Enhance Video Visibility with Effective Thumbnail Scaling

There is a saying that first impressions last, and this is proven true, especially when it comes to YouTube video viewership. For sure, you have experienced watching a video out of curiosity because of its thumbnail. That is why content creators take time to resize YouTube thumbnails or use a YouTube thumbnail size converter to customize the preview images that represent their videos.

This technique not only attract viewers to watch your video, but it also gives a glimpse of your content. In this article, we will provide you with a quick tutorial on how to resize a YouTube thumbnail and suggest handy tools you can use to create the perfect YouTube video thumbnail!

Best YouTube Thumbnail Size

According to YouTube’s help center, there are some things to remember when creating a thumbnail for your YouTube videos.

First, make sure that the thumbnail size is 1280 pixels by 720 pixels and 640 pixels wide. It is the best YouTube thumbnail size.
When it comes to the thumbnail dimension, make sure to use an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Also, your YouTube thumbnail image should not exceed 2MB and is in either JPG, GIF or PNG format.

How To Resize Your YouTube Thumbnail

The primary reason for changing the YouTube thumbnail size is to gain more audience. If you are a content creator, your main goal is to introduce your content to a wider range of viewers, right? So you have to pay attention to even the smallest detail, such as YouTube thumbnails to increase viewership and top YouTube SEO.

In fact, YouTube recommends this technique to get more viewers. Also, resizing your YouTube thumbnail will prevent you from getting the “file larger than 2MB error” which can cause your thumbnail to be discarded.

So, how can you use this technique? Check our tutorial below as we walk you through various recommended methods for resizing a YouTube thumbnail:

Method 1: Resize YouTube Thumbnail With Windows Default App

The easiest way to resize YouTube thumbnails is through the Windows default app. Within just a few modifications, you can resize your thumbnail to fit as a preview image for your YouTube video.

Please take note that your image should be at least 2 megabytes or less to achieve the perfect YouTube thumbnail fit. If your image exceeds the limit, your thumbnail will either be rejected, or your image will have a black screen around it-which is not ideal at all.

Now, let us start the tutorial.

Step1 Open an image you want to set as a thumbnail. Then, Right-click> Resize.

Step2 Select “Define custom dimensions.”

Step3 Set the width to 1280 and the height to 720. Then tick the box for “Maintain Aspect Ratio “and click “Save Resized Copy.”

Step4 Click the upload thumbnail button on YouTube and import your resized image.

Method 2. Online YouTube Thumbnail Size Converter

The second method you can use is the online YouTube thumbnail size converter. As it completely works in browsers, you do not need to worry about any app installation to access the feature. Furthermore, using online YouTube thumbnail size converters ensures you maintain your image resolution and prevents it from getting blurry or pixelated.

There are various YouTube thumbnail resizers available online. Some of the most popular are Fotor, Super Image Converter, Pixelied, Super Image Converter , Adobe Express , Newisty, and Promo . Let us focus on the last online tool and the steps on how to use it.

Promo is a free online software you can use to convert an image to a YouTube thumbnail. It is one of the best YouTube Thumbnail tools as it uses simple operation steps and automatically resizes your image without losing its quality.

Here are the steps on how to use the Promo YouTube thumbnail size converter:

Step1 Go to Promo’s official website and import your image

Step2 Scroll down and find the YouTube thumbnail size where your resized image is displayed. Then, click “Download.”

Method 3: Convert the Image to YouTube Thumbnail Using Wondershare Filmora

It is without a doubt that online YouTube thumbnail resizers are great tools for converting your image to an ideal YouTube thumbnail. But it would be much better if you resize your video using the same app you use for editing. That way, you will save time using two separate apps, and your task will be much more efficient using an all-in-one video editing tool.

Wondershare Filmora , one of the most well-known software for creating high-quality and compelling videos, combines these functions in one app. Filmora is not just an excellent software for crafting YouTube videos but also a reliable tool you can use in creating and resizing YouTube thumbnails.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Here is the step-by-step tutorial on how to use Filmora in resizing your YouTube thumbnail. It is divided into two parts:

1. Take a Snapshot as the Thumbnail with Filmora

Step1 Open the video in the timeline, click the play icon in the player window, and pause when you reach the desired frame for the YouTube thumbnail. Click the camera icon to take a snapshot.

