YouTube has introduced new features allowing eligible creators to upload custom thumbnails for short-form videos and use an AI tool to generate them. The updates apply to members of the YouTube Partner Program and include options for both desktop and mobile users.
Creators in the YouTube Partner Program can now upload custom thumbnail images for Shorts. They can also retroactively edit existing Shorts by accessing the Content tab in YouTube Studio on desktop and uploading new images.
On desktop, users can select from three suggested frames taken from their videos as thumbnails for Shorts. This option was already available for longer videos. Mobile users can continue to pick any frame from the video.
YouTube has added thumbnail generation to its Ask Studio AI tool. Creators can request generated images and use prompts to adjust layout, color and other elements. The company stated that thumbnails created will be tailored to your video's specific themes and to your specific style.
YouTube says it will expand the custom upload capability to more users in the future.
