When facing issues with YouTube Shorts thumbnail, the first step is to ensure you’re using the latest version of the YouTube app.
If the issue persists, try clearing your app’s cache and data. If the problem remains, it might be a server-side issue. In this case, reporting the issue to YouTube could be helpful.
YouTube Shorts automatically selects the thumbnail from the first frame of the video. Make sure your first frame is representative of your content.
Does YouTube Shorts Support Thumbnails?
Yes, YouTube Shorts supports using custom thumbnails. However, you must be a verified channel to upload custom thumbnails.
To add a thu viewersmbnail, select “Upload Thumbnail” from the video if it has been uploaded or edited. Once your thumbnail is uploaded,
YouTube Shorts will use that as the video’s thumbnail instead of automatically selecting one from the first frame. This will help ensure that your video is represented in a way that accurately reflects its content.
Remember that YouTube Shorts thumbnail images must be at least 640 x 360 pixels and less than 2 MB.
Why Do I Have YouTube Short Thumbnail Problems?
There could be several reasons if you are experiencing problems with your YouTube Shorts thumbnails. Here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
Update Your App
Make sure you are using the latest version of the YouTube app. Sometimes, outdated versions of the app may have bugs that cause these issues. Check your device’s app store to ensure you have the latest update installed.
The Video is Too short.
YouTube Shorts may need help selecting an appropriate thumbnail if your video is longer. If the video is shorter than 15 seconds, consider adding a few more frames of footage to make it easier for YouTube Shorts to select the right thumbnail.
Slow Internet Connection.
A slow internet connection may also cause YouTube Shorts thumbnail problems. Ensure your device is connected to a stable and fast internet connection before uploading thumbnails.
Try Again.
If all else fails, try uploading the thumbnail again. Sometimes, it takes multiple tries before YouTube Shorts can process the image and use it as the video’s thumbnail.
Make sure to wait a few minutes after each attempt for YouTube Shorts to complete processing before trying again.
Clear Cache and Data.
If the app is updated, but the problem persists, try clearing the cache and data for the YouTube app in your device’s settings. This often resolves minor glitches that might be causing the problem.
Technical Issue.
If none of the above steps work, there may be a technical issue causing YouTube Shorts to be unable to process thumbnails correctly. Contact customer service and explain the problem in detail for further assistance.
Video format not supported.
If your video is in a format not supported by YouTube Shorts, you’ll be unable to upload it. You can find out which formats are supported by visiting YouTube’s support page.
If your video is not in one of those formats, you must convert it before uploading it on YouTube Shorts.
Timeouts.
If you’re getting timeouts while trying to upload your video, it might be because of a poor network connection. Ensure your device is connected to a stable and reliable internet connection before attempting the upload again.
If the problem persists, try switching between WiFi networks for better results.
Additional.
Using Custom Thumbnails.
If you want to upload your custom thumbnail instead of letting YouTube Shorts select one for you, make sure it meets YouTube’s formatting requirements.
The image should be a minimum of 1280 x 720 pixels and a maximum file size of 2MB. It must also be in either .jpg, .png, or .gif format.
Once your custom thumbnail is ready, upload it manually when adding the video to YouTube Shorts.
Check the First Frame.
Remember, YouTube Shorts automatically selects the thumbnail from the first frame of your video. Ensure that your first frame is visually appealing and representative of your content.
Server-Side Issues.
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, it might be a problem on YouTube’s end. In such cases, it’s best to report the issue to YouTube through its support platform.
Timeouts.
If you’re getting timeouts while trying to upload your video, it might be because of a poor network connection. Ensure your device is connected to a stable and reliable internet connection before attempting the upload again.
If the problem persists, try switching between WiFi networks for better results.
Verify Your Channel
Lastly, if you want to upload a custom thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts video, you must have a verified channel. If your channel still needs to be verified, follow the steps YouTube provides to verify it.
After verification, you can upload custom thumbnails for your Shorts videos.
Bonus.
Have you spent so much time editing your YouTube videos? Don’t worry! We also added some of the best apps for YouTube video editing. These apps help to edit your video faster and quicker.
How To Fix YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Problem
When encountering issues with YouTube Shorts thumbnails, there are several steps you can take to address the problem.