Step2 In the snapshot window, choose to save the snapshot as a PNG or JPG file.

Step3 Select the output storage location and click OK.

2. Resize the YouTube Thumbnail

Step1 Import the image into the app timeline.

Step2 Drag and drop the image into the timeline and click the green “Export“ button. In the popup Export window, select GIF. Next, click “Settings“ to adjust the resolution.

Step3 As the recommended size of a YouTube Thumbnail is 1280 * 720 pixels, you can set the resolution to 1280 * 720. Then click Apply and Export the GIF. You can now upload the GIF thumbnail to your YouTube account.

Method 4. Convert Images to YouTube Thumbnail Using Third-Party Software

In addition to using dedicated video editing software, several third-party image editing programs can be used to resize images for use as YouTube thumbnails. Programs like GIMP are popular for this purpose, as it offers a wide range of tools and features for editing and resizing images.

This program allows you to import an image, resize it to the dimensions required for a YouTube thumbnail (typically 1280 x 720 pixels), and save the edited version to your desired location. Using an image editing program can be a good option if you need more control over the appearance of your thumbnail or if you want to make more extensive edits beyond simply resizing the image.

To resize an image using an image editing program like GIMP, follow these steps:

Step1 Install and launch GIMP on your computer.

Step2 Click on “File“ > “Open,” then search for the file you want to resize.

Step3 Click on “Image“ > “Scale Image“ and make sure that the resolution is 1920 by 1080.

Step4 Click on “File“ > “Export As“ and toggle the “Select File Type (By Extension)“ option. Choose JPG/JPEG format because it can compress the thumbnail enough to stay within the limit of 2 megabytes.

Step5 You can change the quality of the image and click the “Export“ button to save the thumbnail.

Comparison of These 4 YouTube Thumbnail Resizing Methods

Now that we’ve explored the four methods for resizing YouTube thumbnails, it’s time to compare the pros and cons of each method. In this section, we’ll consider factors such as ease of use, speed, quality, cost, and compatibility to help you determine the best option for your needs.

Take a look at the table below for a more detailed comparison.

| | Windows Default App | Online YouTube Thumbnail Size Converter | Wondershare Filmora | Third-Party Software | |
| ————————————————– | ——————————————- | ———————– | ———————— | ——– |
| Other Software Required or Not | No | Yes (Internet Browser) | Yes | Yes |
| Internet Connection Required | No | Yes | No | No |
| Complexity of Operations | Easy | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Support Other Editing of the YouTube Thumbnail | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| File Size Limit | None | 25MB | None | None |

Resizing YouTube thumbnails using the Windows default app is a quick and easy method that requires no additional software or tools. However, the quality of the resized thumbnail may improve if the original image is low resolution, and this method is only suitable for users on Windows operating systems.

Online YouTube thumbnail size converters are convenient and easy to use, and they can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. They also typically preserve the quality of the original image. However, some online converters may have size limits or require a subscription to unlock all features, and using an online converter can be slower than using a dedicated software tool.

Using Wondershare Filmora allows you to create and edit YouTube thumbnails within a single application, which can be a time-saving advantage if you’re already using Filmora for other video editing tasks. However, Filmora is a paid software, so there is a cost associated with using it, and it may have a steeper learning curve for users new to video editing.

Image editing programs like GIMP offer many features and tools for customizing your thumbnail, including adding text, applying filters, and making more extensive edits beyond simply resizing the image. They also typically offer more control over the quality and appearance of the resized thumbnail.

However, using a third-party image editing program may require a learning curve and maybe more time-consuming than other methods, and there may be a cost associated with purchasing the software.

Each of the four methods for resizing YouTube thumbnails has its pros and cons, and the best method will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

This article explored four methods for resizing YouTube thumbnails: using the Windows default app, online converters, Wondershare Filmora, and image editing programs like GIMP. Each method has advantages and disadvantages; the best one depends on your specific needs and preferences. No matter your chosen method, you can resize YouTube thumbnails confidently with these tools and techniques.

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Here is the step-by-step tutorial on how to use Filmora in resizing your YouTube thumbnail. It is divided into two parts:

1. Take a Snapshot as the Thumbnail with Filmora

Step2 In the snapshot window, choose to save the snapshot as a PNG or JPG file.

