YouTube adds new tools to make creating thumbnails easier

YouTube has rolled out new tools designed to simplify the process of adding thumbnails to videos. Members of the YouTube Partner Program, who are already eligible to monetize their content, can now upload custom thumbnail images for Shorts. This enables them to ensure their short-form videos feature eye-catching thumbnails that accurately reflect the video's topic. Creators can also retroactively add new thumbnails to existing Shorts by navigating to the Content tab in YouTube Studio on desktop and uploading images under the desired videos. YouTube has stated that this capability will be expanded to more users in the future.

On desktop, creators can now choose from three suggested frames extracted from their video to use as a thumbnail for Shorts. This feature was previously available only for long-form videos. On mobile, creators can still select any frame from their video to serve as a thumbnail.

However, the latest update may not please viewers who have grown tired of the increasing number of AI-generated thumbnails on the platform. Ask Studio, YouTube's internal AI tool built directly into its content management platform, now has the ability to generate thumbnails. Creators can request it to produce a thumbnail for their latest video and then provide prompts to adjust the resulting image's layout, color, and other elements. "Thumbnails created will be tailored to your video's specific themes and to your specific style," YouTube says.