Changing the video thumbnail on an iPhone is a feature that most iOS users might not know how to do. It can be frustrating when the default thumbnail of a video does not represent the actual content of the video. Therefore, knowing how to change the thumbnail can be handy. Instead of looking for third-party apps, you can master this skill without any hassle.
This blog post aims to guide you and provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to change a video thumbnail on iPhone. Additionally, we will provide some beneficial tips and techniques for optimizing the thumbnail for your videos.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change A Video Thumbnail on iPhone
Just like the cover of a book, the thumbnail of a video is the first impression of the contents of a video. A video thumbnail is a small-sized preview that displays the highlights of the video content. You might not have control over the thumbnail of a video before uploading it to a public platform. But, you can change the thumbnail on your iPhone to depict the video content that suits your preference.
A thumbnail of a video is vital for enhancing the appearance of your video content. A precisely selected thumbnail can significantly impact the visibility of your video content. Generally, a well-crafted thumbnail can grab the attention of the potential audience and increase viewership. It would be best to choose an appropriate thumbnail that represents the actual content of the video. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you on how to change a video thumbnail on an iPhone.
Method 1: Via Photos App
The first method of changing the video thumbnail on your iPhone is via the Photo app. The steps to change the thumbnail via the Photos app are:
1. Open the "Photos" app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the video library by choosing the "Albums" option from the bottom tab.
3. Tap the video you want to change the thumbnail.
4. Tap the "Edit" button located in the top right corner of the screen.
5. Move the slider and select the frame that you want to use as a thumbnail.
6. Tap "Done" to save the changes.
Pros:
– This method does not require any third-party app.
– The Photos app comes with the iPhone, which makes it an accessible option for all iOS users.
– The steps are user-friendly, and a first-timer would not require much help to carry out the steps.
Cons:
– The Photos app’s features are limited compared to third-party apps that offer more functionalities.
– It is not possible to adjust the brightness, contrast, or add filters to the chosen frame.
Method 2: Via Video & TV Cast for Chromecast
The second method of changing the video thumbnail on your iPhone is via the Video & TV Cast app for Chromecast. The steps to change the thumbnail via the Video & TV Cast app for Chromecast are:
1. Download the "Video & TV Cast" app from the app store.
2. Open the "Video & TV Cast" app and open the Chromecast you want to stream to.
3. Select the video file from your iPhone’s local storage.
4. Play the video, then pause it at the frame you want to capture.
5. Tap the camera icon on the lower right portion of the screen.
6. The thumbnail will be saved automatically.
Pros:
– The Video & TV Cast app process is quick and easy to use.
– You have control over the video file, making it possible to add effects and filters to the chosen thumbnail.
– The thumbnail can be adjusted to the appearance of the video content.
Cons:
– The Video & TV Cast app is not a free app.
– The app’s video playback curation takes longer than expected.
Method 3: Via Canva App
The third method of changing the video thumbnail on your iPhone is via the Canva app. The Canva app provides a user-friendly platform that helps give a more artistic and creative feel to your videos. Here are the steps to change the thumbnail via the Canva app:
1. Download the "Canva" app from the app store.
2. Open the "Canva" app and choose the blank "Social Media" template.
3. Customize the template by adding effects, filters, and text to suit the video thumbnail you want to create.
4. Save the design, then choose "Camera Roll."
5. Select the video and capture the page.
6. The chosen frame will be saved as the thumbnail for your video.
Pros:
– The Canva app offers an innovative and artistic approach to creating a video thumbnail.
– You can add filters, effects, text, or even create a custom design for your video thumbnail.
– The saved design does not only act as a thumbnail, but it can also be used as a social media post.
Cons:
– The Canva app features are not free, and the premium subscription plan is required for more advanced tools for editing.
– The customization process can be new and unfamiliar to some users, making it a bit tricky for first-timers.
What to Do If You Can’t Change A Video Thumbnail on iPhone
If you cannot change a video thumbnail on your iPhone, here are some reasons and fixes:
1. Reason: Video Format Incompatibility
Fix: Incompatible video formats cannot be edited on an iPhone. To resolve this, you can convert the format to an iOs supported format.
2. Reason: Video Size is too large
Fix: Video size might restrict thumbnail change on an iPhone, especially when the video size is large. To fix this issue, compress the video file’s size before attempting to change the thumbnail.
3. Reason: Outdated iOS
Fix: Outdated iOS versions might affect the video thumbnail change on iPhones. Update your iOS to the latest software version available.
Bonus Tip
Try to choose a thumbnail that is relevant, captivating, and interesting. You can include some additional text in the thumbnail to create curiosity about the video content. Additionally, the thumbnail should be high-quality, clear, and visible to draw interest.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I change multiple thumbnails of videos at the same time?
A: It is not possible to change multiple thumbnails of videos at the same time on an iPhone. You will have to change each thumbnail individually.
Q2: Can I change the thumbnail of a video after uploading it to a social media platform?
A: It depends on the platform. Some platforms like YouTube allow you to change the video thumbnail post-upload. However, on some platforms like Instagram, you cannot change the video thumbnail after posting.
Q3: Can third-party apps damage my iPhone’s software when changing the video thumbnail?
A: No, third-party apps are safe to use. However, ensure that you download the app from a reputable source or app store.
Q4: Can I use a computer to change the thumbnail instead of an iPhone?
A: Yes, you can use editing software to change the thumbnail of a video on a computer. However, if the video is on your iPhone, it would be best to edit on the iPhone.
Q5: Will YouTube automatically choose a thumbnail after I upload a video?
A: Yes, YouTube will automatically choose a thumbnail from the video after you upload it. However, you can also choose a custom thumbnail.
Final Thoughts
Changing the thumbnail of a video on an iPhone is vital for enhancing the video’s visibility and reach. The thumbnail should be captivating, clear, and relevant to the video content. We hope this blog post has guided you and provided the necessary tips and techniques to change your video thumbnail efficiently. Choose the method that suits you best and master the skill of creating video thumbnails like a professional.