Step3 Select the output storage location and click OK.

2. Resize the YouTube Thumbnail

Step1 Import the image into the app timeline.

Step2 Drag and drop the image into the timeline and click the green “Export“ button. In the popup Export window, select GIF. Next, click “Settings“ to adjust the resolution.

Method 4. Convert Images to YouTube Thumbnail Using Third-Party Software

To resize an image using an image editing program like GIMP, follow these steps:

Step1 Install and launch GIMP on your computer.

Step2 Click on “File“ > “Open,” then search for the file you want to resize.

Step3 Click on “Image“ > “Scale Image“ and make sure that the resolution is 1920 by 1080.

Step5 You can change the quality of the image and click the “Export“ button to save the thumbnail.

Comparison of These 4 YouTube Thumbnail Resizing Methods

Take a look at the table below for a more detailed comparison.

However, using a third-party image editing program may require a learning curve and maybe more time-consuming than other methods, and there may be a cost associated with purchasing the software.

Each of the four methods for resizing YouTube thumbnails has its pros and cons, and the best method will depend on the user’s specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

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10 Free YouTube Thumbnail Downloaders/Savers Online-Download YouTube Thumbnail

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

YouTube thumbnails can be required for download for various reasons ranging from personal to professional. Some thumbnails are very attractive, and users might want to download YouTube thumbnail to use as wallpaper or as inspiration. Whereas other times, thumbnails are required to be added to blogs.

In either case, you can take help from a YouTube thumbnail downloader that can save your day. As the name suggests, a YouTube thumbnail saver can let you save any thumbnail you like, and sometimes you can also custom select the quality. For your ease, we have rounded up the best tools to download YouTube thumbnail.

Let’s dive in.

10 Free Online YouTube Thumbnail Downloaders/Savers
Bonus Tip: The Best YouTube Video Editor-Wondershare Filmora

10 Free Online YouTube Thumbnail Downloaders/Savers

There are tons of tools on the web that let you download YouTube thumbnail. But, not all of them are reliable and secure. Choosing the best YouTube thumbnail downloaders that offer all the features you are looking for can be time taking and tedious. So, we are here to save the day by listing the top YouTube thumbnail saver tools.

1. ThumbnailSave

As a free YouTube thumbnail downloader, ThumbnailSave is frequently used by people. It enables users to download YouTube thumbnail without any hassle. There a variety of resolutions available, and you can choose the quality you like, ranging from HD to 360p. The simple interface of this downloader further makes it an excellent tool. All you have to do is enter the URL link and click Save As after the thumbnail is loaded. Also, this versatile YouTube thumbnail downloader works on almost every kind of device. Whether you are using a desktop PC or an iPhone, ThumbnailSave is compatible with all.

2. YouTube Thumbnail Grabber

Another powerful and free YouTube thumbnail downloader is this one, which can download both YouTube and Vimeo thumbnails. After you copy-paste the link of the video whose thumbnail you wish to save, you can press on Get Thumbnail Images. After that, you can choose the quality of the thumbnail as per your requirements. Moreover, you can also get a free extension of this YouTube thumbnail saver on both Chrome and Firefox browsers. This will allow fast and easy use of the YouTube thumbnail downloader. What’s more, unlike other downloaders, this one doesn’t bombard the user with pesky ads.

3. Youthumbnail.com

YouThumbnail, also known as YT YouTube thumbnail downloader, is a robust tool that allows users to quickly download YouTube thumbnail absolutely free of cost. It requires no installation. Three different sizes, namely medium, small, and HD, are available for download. By clicking on the desired quality, you can quickly and safely download YouTube thumbnail. Also, there is no limit to the number of downloads. Better yet, there are multiple languages available. So, a diverse population can use this online YouTube thumbnail saver with great ease.

4. YouTube-thumbnails.com

As a free and open for all YouTube thumbnail saver, this one lets users get the thumbnail of their choice in the quality of their choice. Using this YouTube thumbnail downloader won’t cost a penny, no matter how many thumbnails are downloaded. It also has a very simple user interface. Just enter the YouTube video link and press Find. The qualities of the thumbnail supported by this tool are MQ 320x180, HQ 480x360, SD 640x480, and HD 1280x720 , and will be almost instantly displayed. Click on the quality you wish to save locally, and your download will start immediately.

