5 replies
I'm trying to get the right thumbnail for my video. I've seen some tips about having the image you want at the halfway mark but this dose'nt work anymore. Anyone know how to do this or is it just hit and miss.
#question #youtube
  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    I think this is random now and for good reason. Youtube don't want people using images that do not properly reflect the content of their video. They now only give you an option of I think 3 thumbnails that are chosen from random parts of the video. If none of those images are suitable for your use then you are probably wanting to do what youtube is trying to prevent - misleading thumbnail images.
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  • Profile picture of the author BCJason
    Yeah, a snapshot taken randomly by an algorithm somewhere in a 10 minute video that I created is going to represent the content in that video better than the person who made the video? I really doubt it. Just wandering if there was a work around for this.
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    • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
      Originally Posted by BCJason View Post

      I really doubt it. Just wandering if there was a work around for this.
      The preview image is taken from the middle of the video. If the video is 10:00 minutes long, the preview image will come from the 5:00 minute mark.

      Or, you can edit the video and upload your own preview image. I think the preview can be no larger then 240 or 250kb - which is still a big picture.

      For my preview images, I'll resize an image to 1024X768, add the watermark, tag line for the video and website name. Using photoscape, I'am able to drop the image size until its below the 240kb range.

      To upload your preview image - that option is in the left column of the edit video page.
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      • Profile picture of the author BCJason
        Originally Posted by ~kev~ View Post

        I think the preview can be no larger then 240 or 250kb - which is still a big picture.
        Thanks kev,
        I'll downsize it and drop into the middle.
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        • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
          Originally Posted by BCJason View Post

          Thanks kev,
          I'll downsize it and drop into the middle.
          Your welcome, but you do not have to insert the image into the video. You can add it after the video has been uploaded.

          Upload the video - wait for it to be finished processing - edit video - left column - video thumbnail - upload thumbnail

          Then just upload the preview image you want to use.
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