Your video is ready, but it still needs a thumbnail. You can build one from a template, a photograph, or a captured video frame. Start with the right dimensions, customize it in Canva, then add the finished image in YouTube Studio.
Start with the right image size
The wrong file format or an oversized image prevents your thumbnail from meeting YouTube’s upload requirements.
Set your regular video design to 3840 × 2160 pixels, YouTube’s recommended resolution. For Shorts artwork, use 2160 × 3840 pixels.
Choose a photograph, artwork, or captured video frame as your starting image.
Use Canva or Adobe Express to add text and arrange the layout.
Save the finished image as JPG or PNG. Keep desktop uploads below 50 MB and regular video thumbnails within the 2 MB limit on mobile.
Make your thumbnail in Canva
Canva offers templates on computers and phones, with free and paid assets; size, quality, and compression controls depend on your plan.
- 1.Search Canva for YouTube Thumbnail and select a template.
- 2.Replace its pictures with your photograph, artwork, or captured video frame.
- 3.Replace the sample text and adjust the layout to suit your video.
- 4.Select Share, then Download.
- 5.Choose PNG or JPG, select the required page, and select Download. Premium elements need a purchased license or a paid plan for a clean download. On Canva Free you can also download a watermarked draft instead.
Add the image in YouTube Studio
Open YouTube Studio on your computer.
Select Content.
Choose the video you want to update.
Under Thumbnail, select Upload file.
Choose your saved JPG or PNG.
Click SAVE to apply the thumbnail.
Tip: Custom uploads require phone verification, so use the verification steps below if that feature is still locked.
Upload your thumbnail from a phone
The YouTube Studio app uses the same thumbnail workflow on Android, iPhone, and iPad. Keep your regular video thumbnail within the mobile limit of 2 MB.
Open the Studio app.
Select Content.
Choose your video.
Tap Edit.
Tap Edit thumbnail.
Select Custom thumbnail.
Choose your image.
Tap SELECT.
Finish with SAVE.
If the upload fails because your image exceeds 2 MB, try desktop Studio, which accepts thumbnail uploads below 50 MB.
Unlock custom thumbnail uploads
Phone verification unlocks custom thumbnail uploads for your channel.
Open YouTube Studio on a computer.
Select Settings.
Select Channel.
Open Feature eligibility.
Under Intermediate features, select VERIFY PHONE NUMBER.
Supply your phone number to receive a code by text message or voice call.
Enter the code to complete verification.
Return to your video’s Thumbnail controls.
Select Upload file.
Choose your image.
Select SAVE.
Try Adobe Express for another design option
Adobe Express offers a thumbnail maker on desktop and mobile. Its core tools are free, with additional paid assets and features.
Open the Adobe Express YouTube thumbnail maker.
Select Edit this template or Start from scratch.
Add your photograph, a video still, or stock imagery.
Customize the text.
Adjust the colors.
Arrange the layout.
Download the completed image.
Already have an image that needs a different file format? Adobe Express also converts images to JPG or PNG. Converting handles the file format only, so set your thumbnail dimensions in your design or with the separate resize action.
Open Photo on the Adobe Express homepage.
Select Photo Quick Actions.
Choose Convert to JPG or Convert to PNG.
Select the image from your device.
Choose Download.
If the converted image still exceeds the mobile upload limit, try desktop Studio for files below 50 MB. For larger files, return to your thumbnail designer and use its available size, quality, or compression controls to reduce the export.
Choose a frame or custom artwork for Shorts
On your phone, open the YouTube app and select Create > Short. Record your video and continue to the final upload screen. Select the thumbnail’s Edit icon, choose a frame, optionally add text or filters, then tap Done.
You can change that frame after publishing, too. From your channel page in the YouTube app, open Your videos, then the Short’s More menu > Edit. Select a frame, optionally add text or filters, and tap Done.
Desktop custom Shorts uploads require phone verification and are subject to rollout eligibility; YouTube initially launched them for YouTube Partner Program creators. For channels with access, open desktop Studio’s Content > Shorts, select your Short, then use Thumbnail > Upload file to choose your artwork and select SAVE.
If your channel lacks the desktop upload option, use the mobile frame editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paid subscription to upload a custom YouTube thumbnail?
No. YouTube requires phone verification for custom thumbnail uploads, not a paid subscription. You can also verify directly at youtube.com/verify by entering your phone number and the code delivered by text message or voice call.
Can YouTube suggest a thumbnail without a separate design app?
Yes. For regular videos, desktop Studio offers Get suggestions under Thumbnail. On Android and iOS, choose a suggested frame under Edit thumbnail, then tap SELECT and SAVE.
Can I compare different thumbnails for the same video?
Yes. Desktop Studio’s A/B Testing supports up to three alternatives for channels with advanced features and eligible videos. Open your video, then select Thumbnail > A/B Testing > Thumbnail only or Title and thumbnail. Add your alternatives and select Done. Eligible content includes long-form videos, live archives, and completed Premieres. Shorts, scheduled live streams, private videos, made-for-kids videos, and mature-audience content are excluded.
Can I give a playlist its own thumbnail?
Yes. On desktop, Android, or iPhone/iPad, open the playlist and select Edit > Choose from library to choose an image. The mobile apps also offer text, filters, and stickers, plus Take photo for a new picture.
