How to Add a Thumbnail on YouTube Shorts While Posting from Mobile: A Detailed Guide

Adding a thumbnail to your YouTube Shorts is a crucial step in making your content stand out and attracting more viewers. While YouTube Shorts are designed for mobile viewing, adding a custom thumbnail can significantly increase your video’s click-through rate (CTR). This guide will walk you through the process of adding a thumbnail to your YouTube Shorts using your mobile device.

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1. Prepare Your Thumbnail

Before you start, you need to have a custom thumbnail ready. Here’s how to create an effective thumbnail:

• Resolution: Ensure your thumbnail is 1280×720 pixels. This is the standard size for YouTube thumbnails.
• File Format: Save your thumbnail as a .JPG or .PNG file.
• File Size: Keep your file size under 2MB.
• Design Tips:
  • Use vibrant colors and bold text to catch the viewer’s eye.
  • Include a close-up of a face if possible—thumbnails with faces tend to perform better.
  • Avoid clutter; keep it simple and focused.

You can use tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or PicsArt to design your thumbnail.

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2. Upload Your YouTube Short

1. Open the YouTube App:
   • Launch the YouTube app on your mobile device and ensure you’re logged into your account.
2. Create a Short:
   • Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen and select Create a Short. Record your short video or select a pre-recorded video from your gallery.
3. Edit and Customize:
   • Edit your short as needed using the available tools (text, filters, music, etc.). Once satisfied, tap Next.

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3. Add a Custom Thumbnail

YouTube doesn’t currently allow adding a custom thumbnail directly during the upload of a Short through the mobile app. However, there’s a workaround:

1. Complete the Upload:
   • Continue with the upload process and add your title, description, and other details.
   • Tap Upload Short to post your video.
2. Open YouTube Studio:
   • After uploading, open the YouTube Studio app on your mobile device. You can download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store if you don’t have it installed.
3. Edit Your Short:
   • In YouTube Studio, go to the Content section where you’ll see all your uploaded videos, including Shorts.
   • Find the Short you just uploaded, tap on it, and then tap the pencil icon (Edit).
4. Change Thumbnail:
   • Scroll down to the Thumbnail section and tap on Edit Thumbnail.
   • You’ll be presented with three options:
     • Choose from Video: Select a frame from your Short.
     • Custom Thumbnail: Tap this option to upload your pre-made thumbnail from your device.
   • Select Custom Thumbnail and choose your thumbnail image from your gallery.
5. Save Changes:
   • After selecting your thumbnail, tap Save in the top-right corner.

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4. Final Check

Once your thumbnail is uploaded and saved, it’s essential to ensure that everything looks good:

• Preview: Open your YouTube channel and navigate to your Shorts section. Preview how the thumbnail appears.
• Adjust if Necessary: If something looks off, return to YouTube Studio and adjust the thumbnail or upload a new one.

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5. Best Practices for YouTube Shorts Thumbnails

• Consistency: Keep a consistent style across all your thumbnails to create a recognizable brand identity.
• Text: Use minimal text. The text should be large, bold, and easy to read even on small screens.
• Contrast: Ensure there’s a good contrast between the text and background to make it stand out.

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Conclusion

Adding a custom thumbnail to your YouTube Shorts might require an extra step through YouTube Studio, but it’s well worth the effort. A well-crafted thumbnail can significantly increase your visibility and attract more viewers to your content. By following this detailed guide, you can ensure that your YouTube Shorts stand out in a crowded digital space and drive more engagement to your channel.

Happy creating! 🎬