YouTube has just dropped some awesome new features for creators, especially if you’re making Shorts. These updates give you more control over how your Shorts look and can help grab attention in key spots. Let’s break down what’s new and how to use these tools to make your content shine!
Adding Text and Filters to Your Thumbnails
You can now add text, filters, and emojis to your Shorts thumbnails! That means more creative ways to make your content stand out. This update works on iOS and Android devices, so you’re covered no matter what you’re using.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Upload or select a Short from your library.
- Tap the pencil icon in the top left corner.
- Scroll through the video to find the perfect frame.
- Add text, emojis, or filters by tapping the icons at the bottom.
- Hit the checkmark in the top right to save.
That’s it! Now, your thumbnail can grab attention in all the right places. And trust me, these little touches can make a big difference.
Editing Thumbnails After You Upload
Another huge update: You can now edit your Shorts thumbnails after uploading. Before, you were stuck with whatever thumbnail you picked during upload. But now, if you think you’ve picked the wrong frame, you can go back and fix it. This feature is also available on iOS and Android.
Here’s a quick guide to editing your thumbnail:
- Open the Short you want to edit.
- Tap the pencil icon and scroll through the video.
- Pick a new frame and add any text, filters, or emojis.
- Save your changes by tapping the checkmark.
Simple. Now, you’ve got the freedom to tweak your thumbnails whenever you want.
So, Where Do These Thumbnails Show Up?
You might wonder: If thumbnails don’t appear in the Shorts feed, why bother? Well, your thumbnails show up in some pretty important places:
- Search results: Your custom thumbnail can make your video stand out when people search for content.
- Hashtag pages: Thumbnails appear when users browse specific hashtags.
- Audio pivot pages: If someone clicks on the audio used in your Short, they’ll see your thumbnail.
- Channel pages: These custom thumbnails will appear on your main channel page, helping your content look polished and professional.
So, even though the Shorts feed doesn’t display thumbnails, they still matter. A good thumbnail can pull in viewers from these other spots, so don’t skip this step!
Why These Updates Matter for Creators
These features give you more creative control. Before, you didn’t have many options for customizing your Shorts. With text, filters, and emojis, you can make your thumbnails more engaging. Plus, editing them after the fact gives you more flexibility.
For example, let’s say a Short isn’t performing as well as you’d like. Changing the thumbnail could be a game-changer. A fresh look might help it catch more eyes, especially in search results or hashtag pages.
Branding is another reason these updates matter. You can keep your thumbnails consistent, giving your channel a recognizable look. That way, when people see your content, they know it’s yours.
What’s Next for Shorts Thumbnails?
The good news? YouTube isn’t done yet. They’re planning to bring even more features to Shorts thumbnails next year. They’re also asking creators for feedback, so if you’ve got ideas, now’s the time to share them. You can leave your suggestions in the comments section of Creator Insider videos.
Your feedback could help shape what’s coming next. Pretty cool, right?
Final Thoughts
These new features for YouTube Shorts are a big win for creators. You can now add text, emojis, and filters to your thumbnails, giving you more ways to make your content pop. Editing thumbnails after uploading adds a whole new level of flexibility.
Even though thumbnails won’t appear in the Shorts feed, they still play a huge role in search results and channel pages. A good thumbnail can attract more viewers, helping your video perform better overall.
With more updates on the way, this is just the beginning. Now’s a great time to try out these new tools and see how they can improve your Shorts.
Ready to level up your content? Start experimenting with these features today and watch your engagement grow!
