How to Change a YouTube Video Thumbnail

You can change the thumbnail of any video you own at any time, even after it is published. A fresh thumbnail can help an older video look current. Menus change from time to time, so treat the exact labels below as a guide.

On a computer

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. Open Content from the left menu and select your video.
3. In the Details tab, find the Thumbnail section.
4. Choose Upload file (or a suggested frame) and select your image.
5. Click Save.

On a phone

In the YouTube Studio app, open the video, tap the edit (pencil) icon, tap the thumbnail, choose a new image from your device and save.

Image requirements

YouTube’s guidance has recommended 1280×720 pixels, 16:9, with a minimum width of 640 pixels, in JPG, GIF or PNG. Check YouTube Help for the current file-size limit. See our thumbnail sizes guide for how these relate to the sizes YouTube serves.

If you cannot upload a custom thumbnail

Custom thumbnails normally require a verified account and a channel in good standing. In Studio, look for a prompt to verify your account (for example by phone). Policy strikes or restrictions can also remove the option.

Lost your original thumbnail file?

If you no longer have the source image for one of your own videos, you can retrieve the current thumbnail with the thumbnail downloader and use it as a starting point.

Tips before you swap it

• Keep the main subject large and readable on a phone screen.
• Make sure the new image matches what the video delivers.
• Give the change time. Compare performance over a reasonable window rather than hours.

Need design ideas? Read YouTube thumbnail design tips for beginners.