How to add a custom thumbnail for YouTube videos
To add a custom thumbnail for YouTube ( not shorts), first you need to verify your YouTube channel to comply with their spam and abuse policy.
How to verify your YouTube channel:
- Sign in to your YouTube account.
- Go to YouTube Studio.
- Access Channel Settings.
- Check your account status on Channel status and features.
- Go to the Future eligibility tab.
- Afterwards click on the arrow next to the Intermediate features option.
- At the bottom, there will be an option “Verify your phone number”, click that if it's not already verified.
- You will be redirected to the YouTube verification tab.
- Enter your phone number and country.
- Click on Get Code to receive the code on your mobile phone.
- Submit the six-digit verification code sent to your phone.
How to add/change a custom thumbnail for YouTube videos:
After verifying, you can choose a custom thumbnail for YouTube Videos (not shorts).
- Go to Create.
- Design the video post to your liking.
- Click on the little camera icon underneath the thumbnail.
- Choose the thumbnail you wish to set/change. You can also choose to create a thumbnail with Canva or VistaCreate (Crello).
- Once you finish have uploaded the custom thumbnail, you will see it applied on Publer.
- You can also check the live preview on the right to make sure the it will be posted correctly to the social media, and finally schedule away.
Written by: Brikena Cani
Updated on: 31/12/2024
Thank you!