Thumbnails play a key role in grabbing viewers’ attention on YouTube, even for Shorts. However, changing the thumbnail for YouTube Shorts works differently compared to regular videos.
Many creators wonder whether it’s possible to change or set a custom thumbnail using a computer — but this option is limited to the YouTube mobile app.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to change the thumbnail of your YouTube Shorts easily using your smartphone, along with important tips and limitations to keep in mind.
Can I Change The Thumbnail on YouTube Short Using Computer
No, you cannot change the thumbnail of a YouTube Short using a computer. If you go to YouTube Studio > Content > Shorts on your computer and select the Short you want to edit by clicking the “Edit” option under its title, a new page will open where you can change the Short’s title, description, and other details.
However, if you scroll further down, you will see a notification that says:
“You can change the thumbnail on the YouTube mobile app.”
This means that to change the thumbnail of a YouTube Short, you must use the YouTube mobile app — the option is not available on the desktop or computer version.
Change Thumbnail on YouTube Short Using Youtube Mobile App
Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
Under your name, tap on “View Channel”. This will open your channel’s homepage.
Click on the Shorts section on your channel.
Find the Short for which you want to change the thumbnail.
On the top right corner of that Short video, tap the three dots.
A menu will appear — tap on “Edit” (pencil icon).
The editing page will open. Here you can edit the title, description, and other details of the Short.
Along with the title box, you will see a preview of your Short video.
On the corner of this preview, there will be a pencil icon — tap on it.
From there, you can change or upload a new thumbnail for your Short.
After selecting the thumbnail, tap “Save” to apply the changes.
Can You Choose a Thumbnail for YouTube Shorts?
Yes, you can choose a thumbnail for YouTube Shorts. After uploading your Short using the YouTube mobile app, you can either select a frame from the video or upload a custom thumbnail.
You can also customize the thumbnail with text, filters, or effects if needed. However, this feature is currently only available on the mobile app, not on the desktop version.
Is it Worth Making Thumbnails For YouTube Shorts?
Yes, creating custom thumbnails for YouTube Shorts is absolutely worth it, especially if you want to maximize visibility and attract more viewers.
Although Shorts are often discovered through vertical feeds where thumbnails might not always appear, they are still visible in several key places — such as search results, channel pages, and the Shorts tab — where an eye-catching thumbnail can make a big difference.
A well-designed thumbnail serves as the first impression of your content, offering potential viewers a quick and engaging preview of what your Short is about.
This visual cue can drive curiosity, encourage clicks, and increase watch rates, helping your Shorts stand out in the highly competitive YouTube environment.
In short, investing time in creating attractive and relevant thumbnails can contribute to better reach and viewer engagement over time.
Do Thumbnails Increase YouTube Views?
Yes, thumbnails significantly impact YouTube views. A strong, visually appealing thumbnail grabs attention, encourages curiosity, and entices viewers to click on your video over others. Since thumbnails are often the first thing users see, they directly influence a video’s click-through rate (CTR).
A well-designed thumbnail can boost visibility, attract a wider audience, and ultimately lead to more views and higher engagement on your channel.
Also Read
How to add description to YouTube Shorts
How to delete a Short on YouTube
How to change title of video on YouTube
Conclusion
Thumbnails are a powerful tool to boost the visibility and engagement of your YouTube Shorts. While changing thumbnails through a computer isn’t possible, the YouTube mobile app offers an easy way to select or upload custom thumbnails.
A well-crafted thumbnail not only captures attention but also improves your content’s click-through rate and overall performance. Taking time to create eye-catching, relevant thumbnails can help your Shorts stand out in a crowded feed and drive more views to your channel.
