How To Change a YouTube Shorts Thumbnail After Uploading (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Changing a YouTube Shorts thumbnail after it’s already posted feels impossible because YouTube hides the option. This guide shows you every working method, including the only real way to change a thumbnail on an already-uploaded Short.
Method 1: Change Your YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Using the Regular YouTube App
This method works after the Short is already uploaded. You must use the standard YouTube viewing app — not the YouTube Studio app.
Step 1: Open the regular YouTube app on your phone.
Step 2: Log in to the YouTube account that uploaded the Short.
Step 3: Tap your profile picture in the top right.
Step 4: Tap “Your Channel.”
Step 5: Tap the “Videos” tab to see all uploads including Shorts.
Step 6: Select the Short you want to change the thumbnail for.
Step 7: Tap “Edit” (pencil icon).
Step 8: Tap the small pencil icon on the thumbnail preview.
Step 9: Scroll through the video frames and select the frame you want as your new thumbnail.
Step 10: Tap the checkmark or “Save” in the top right.
Step 11: Your thumbnail will update immediately or within a few minutes depending on caching.
Method 2: Add a Custom Thumbnail by Embedding the Image Inside Your Short
YouTube Shorts do not allow uploading a separate image file as a thumbnail, but you can embed your custom thumbnail inside the video and select it later.
Step 1: Create your custom thumbnail image.
Step 2: Import it into your video editor.
Step 3: Place the thumbnail image at the beginning, middle, or end of your Short.
Step 4: Export the final version of the Short.
Step 5: Upload it to YouTube.
Step 6: Use Method 1 to select the frame containing your image.
Step 7: Save your thumbnail.
Method 3: Re-Upload the Short With a Better Thumbnail Frame
If the Short isn’t performing well, you can re-upload it with a more optimized thumbnail frame added to the video.
Step 1: Open your editor and add a new thumbnail frame to the video.
Step 2: Place it where it’s easy to select.
Step 3: Export and re-upload the Short.
Step 4: Use Method 1 to select your desired frame.
Step 5: Delete the original Short if you don’t need it anymore.
Method 4: Choose a Thumbnail During Upload (Only Works Before Posting)
This is useful for all future Shorts.
Step 1: Open the YouTube app.
Step 2: Tap “Create” > “Upload a Short.”
Step 3: Edit your Short.
Step 4: On the preview screen, tap “Select Cover.”
Step 5: Choose the best frame.
Step 6: Upload your Short.
Method 5: Insert a Thumbnail-Friendly Frame Into Your Short
If you want a cleaner or more eye-catching thumbnail, add a special frame inside the video.
Step 1: Create a high-contrast image with clear text.
Step 2: Insert it into your video editor.
Step 3: Place the frame at the beginning or end.
Step 4: Upload the Short.
Step 5: Select the frame using Method 1.
Method 6: Troubleshooting Thumbnail Not Updating
Sometimes YouTube takes time to refresh.
Step 1: Close and reopen the YouTube app.
Step 2: Wait 5–10 minutes for cache updates.
Step 3: Switch between WiFi and mobile data.
Step 4: Log out and back in.
Step 5: Check from a second device.
Step 6: If still not updating, re-select the thumbnail again.
Method 7: Ensure Your Thumbnail Shows on Desktop and Search
Sometimes mobile updates first and desktop follows later.
Step 1: After saving the new thumbnail, wait a few minutes.
Step 2: Search your Short on desktop YouTube.
Step 3: Use incognito mode to check global updates.
Step 4: If needed, repeat Method 1 with a different frame.
Step 5: Re-select your intended thumbnail.
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