Quick summary
You can change a YouTube thumbnail on mobile using the YouTube Studio app in just a few taps — no desktop required. This guide walks you through locating your video, opening the thumbnail editor, uploading a custom image, and saving the change.
Steps
- Open the YouTube Studio app on your phone, then tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Go to Videos, then tap the three-dot menu of the video you want to update to open its details.
- Select Edit to proceed.
- Tap the image icon at the top-left of the thumbnail screen to open the thumbnail options.
- Tap Custom thumbnail and select an image from your phone's photo library.
- Edit the thumbnail as needed — ensure it is a clear, high-contrast image that reads well at small sizes — then tap Select.
- Tap Save in the top-right corner to apply the change.
