How to Change a YouTube Thumbnail

Changing a YouTube thumbnail updates how a video is presented to viewers. You can replace an existing custom thumbnail, choose from available suggestions, or update the image after improving your design. Exact options can vary for regular videos and Shorts.

Step 1: Open YouTube Studio

Sign in to YouTube Studio with the account associated with your channel.

Step 2: Open Content

From the left-side menu, select Content.

Step 3: Select the Video

Find the video whose thumbnail you want to change and open its details.

Step 4: Find the Thumbnail Section

Choose the option to upload a new image. YouTube may also provide automatically generated suggestions in supported workflows.

Step 5: Upload the New Image

Select a clear, high-quality image that follows YouTube's current requirements and Community Guidelines.

Step 6: Save the Changes

Save the video details. The new thumbnail may not appear everywhere immediately; YouTube notes that changes can take time to become visible.

For standard videos, YouTube recommends a 16:9 aspect ratio and currently recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels for custom video thumbnails. The design should remain readable at smaller sizes.

Yes. You do not need to delete and re-upload a normal video to update its thumbnail. The video URL, views, comments, and other data remain associated with the video.

Shorts have different thumbnail behavior. YouTube's current documentation states that custom Shorts thumbnails can be added through YouTube Studio on a computer, with a 9:16 recommended aspect ratio for uploaded custom thumbnails. Controls can vary with the current interface, account, and platform rules.

Possible reasons include an account that is not verified where verification is required, a feature not enabled for the account, different rules for Shorts, a changed YouTube interface, an image that does not meet requirements, or a temporary technical issue. YouTube currently states that custom thumbnails require a verified account.

Not automatically. Consider a change when the design is outdated, difficult to understand, mismatched with the video, underperforming, or clearly weaker than a new concept. If YouTube testing features are available, test alternatives rather than replacing a successful design without measurement.

Changing a thumbnail does not replace good SEO. The title, description, topic, audience relevance, content quality, and thumbnail work together. A better thumbnail may improve the chance of a click after an impression, but it cannot compensate for irrelevant content.

Can I change a thumbnail without deleting the video?

Yes. Regular video thumbnails can be changed from YouTube Studio.

How long does a thumbnail change take?

YouTube notes that changes may take time to appear across the platform.

Can I change a Shorts thumbnail?

YouTube currently supports custom Shorts thumbnail uploads through YouTube Studio on a computer for verified accounts, subject to current rules.

What is the best format?

Use a 16:9 design for standard videos. YouTube currently recommends 9:16 for uploaded custom Shorts thumbnails.