When YouTube started way back in 2005 as a video-sharing platform, no one could have ever thought that this platform would revolutionize and change the world in such a short span of time. YouTube has changed sectors from education to entertainment across the globe and has got people worldwide to showcase their products, brands, and talent to a huge group of people they would not have ever known.
YouTube has made the world a smaller place where you get to know and interact with a huge population and develop personal connections. You do not have to travel to the other part of the world to present your brand or let people know what you are doing. It has all become just a click away.
The platform provides a digital space for you to showcase your talent, be it singing, dancing, cooking, teaching, or any other sphere of life. People from across the globe have access to content that is relevant to their needs and demands. By simply typing your keywords in the search option, you get hundreds of videos matching your requirement. It has also helped to open up the space for new talent.
YouTube has also become a well-known platform to start campaigns and fundraisers. You can now let the truth come out in the world. A video posted about any happening or any situation is accessible to everyone with just a click. Be it the political situation or raising funds for some serious medical issues, it has all become so easy. There is an unlimited supply of movies, series, music shows, and so much more that you can watch in the comfort of your home, and that too free of cost.
YouTube has become the second most used search engine after Google. The YouTube video and content creators are the driving force behind this platform. You tend to post on YouTube with the hope of getting the desired views, likes, and comments. The network access that you get through YouTube is commendable. It has become the world’s largest video-hosting website.
YouTube Shorts is the new way to connect with a wider audience. All you need is a Shorts camera in your YouTube app. Shorts are a short form of videos that can last up to 60 seconds. These bite-sized videos can be easily created by anyone. YouTube Shorts were rolled out by the app in 2021 to counter the popularity of TikTok.
YouTube Shorts can be edited easily, are scrollable endlessly, and also feature readily available and licensed music to add in the background. Viewers can like, comment, share, dislike, and subscribe to the channel after seeing these Shorts. The Shorts stay online like a normal YouTube video.
Understanding YouTube Shorts Thumbnails
We have all come across the term Thumbnail. But what exactly is a thumbnail? The thumbnails added to a video let the audience get a quick snapshot of what the content represents. You can choose thumbnails automatically generated by YouTube, or you may upload on your own once the account is verified. The thumbnails can also be added using the YouTube Studio app from your device.
Why Is Thumbnails Important For YouTube Shorts?
Thumbnails are indeed important because they attract more viewers to the posted content. A well-designed thumbnail will help your YouTube Shorts stand out, beat the competition, and get more views.
Imagine yourself scrolling through YouTube or Instagram feeds. It is these images that attract the attention and will make you watch a video. Generally, it is a thumbnail that grabs the attention first. A custom thumbnail will help your YouTube Shorts have a chance to stand out. Also, while trying to monetize the channel by posting YouTube Shorts, a customized thumbnail will get you more views and clicks on any advertisement.
How Is YouTube Shorts Thumbnails Different From Regular Video Thumbnails?
YouTube Shorts are smaller and vertical videos that come with an aspect ratio of 9:16 and are sized at 1920*1080 pixels. The custom thumbnails for all the YouTube Shorts need to match this requirement.
The Impact Of Selecting The Right Thumbnail For Shorts
You cannot neglect this part of your marketing strategy. Thumbnails are a must to get more views and subscribers. The impact of selecting the right thumbnail can be easily seen with the growth in the viewership, clicks, likes, and shares. What is important is to ensure that you use high-quality resolution for the thumbnail.
The use of some strong visuals makes it eye-catching and appealing. Using bright colors, relevant images, and interesting fonts attracts more audiences. Keep the thumbnail simple so that viewers can easily get to know about the content. This gives a better understanding of your content and will help to grow your online presence manifold. A great thumbnail helps to create a niche and lets you stand out from the rest. An eye-catching and attractive YouTube Shorts thumbnail will surely get you more views.
Reasons Why You Can’t Change The Thumbnail On YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are the current trend for YouTubers. A common problem faced while working with YouTube Shorts is that you can’t change the thumbnail, or the uploaded thumbnail does not show after the upload has finished. This is not the ideal situation because we all know that a strong thumbnail is a must for increasing click-through rates.
The answer is that YouTube has still not allowed Custom thumbnails if you have uploaded more than ten YouTube Shorts. As of now, YouTube is not supporting a custom thumbnail for YouTube Shorts.
YouTube algorithm selects a random frame from the content to be posted as the Shorts thumbnail. Setting a unique thumbnail for YouTube Shorts is not yet possible. You can just set an attention-grabbing title for this short video to influence the audience. Additionally, a custom thumbnail will be displayed in the standard listing but will not work for the Shorts section. This option is still in the hands of the algorithm to choose.
Solutions To Change Thumbnail On YouTube Shorts
There are a few options to change the thumbnails for your YouTube Shorts. One, you can upload from your computer directly, or second, you may use the YouTube Studio app from a smartphone.
Uploading the thumbnail from your computer is simple:
- Sign in to the app and go to the videos page.
- Choose the video where you wish to add the thumbnail.
- Click on the “Edit” tab.
- Choose the “Custom thumbnail” tab from the Thumbnail option.
- Click on “Upload thumbnail” and choose the desired picture.
- Save changes, and you are done.
YouTube Studio app can also be used to do this job. To do so:
- Sign in to the platform and open the YouTube Studio app.
- Go to the “Content” tab.
- Click on the video you wish to add a thumbnail to.
- Click the “Edit” tab.
- Tap on “Thumbnail.”
- Choose the Custom thumbnail option.
- Upload the thumbnail you want to use.
- Save changes, and you are done.
Adding a custom thumbnail to your Shorts is easy. So just get out there to create thumbnails and get the desired views at the earliest!
Creating thumbnails is a great way to get more views. There are some more ways to create your own thumbnails. You can opt for tools available online or use photo editing software to do the same. So get started now!
Don’t forget to follow these tips that will help you create amazing thumbnails:
- Your thumbnail needs to represent the video accurately.
- You might opt to include a small version of the title.
- Use attractive colors to grab attention.
- The use of negative and white space needs to be optimum.
- You may add your brand logo.
- Represent the brand aesthetic through the thumbnail.
Conclusion
To create an attractive and effective thumbnail for your YouTube Shorts, it is important to keep a few things in mind. The image used in a thumbnail must always be high resolution and of high quality to avoid looking pixelated. It is important to use attractive visuals and bright colors to grab the viewer’s attention. The use of text must be clear and simple to make it easy to read.
Creating an impressive thumbnail is essential to get more engagement and views. To create the best thumbnails and enjoy the fruit of your hard work! All the tips mentioned here will let you create an appealing and eye-catching thumbnail to help you stand out and encourage users to scroll through all your YouTube Shorts.
