Step 1: Sign in to your YouTube account
To begin, open your web browser and navigate to YouTube’s home page. Sign in to your YouTube account using your username and password.
Step 2: Go to YouTube Studio
Once you are signed in, click on your profile picture located in the top-right corner of the screen. In the dropdown menu, select “YouTube Studio” to access your video management dashboard.
Step 3: Select the video you want to add a cover to
In the YouTube Studio dashboard, you will see a list of your uploaded videos. Locate the video for which you want to add a cover and click on it to open the video editor.
Step 4: Click on the “Customize” tab
In the video editor, you will find multiple tabs at the top of the screen. Click on the “Customize” tab to access the customization options for your video.
Step 5: Click on “Choose Thumbnail”
Within the “Customize” tab, you will see a section labeled “Thumbnails.” Click on the “Choose Thumbnail” button to upload a new cover for your video.
Step 6: Upload your video cover
A window will appear, allowing you to choose a cover image for your video. Click on the “Upload” button and select the image file from your computer that you want to use as the cover. Ensure your image meets YouTube’s recommended specifications.
Step 7: Position and adjust your video cover
After the upload is complete, you will see a preview of your video cover. Use YouTube’s positioning and editing tools to adjust the framing and cropping of your cover image if necessary.
Step 8: Save your changes
Once you are satisfied with your video cover, click on the “Save” or “Apply” button to save your changes. YouTube will automatically generate additional thumbnails from your video, but the uploaded cover will be the default option.
Step 9: Check your video cover
To ensure that your video cover appears correctly, go back to the video management dashboard by clicking on your profile picture and selecting “YouTube Studio.” Locate your video and play it to see the newly added cover in action.
By adding an engaging cover to your YouTube videos, you can attract more viewers and increase the overall appeal of your content. Follow these simple steps to seamlessly add a video cover to any of your uploaded videos. So go ahead, make your videos stand out and impress your audience!