In this article, we’ll take a look at the why and how to fix the “YouTube Shorts thumbnail problem.”
Have you ever uploaded a YouTube Shorts video, only to be disappointed when the thumbnail didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to?
Or maybe you’ve even had your Shorts video not show up at all in the Shorts shelf, even though you followed all the rules?
If yes, then you’re not the only one experiencing this problem. Many creators have been experiencing problems with YouTube Shorts thumbnails lately.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the why and how to fix the “YouTube Shorts thumbnail problem.”
What Are YouTube Shorts Thumbnail?
A YouTube Shorts thumbnail is a small image that represents your video on the YouTube Shorts shelf and in search results.
It is a visually appealing and attention-grabbing image, as it can make a big difference in the number of views your video gets.
What’s A YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Problem Like Actually
The YouTube Shorts thumbnail problem is a situation where creators are unable to change the thumbnail of their Shorts videos after they have been uploaded. This can be frustrating for creators, as a good thumbnail can help to increase the visibility of their videos.
There are a few possible explanations for the YouTube Shorts thumbnail problem. One possibility is that it is a bug in the YouTube app.
Another possibility is that YouTube is testing a new feature that prevents creators from changing the thumbnails of their Shorts videos.
If you are experiencing the YouTube Shorts thumbnail problem, there are a few things you can try. First, you can try clearing the cache and cookies of your web browser or YouTube app.
You can also try restarting your device. If these steps do not work, you can contact YouTube support for help.
Why Am I Having Problems With My YouTube Shorts Thumbnail?
Here are some valid reasons for you experiencing problems with your YouTube Thumbnail.
Reason 1: Video Might Be Too Short
YouTube wants your Shorts to be at least 60 seconds long to use a custom thumbnail. So if your video is super short, like only a few seconds, it might not let you add a special thumbnail. Try making your video a bit longer.
Reason 2: Video Format Might Not Be Supported
Some video formats don’t play well with YouTube’s thumbnail system. It’s best to use the most common format, which is MP4. If your video is in a different format, you might need to convert it to MP4 first.
Reason 3: Poor Internet Connection
Slow or unstable internet can cause problems when you’re trying to change a thumbnail. Make sure you have a good internet connection before you start editing your video.
Reason 4: Glitches And Bugs
Sometimes technology can be a bit wonky. If your app or webpage is acting strange, it might be a glitch. Try refreshing the page or closing and reopening the app. This can often solve the issue.
Reason 5: Problem With Your Browser Cache
Sometimes your browser’s cache (a kind of temporary memory) can mess things up. Clearing your cache can help fix thumbnail problems. You can usually find this option in your browser’s settings.
Reason 6: Outdated App
If you’re using an older version of the YouTube app, it might not work perfectly. Update your app to the latest version from the app store. The newer versions usually have bug fixes and improvements.
Reason 7: YouTube Testing New Feature
YouTube is always trying out new stuff. Sometimes they’re testing a feature that might affect how thumbnails work. If this is the case, the issue might be temporary and get fixed on its own.
How Can I Fix My YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Problem?
Here are some simple ways to fix any problem associated with your YouTube Shorts thumbnail:
Fix 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Having a stable and strong internet connection is vital when dealing with uploads on YouTube.
Both Wi-Fi and mobile data should work fine, but a strong connection helps prevent issues like slow uploads or poor-quality thumbnails.
A good way to ensure this is by performing a speed test to see if your internet speed is up to the task.
Fix 2: Restart The App
Sometimes, glitches or temporary bugs can affect the performance of apps, including YouTube.
If you notice any issues with your Shorts thumbnail, try restarting the YouTube app. This action can clear out any minor software hiccups that might be causing the problem.
Fix 3: Update The App
YouTube frequently releases updates for its app, often including bug fixes and new features. Older app versions might contain compatibility issues that could result in thumbnail problems.
Keeping your YouTube app up-to-date is advisable to ensure that you’re using the most stable and optimized version available.
Fix 4: Video Length
YouTube’s algorithm favors longer videos, typically around 60 seconds. Videos shorter than this might not be processed correctly by the system, leading to difficulties in thumbnail generation.
Therefore, making sure your Shorts video meets this duration recommendation can contribute to a smoother thumbnail experience.
Fix 5: Change Thumbnail Manually
While YouTube automatically generates thumbnails for videos, you can manually select a different one after uploading. This can be done through the video editor.
You have the option to choose a frame from the video itself or upload a custom thumbnail image from your phone’s gallery.
This control over the thumbnail allows you to ensure it accurately represents your video’s content.
Fix 6: Give It Time
Occasionally, the YouTube system might take some time to update the thumbnail for a newly uploaded Shorts video.
If you’ve recently uploaded a video and the thumbnail isn’t showing correctly, don’t panic.
Give it a few hours or even a day, and there’s a good chance the system will catch up and display the correct thumbnail.
Fix 7: Image Size And Type
Custom thumbnails have specific requirements for optimal display. YouTube recommends a size of 1280 x 720 pixels.
Moreover, the image should be in one of the following formats: JPG, GIF, BMP, or PNG.
Using the correct size and format ensures that your thumbnail will look its best and won’t encounter any compatibility issues.
Fix 8: Clear Browser Cache And Cookies
If you’re accessing YouTube through a web browser and encountering thumbnail issues, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can help.
This action refreshes the browser’s data and might resolve any conflicts causing thumbnail problems.
It’s a good practice to periodically clear your browser’s cache to maintain optimal performance.
Fix 9: Ask For Help
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from YouTube’s support team.
You can report thumbnail problems through the Help Center or reach out to the Creator Support team.
They have the expertise to address specific issues and guide you through potential solutions tailored to your situation.
FAQs On YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Problem
1. Does YouTube Shorts Support Thumbnails?
Yes, YouTube Shorts supports thumbnails. When you create a new Short, you can choose a thumbnail from your phone’s gallery if your account is verified. The thumbnail will be displayed on the Shorts shelf and in search results.
2. What Is The Thumbnail Format For YouTube Shorts?
The thumbnail format for YouTube Shorts is 1280 x 720 pixels. The aspect ratio should be 9:16. The thumbnail should be a high-quality image that clearly represents your Short.
3. Why Is My YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Not Showing Up?
There are a few reasons why your YouTube Shorts thumbnail might not be showing up. One possibility is that the thumbnail is too small or has the wrong aspect ratio.
Another possibility is that the thumbnail is not in a supported format. Finally, it’s also possible that there is a temporary glitch with YouTube Shorts.
In Conclusion
By following these steps outlined above, you can fix most thumbnail-related problems you might encounter while uploading YouTube Shorts.
With a little patience and the right approach, you’ll be able to ensure that your thumbnails accurately represent your videos and attract viewers effectively.
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