Shorts play in a swipe-up feed, so it's easy to assume nobody sees a Shorts thumbnail. They do, just in other places: on your channel page, in search, in playlists, and when someone shares the link. Setting a good YouTube Shorts thumbnail is quick, and here's how it works, including what's available to whom.
Where a Shorts thumbnail actually shows up
In the Shorts feed itself, the video starts playing right away, so the first second acts as the thumbnail. The still image matters in these places:
- Your channel's Shorts tab and videos list
- Search results and suggestions outside the Shorts feed
- Playlists
- Link previews when someone shares a Short
Option 1: pick a frame from the video
Everyone can choose from suggested frames. In YouTube Studio you can select one of a few automatically generated frames, and in the mobile app you can pick a frame from the video. This is the simplest option, and it works well if you plan your video so the best frame is easy to find.
A tip: make one clear, well-lit frame with the subject in focus in the first few seconds, even if it isn't the most exciting moment. Frames captured mid-motion often look blurry.
Option 2: upload a custom thumbnail
Custom thumbnails for Shorts are added in YouTube Studio on a computer. YouTube has been rolling this out gradually, starting with YouTube Partner Program creators, so it may not appear for every channel yet. Check your own Studio account and YouTube's current help page.
- Open YouTube Studio on a computer and go to Content.
- Choose the Shorts tab and click the video.
- Look for the Thumbnail option and upload your image.
- Save.
If the option isn't there, see what to check when you can't upload a custom thumbnail.
Size and shape
- Shape: vertical, 9:16.
- Size: YouTube's help page lists 2160 by 3840 pixels, with a minimum height of 640 pixels.
- Format: JPG or PNG, within the file-size limit.
The full details are in our YouTube thumbnail size guide. Don't reuse a widescreen thumbnail for a vertical video. YouTube may replace a 16:9 image with an automatically generated one in some places.
Design tips for a Shorts thumbnail
- Design for a narrow frame. Put the subject in the center and stack text in one or two short lines.
- Keep text large. Vertical thumbnails are often shown small on the channel page.
- Keep key items away from the edges. Interface elements can cover the top and bottom of vertical videos.
- Match the hook. The thumbnail should reflect what happens in the first seconds, so viewers aren't confused.
- Stay consistent. On the Shorts tab, a shared color and text style makes your channel easy to scan. See thumbnail consistency for a series.
What you can't do (yet)
You can't A/B test Shorts thumbnails the way you can with some long-form videos. Features change, so check YouTube's own help page before you plan around this.
A quick pre-upload check
- Is the image vertical and the right size?
- Can you read the text at small size?
- Is the subject in the center, away from the edges?
- Does it match the first seconds of the video?
Use the thumbnail size checker to confirm the file, and the preview tool to check how it reads small.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add a custom thumbnail to a YouTube Short?
Yes, if it's available on your channel. It's done in YouTube Studio on a computer. Otherwise you can pick from suggested frames.
What size is a YouTube Shorts thumbnail?
Vertical 9:16, with 2160 by 3840 pixels listed by YouTube and a minimum height of 640 pixels.
Do thumbnails matter for Shorts?
Less than for long videos, because Shorts autoplay in the feed. They still matter on your channel page, in search, and in shared links.
Why does my Shorts thumbnail look wrong?
The wrong ratio or a low-resolution frame is the usual cause. Read why thumbnails look blurry for fixes.
Making a long-form video too? Score the thumbnail for free before you upload.
