Select” once you’ve chosen your thumbnail.
- Click “Done” to finish and save your new thumbnail.
The new custom thumbnail will now be set for that video.
Method 2: Using the YouTube Video Manager
You can also add or change thumbnails through the YouTube Video Manager:
- Go to youtube.com/my_videos in your browser while logged into your YouTube account.
- Find the video you want to edit the thumbnail for in the video list.
- Check the box next to the video title to select it.
- Click the “Edit” button above the video list.
- Click the “Thumbnails” tab in the video details section that opens.
- Click the “Add thumbnail” button and select your image file.
- Click “Save changes” to save your new thumbnail.
This will overwrite the previous thumbnail with your new custom image.
Thumbnail Size and Format Requirements
When uploading your own custom thumbnail image, it’s important to follow YouTube’s recommended specifications:
- JPEG or PNG format – JPEG is recommended for faster loading
- Aspect ratio of 16:9
- Minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels
- Ideal size of 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Maximum file size of 2 MB
Matching the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and at least 720p resolution will ensure your thumbnail appears crisply on all devices. Using the ideal 1080p size will make your thumbnails look especially sharp.
YouTube recommends the JPEG format for faster loading. Make sure to save your thumbnail image with a file size under 2 MB so it can upload quickly and won’t cause lag.
Tips for Creating Effective Thumbnails
Simply meeting the size requirements doesn’t guarantee an effective thumbnail. To maximize clicks and viewership, keep these thumbnail design tips in mind:
- Incorporate vibrant colors that pop
- Use high-contrast elements
- Include recognizable imagery from your video
- Display engaging text to highlight your topic
- Add effects like drop shadows for a polished look
- Place key elements near the center
- Avoid cluttering the design
- Make sure text is readable at small sizes
Study what thumbnails are working well in your niche for inspiration. A/B test different versions to see which thumbnails perform best.
Other Benefits of Editing Thumbnails Later
In addition to simply uploading a missing custom thumbnail after the fact, there are a few other reasons you may want to change your existing video thumbnail down the road:
- Relevance: You can update the thumbnail image to reflect new video content if you added updates.
- Branding: Refresh old thumbnails to match a new channel art style or branding.
- Performance: Try a new thumbnail style if the current one isn’t generating enough clicks.
- Holidays: Temporarily update your thumbnail with holiday imagery when relevant.
So feel free to experiment with different thumbnails over time to maximize the relevance and viewership of your videos.
Can I Delete My Custom Thumbnail Entirely?
What if you want to revert to the original auto-generated thumbnail YouTube selected? You can easily delete your custom thumbnail like this:
- Go to YouTube Studio or Video Manager and access your video details.
- Click on the “Thumbnails” tab.
- Click the trash can icon on your current custom thumbnail to remove it.
- Save your changes. This will reinstate the original thumbnail.
You’ll then see the default thumbnail selected by YouTube based on your video content.
Conclusion
Adding or modifying custom video thumbnails is an option available even after uploading your videos to YouTube. Take advantage of this flexibility to ensure your old and new videos always have appealing thumbnails that maximize viewership and reflect updated content or branding. With the proper thumbnail resolution, format, design, and display of important video elements, you can create effective thumbnails sure to attract clicks.