Speedy Tutorial Crafting YouTube Image Thumbnails From Scratch

## Speedy Tutorial: Crafting YouTube Image Thumbnails From Scratch

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!

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## 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.

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

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

## Revolutionize Your Mind: Best 15 Online Science Hubs

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A huge number of social media channels have now become a medium for sharing knowledge. The same is seen in the case of YouTube channels. More and more YouTube channels are now coming up with educational content that can help expand your knowledge. Here are some of the top science YouTube channels in 2024 that you can follow to expand your knowledge in the corresponding field.

1. minutephysics

If you are looking for the best physics YouTube channels, minutephysics should make your list. The channel tried to explain physics in a cool and understanding way. Besides, there are some sweet parts of science involved. The Physics YouTube channel comes up with 2 videos every quarter, more or less.

2. Amoeba Sisters

When you visit the channel, its outlook may confuse you with some type of cartoon channel. But actually, it is to explain the tough science topics in an easy and entertaining manner- through cartoons. The channel covers videos on a wide range of scientific topics. But it is actually one of the best biology YouTube channels out there. The channel updates its videos every week, i.e., two videos per quarterly.

3. Tyler DeWitt

The best chemistry YouTube channels can make your fear in chemistry go away with their videos. Tyler DeWitt is such a channel. If you are looking for the best YouTube channel for class 11 science, specifically for chemistry, what better way can there be to learn it from a high school teacher, that too in an accessible way?

4. Computerphile

The name ‘Computerphile’ suggests someone who is fond of computers. Well, it is one of the best computer science YouTube channels you will find. The channel covers videos on almost all parts of the computer and related things. Computerphile comes up with a new video every week.

5. sentdex

It is one of the best data science YouTube channels you will find. The channel creates tutorial videos, which are based on text. It offers videos on deep analysis, machine learning, and so on. Sentdex comes with new videos around ten days apart.

### 6. NASA

When you are going through a list of best science YouTube channels, it must involve space. And here is one of the best astronomy YouTube channels, NASA itself. The channel offers live streaming, so you can continuously be in the quest. With daily video upload, sometimes 2 videos in a day, NASA has managed to make the list of the bests.

### 7. Bloomberg Politics

Bloomberg Politics is one of the best YouTube channels for political science. The channel offers non-partisan global political coverage with regular videos. Its videos include breaking news, political analysis videos, digital videos, and so on. The channel releases 13 videos a week, which is 2 videos a day.

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### 8. Sick Science

Kids learn more easily through practical tutorials like videos. Hence, the best YouTube science channels for kids may be a great way to make them learn something. The channel offers scientific experiments on a wide range of topics, which makes it easier for kids to learn. From Physics to Chemistry, the channel covers it all. Here is a video on egg experiments from Sick Science.

9. AsapSCIENCE

Here is yet another of the best YouTube science channels for kids. The videos are informational with fun at the same time. AsapScience investigates various scientific questions on a wide spectrum of subjects. Although the channel is a perfect choice for kids, adults will love it nevertheless. The channel comes with new videos every week. Here is a video link from AsapScience.

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### 10. SciSHow Space

If you are looking for more of the best astronomy YouTube channels, here is another one. SciShow Space explores the outer universe on Tuesday and Friday every week. The hosts share information regarding the space and more in a few-minute range. The videos come in two times a week. Here is a video link from SciShow Space.

11. The PC Security Channel

With the ever-evolving digital world, the security of your PC has become as important as that of your house or even your life. The PC Security Channel is one of the best computer science YouTube channels, which help you protect your PC in a more sophisticated way. The channel comes with new videos every week. Here is a video link from the channel.

### 12. Chemical & Engineering News

The next on our list of best Science YouTube channels is Chemical & Engineering News. It is a publication of the American Chemical Society. The channel focuses on updated news of the chemical and engineering industry, that specifies more on the chemistry-related work of professionals. From scientific experiments to scientists’ lives, there is a wide range of topics. Here is a video link from the channel:

13. CrashCourse

With the animated presentation of the scientific content in an easy manner and covering videos on biology, chemistry, and so on, no need to explain why CrashCourse made our list of the best science YouTube channels. The channel stacks interesting information in all of its videos. If you don’t feel like learning Biology, you can still go through the videos on computer science. It is also there. The channel releases 3-4 videos a week. Here is a video link from the channel.

### 14. Physics Girl

When we talk about the best science YouTube channels, Physics Girl must be on that list. From DIY experiments to explaining difficult scientific topics, Physics Girl has made learning Physics easier than ever. The channel comes with 5 videos per month. Here is a video link from Physics Girl.

### 15. Physics Online

If you are looking for the best Physics YouTube channels that are the perfect choice for a student of high school, Physics Online is where you go to. The channel offers videos with online tutorials on the basic concepts along with interesting experiments, which can make your Physics learning a complete package. The channel also shows how you need to answer questions in the exams. The update frequency of Physics Online is 3 videos per week.

Part 2: How to Start Your Own Science Channel on YouTube?

Starting and managing your own science channel is not only interesting but also challenging. Here are some tips that can help you start your own science channel on YouTube.

### Tip 1: Do enough research

As you are trying to create educational content, you must do adequate research to come up with accurate information. Also, in this era of increasing competition, a lack of research will do nothing but harm.

Tip 2: Create high-quality content

Content quality matters and that applies to educational content too. This is the part where you need to put most of your time in. Researching the topic and then presenting them in an engaging way can be the source of your high-quality content.

### Tip 3: Use the best tools

When creating videos for your new science YouTube channel, make sure you use the best tools available. You can use Filmora to edit your videos to give them the professional and engaging look they require.

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### Tip 4: Make your content engaging

Subscribers crowd in channels that can connect with them. Some ways to do that is interactive videos with your subscribers, DIY videos, science experiments, and so on.

### Tip 5: Avoid trolls

When you start an educational channel, there will be some people who will mock you at every chance. But to keep continuing is the key here. You need to put your best, not what people think of you or your content.

Tip 6: Information and practical

As you are trying to create educational content on your YouTube channel, you need to make them as informative and practical as possible.

### Conclusion

The best science YouTube channels have one thing in common- high-quality content. As you try to become a YouTuber with educational content, you need to keep that in mind. Hopefully, the tips in this regard will come in handy.

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