Why Can I Not Add Custom Thumbnails For Youtube Shorts?
Custom thumbnail images are a great way to reach your YouTube target audience and differentiate your video from other Youtube shorts. However, it can be annoying that YouTube does not allow for custom thumbnail images for YouTube Shorts. In this article, we’ll discuss why custom thumbnails are not available for Youtube Shorts and how you can work around it.
Youtube’s Reasons For Not Allowing Custom Thumbnails on Shorts
The main reason why YouTube doesn’t allow custom thumbnails for YouTube Shorts is because it can lead to abuse or copyright infringements. Since the videos are short, it can be difficult to tell what is real or not, and if someone posts a video with the wrong thumbnail, then it could damage the reputation of the video creator and YouTube itself. As such, YouTube has decided to block out custom thumbnails on YouTube Shorts.
It is also important to note that YouTube Shorts are a relatively new product, and they are still in the process of improving and developing their service. Custom thumbnails may be allowed in the future as the service matures.
How To Work Around Not Having Custom Thumbnails on YouTube Shorts
If you want to make sure that your YouTube Shorts stand out, there are still ways to work around not having custom thumbnails. For example, you can experiment with different video cover titles and text layouts so that it stands out from other videos on YouTube. You can also create a unique thumbnail style for yourself by creating a unique logo or text on the video cover.
You can also use various YouTube features such as hashtags and stickers to help promote your YouTube Shorts. Adding the right hashtags and stickers can increase the visibility of your video and make it easier for the right people to find it.
Conclusion
Custom thumbnails are a great feature to help differentiate your videos from other videos on YouTube. Unfortunately, YouTube does not allow custom thumbnails for YouTube Shorts. However, you can still make use of various other features on YouTube such as hashtags, stickers and different video cover titles and text layouts to make your shorts more prominent.
How can I add custom thumbnails to my Shorts?
To add custom thumbnails to your Shorts, you can use the “Customize Thumbnail” feature within the Edit section of the Short. You can upload an image or select a frame from the selection of existing frames.
What are the prerequisites for enabling custom thumbnail feature in YouTube Shorts?
In order to enable the custom thumbnail feature for YouTube Shorts, you will need to meet the following criteria:
1. Have at least 1,000 subscribers or more.
2. Have at least 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months.
3. Have a valid linked AdSense account.
4. Be in good standing with YouTube.
5. Have access to a photo-editing software to create a custom thumbnail.
Is it mandatory to have a verified channel to add custom thumbnails?
No, it is not mandatory. However, having a verified channel can add more legitimacy and visibility to your videos, which can help with branding. For this reason, it is recommended that all channels use verified channels if possible.
Are there any limitations on the sizes or formats of images used as custom thumbnails?
Yes, there are limits on the size and format of images used as custom thumbnails. All custom thumbnails must be square and must be a minimum of 150px by 150px and no larger than 800px by 800px. Image formats supported by YouTube are JPEG, GIF, BMP, and PNG.