- Ensure Thumbnail is in Correct Format: First, ensure your custom thumbnail is in acceptable format. This should be a .jpg, .png, or .gif file.
- Check the First Frame: YouTube Shorts will automatically utilize the first frame of your video as the thumbnail. Make sure this frame is visually stimulating and representative of the content in the video.
- Address Server-Side Issues: If the problem persists after the above steps, it may be an issue with YouTube. Reporting the problem to YouTube through their support platform is recommended.
Unsupported Video Formats.
If your video is in a format that YouTube Shorts does not support, you will be unable to upload the video. To determine what formats are supported, visit YouTube’s support page. If your video is in a format not supported, it will need to be converted to a supported format before uploading.
Network Connection Issues.
Timeouts during upload may be due to an unstable network connection. Ensure your device is connected to a reliable internet connection before uploading. If the problem continues, try switching to a different WiFi network for improved results.
Channel Verification.
Your channel must be verified to upload a custom thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts video. If your channel still needs to be verified, follow YouTube’s provided steps for verification. Once your channel is verified, you can upload custom thumbnails for your Shorts videos without issue.
Changing The Thumbnail Of YouTube Shorts After Upload.
To change the thumbnail of a YouTube Shorts video after it has already been uploaded, follow the steps outlined below. This will help you ensure your video is visually appealing and accurately represents your content.
Go to YouTube Studio
The first step is to navigate to YouTube Studio. This can be accessed by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner of the YouTube homepage and selecting ‘YouTube Studio’ from the dropdown menu.
Select ‘Content’
Once in YouTube Studio, locate the ‘Content’ tab on the left side of the page. Clicking this will take you to a page displaying all your uploaded videos.
Locate the Video
Find the YouTube Shorts video you wish to change the thumbnail for among your uploaded content.
Choose ‘Edit Video’
In the list of your uploaded videos, hover over the Shorts video you wish to change the thumbnail for. A pencil icon will appear, signifying the ‘Edit Video’ option. Click on this pencil icon. This will lead you to a new page where you can change your video, including the title, description, and thumbnail image.
Access the ‘Thumbnail’ Section
In the video details, find the ‘Thumbnail’ section. This can usually be found below the video preview and above the video title input box.
Upload New Thumbnail
Click the ‘Upload thumbnail’ button in the’ Thumbnail’ section. This will prompt you to select a new thumbnail from your computer files. Remember that the thumbnail should be in .jpg, .png, or .gif format.
Save Changes
After selecting your new thumbnail, click the ‘Save’ button in the top right corner of the page. This will apply the new thumbnail to your YouTube Shorts video.
Always check the first frame of your video, as YouTube Shorts will automatically utilize it as the thumbnail. If you cannot upload a custom thumbnail, verify your channel. If the problem persists, it may be an issue with YouTube itself. In this case, reporting the problem through their support platform is recommended.
Conclusion
Addressing the YouTube Shorts thumbnail changing is a relatively straightforward process. It involves navigating your uploaded content, selecting the desired video, and proceeding to the ‘Edit Video‘ option.
You can locate the ‘Thumbnail’ section within the video details to upload your new thumbnail from your computer files.
To save the changes, always verify the first frame of your video. If the issue remains unresolved, it’s advisable to contact YouTube’s support platform.
Faqs.
There could be several causes for your thumbnail not appearing. It could be due to a slow internet connection, a problem with YouTube’s servers, or your channel isn’t verified. Ensure your image is in the correct format (.jpg, .png, or .gif) and that the first frame of your video (which YouTube Shorts automatically uses as the thumbnail) is clear.
This can occur for several reasons, including lack of interest in the content, poor video quality, or weak metadata (title, description, tags). It could also be due to YouTube’s algorithm needing to pick up your video. To increase views, optimize your metadata, improve your content quality, and promote your video on other platforms.
A decrease in views can occur if YouTube’s algorithm flags the views as spam or deceptive. Also, if viewers skip the video before watching a significant portion, YouTube may reduce its recommendation, decreasing views.
To increase views, make sure your content is engaging and high-quality. Optimize your metadata with relevant keywords, use an eye-catching thumbnail, and promote your video across social media platforms. Engage with your viewers by responding to comments and consistently uploading new content to keep your audience engaged.
