YouTube Introduces New Thumbnail Editing Features for Shorts

YouTube has rolled out new thumbnail editing capabilities for Shorts, allowing creators to enhance their videos with text, filters, and emojis on mobile devices after uploading.

Key Points:

• YouTube adds options for text, filters, and emojis on Shorts thumbnails.
• Post-upload thumbnail editing is now available on iOS and Android devices.
• Custom thumbnails will only appear in certain sections, excluding the main Shorts feed.

Enhanced Thumbnail Editing for Shorts

Creators can now personalize their Shorts thumbnails after uploading by adding text, emojis, or filters. This feature provides more control over how videos are presented in search results, creator channels, and more.

How to Use the New Features:

1. Tap the pencil icon on the Short.
2. Select a preferred frame by scrubbing through the video.
3. Add text, emojis, or filters from the available options.
4. Save changes by tapping the checkmark.

Where Custom Thumbnails Appear

Custom thumbnails will not display in the main Shorts feed but will be visible in:

• Search results
• Hashtag pages
• Audio pivot pages
• Creator channels
• Home and subscription feeds

Comparison with Other Platforms

Here’s how YouTube Shorts’ thumbnail editing stacks up against competitors:

• YouTube Shorts: Offers text, emojis, and filter additions with post-upload thumbnail editing. Thumbnails appear in search results and creator channels but not in the main Shorts feed.
• Instagram Reels: Allows custom thumbnail selection and text overlay. Thumbnails appear in feed, profile, and Reels tab.
• TikTok: Relies on auto-generated thumbnails with limited customization, primarily for ads.

Future Updates

This update addresses a long-standing demand from creators. YouTube has indicated that further enhancements for Shorts thumbnails are planned for the future.