Making thumbnails easier on YouTube

YouTube has begun allowing YouTube Partner Program creators to upload custom thumbnails for Shorts, a feature previously unavailable. This change addresses creator feedback by providing greater control over how Shorts appear, potentially improving discoverability and viewer clarity. The rollout will expand to additional creators in the coming months. The update applies to desktop users, who can now select from three suggested thumbnail frames for Shorts, mirroring the existing option for long-form videos.

Mobile users retain the ability to choose any frame from the Shorts video directly within the YouTube app. The platform has also introduced thumbnail generation for long-form videos through Ask Studio, an AI-powered tool. Creators can request a thumbnail for their latest upload and refine elements such as colors and layouts via chat, ensuring the design aligns with the video’s themes and their personal style.

The new Ask Studio feature generates thumbnails tailored to each video’s content and creator preferences, reducing the time spent on manual design work. This integration aims to streamline the creative process while maintaining consistency in branding. The tools are designed to enhance the visual appeal of content, making it easier for viewers to browse and engage with videos.

YouTube states these updates collectively help creators save time and improve the browsing experience for viewers. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to provide more intuitive tools within the platform’s ecosystem, supporting both content creation and audience engagement. The rollout of custom Shorts thumbnails and Ask Studio’s thumbnail generation will continue in phases.