5. YT Thumbnail Downloader

YT Thumbnail Downloader is an excellent and lightning-fast tool to download YouTube thumbnail. It poses no limitations or charges on the use. Moreover, you can custom select the resolution of the thumbnail before you click to save. This YouTube thumbnail downloader prides itself on being the fastest in the market. The thumbnail processing time is just 2 seconds, after which you can download YouTube thumbnail. Besides, this YouTube thumbnail saver is safe and secure as it doesn’t display tons of ads and also does not save the user’s data.

6. BoingBoing

BoingBoing is also a free and very easy-to-use YouTube thumbnail saver. All you have to do is paste the URL you copied, and this YouTube thumbnail downloader will take care of the rest. There is no button to press to start the process. The thumbnails are almost instantly loaded. However, BoingBoing displays a lot of annoying ads. Also, the different qualities that are displayed don’t mention the size, and you will have to press and hold the image to download. All in all, this YouTube thumbnail saver is worth your time and effort as it is fast at what it does.

7. Get YouTube Thumbnail

Get YouTube Thumbnail is a very simple tool to download YouTube thumbnail. It comes with no extra features. But, it is widely used due to the fact that it is a very straightforward YouTube thumbnail downloader. It doesn’t even display intrusive ads or pop-ups. But, the downside is that the quality options are limited. There are only 2 qualities available for download, and no size is mentioned on them. To download YouTube thumbnail, you will have to right-click and open the image URL created and then save it in the next tab.

8. YouTube Thumbnail Image

A fast and easy way to download YouTube thumbnail is by using this powerful tool available online. Without any hassle of downloading or registering an account, you can easily copy-paste the link of your favorite video and click on Search. You will be displayed with four qualities such as 1920x1080 (HD), 640X480 (SD), 480X360 (HQ), and 320x180 (MQ). This feature makes it a versatile YouTube thumbnail downloader as users can choose the quality depending on the space they have available. Other than this, the YouTube thumbnail saver offers round-the-clock customer support. So, in case you face any technical issue or are unable to download YouTube thumbnail, this tool will be present for prompt assistance.

9. Thumbnail-download.com

Another addition to the list of top YouTube thumbnail downloader tools is this one. Like the other tools, this one is also free for use and is renowned for being super fast. No matter which YouTube video you want to save the thumbnail from, this tool will allow you easy access to download it in HD quality. The website is SSL encrypted, so the user’s data is protected, and thus this is a safe site to download YouTube thumbnail. What’s more, this YouTube thumbnail downloader is robust. Although there a few ads displayed, they aren’t very intrusive and do not disrupt the user experience.

Bonus Tip: The Best YouTube Video Editor-Wondershare Filmora

With Wondershare Filmora, you can create captivating videos by using one-click tools. This powerful yet intuitive video editor is loaded with various high-end editing features that can help you add striking and cinematic effects to your videos. Motion tracking, color matching, and even keyframing are made easy through Filmora.

1.After you download and install Filmora on your PC, launch it. Then, click on File and tap on Import Media Files.

2.The Audio tab of Filmora offers a variety of music. Just click on the plus icon on any audio to add it to your video as background music. Cut the extra audio part to match your video length.

3.From the Titles tab, you can choose a preset template and then personalize it by double-clicking the title you have added to the timeline.

4.The Transition tab also displays multiple types of dynamic transitions; click to add to the timeline and then drag to adjust the duration of the effect.

5.You can also choose an aesthetic filter or overlay from the Effects tab.

6.The Elements tab features numerous categories like Love, Journey, Badges, and many more. You can add these elements to your video and then adjust their size, rotation, opacity, and much more.

7.Lastly, you can click on Export and either save the video locally or share it directly on social media.

Conclusion

Finally, you can download YouTube thumbnail at the site of your choice. Whether you want to download it in HD or in a lower quality, one of the YouTube thumbnail downloaders mentioned above will be able to fulfill your requirements.

No more browsing through unsecured and ad-laden sites to find a reliable YouTube thumbnail downloader. We have hand-picked, tried, and tested all these tools. All you have to do is take your pick of the YouTube thumbnail saver that best fits your needs. Any tool you choose, you will be able to download YouTube thumbnail with ease and security.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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