Mobile Filmmaker’s Secrets: Creating Viral Thumbnails for YouTube

As a content creator, you know the importance of a visually appealing thumbnail for YouTube videos. It gives your viewers a sneak peek of what they can expect from your video and helps it stand out in the crowded world of YouTube.

When creating your thumbnail, it’s important to remember that the recommended size is 1280 x 720 pixels and a minimum width of 640 pixels. With these dimensions in mind, let’s dive into how you can easily create stunning thumbnails for your YouTube videos using your mobile phone.

Method 1. Make a YouTube Thumbnail on iPhone With the iPhone Photos App

One way to create a thumbnail for your YouTube video on your iPhone is to use the built-in Photos app. The Photos app comes pre-installed on all iPhones and offers a range of editing tools you can use to create a thumbnail.

The Photos app on your iPhone offers a range of features that you can use to create a custom thumbnail for your YouTube video. Here are some of the features you can use:

Crop: The crop tool allows you to resize and reposition your thumbnail image by trimming away any unnecessary parts of the image.
Rotate: The rotate tool lets you adjust the orientation of your thumbnail image. You can rotate the image clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve the desired angle.
Adjust lighting and color: The lighting and color tools allow you to adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, and other aspects of the thumbnail image to enhance its overall appearance.
Add text: You can use the text tool to add words or phrases to your thumbnail image. This can be a great way to include a call-to-action or to highlight a key feature of your video.
Add filters and stickers: The Photos app includes a range of filters and stickers that you can use to give your thumbnail image a unique look. You can experiment with filters and stickers to find the perfect one for your thumbnail.

To create a thumbnail using the Photos app on your iPhone, follow these steps:

Step1 Open the Photos app and find the image you want to use as your thumbnail. Tap on the image to open it.

Step2 Tap the Edit button in the top right corner of the screen. Use the crop and rotate tools to adjust the perspective and the aspect ratio of 16:9.

Step3 Tap the Filters button to access the filter effects. Scroll through the available filters and tap on one to apply it to your thumbnail image.

Step4 To write or draw on the image, tap the Markup button. This will open a toolbar with a variety of drawing and text tools. Use these tools to add your personal touch to the thumbnail.

Step5 When you’re satisfied with your thumbnail, tap Done in the top right corner of the screen.

Pros

Convenient
Easy to use
Versatile

Cons

Limited customization option
Lower image quality

This method is best for users looking for a quick and easy way to create a thumbnail on the go and doesn’t need many customization options. It’s also a good option for users needing computer or graphic design software access. If you’re looking for more advanced customization options or higher image quality, consider using other methods or software.

Method 2. Make YouTube Thumbnails on Android/iPhone With Third-Party Apps

In addition to using the built-in Photos app on your iPhone or Android device, there are also many third-party apps that you can use to create YouTube thumbnails. Some popular options include Canva, Adobe Spark, and FotoJet. These apps offer a wider range of customization options and design templates, making it easy to create professional-looking thumbnails even if you have yet to gain graphic design experience.

One popular third-party app for creating YouTube thumbnails on both iPhone and Android devices is PixelLab. PixelLab is a powerful graphic design app with many features and tools for creating custom thumbnails. With PixelLab, you can add text, shapes, and stickers to your thumbnail image and adjust the image’s color, lighting, and other aspects to get the perfect look. You can also import your images or graphics for your thumbnail design.

Here are the steps to create a thumbnail using PixelLab on your Android or iOS device:

Step1 Open the Play Store and search for PixelLab. Install the app.

Step2 Tap the “+” icon to add an image from your gallery.

Step3 Edit the image using the available tools, such as cropping, rotating, and adjusting the color and lighting.

Step4 Add text to the image and customize it to your liking.

Step5 Change the resolution of the image to 1280 x 720 pixels.

Step6 Save the image to your gallery by exporting it.

Pros

More customization options
Advanced editing tools
High image quality

Cons

Requires a separate app download
It may require a learning curve

This method is best for users looking for more advanced customization options and higher image quality for their YouTube thumbnails. It’s also a good option for users with experience with graphic design software and who are comfortable using advanced editing tools. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create a thumbnail and only need a few customization options, consider using the built-in Photos app or other simpler methods.

How To Add Thumbnails to YouTube Videos on Mobile

Once you’ve created your thumbnail image, it’s time to add it to your YouTube video. Adding a thumbnail to your YouTube video on your mobile device is a simple process that only requires a few steps.

Here’s how to do it on your mobile device:

Step1 Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and sign in to your account.

Step2 Tap on the My Videos tab to view a list of your uploaded videos.

Step3 Tap on the video and tap the “Edit“ button in the top right corner of the screen.

Step4 Tap the Custom thumbnail button and upload the image you want to use from your photo library.

Step5 Tap Save in the top right corner to upload the thumbnail to your video.

That’s it! Your new thumbnail will now be displayed on your YouTube video, helping it stand out and attract more views. You can repeat this process for other videos if you want to add a custom thumbnail.

It May Interest You – Make YouTube Thumbnails on Windows/Mac

While it’s convenient to create YouTube thumbnails on your mobile device, there may be times when you need to create a thumbnail on your Windows or Mac computer.

For example, if you need to create a thumbnail with a higher resolution or more advanced customization options, you may find it easier to do so on a computer. Additionally, a computer may be more efficient if you’re working on a larger thumbnail project and need to create multiple thumbnails simultaneously.

One popular tool for creating YouTube thumbnails on a Windows or Mac computer is Filmora. Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing software that allows you to easily edit and enhance your YouTube videos and create custom thumbnails for your videos.

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

With Filmora, you can add text, graphics, and special effects to your thumbnail image and import and edit multiple images. Filmora is a great tool for creating professional-looking YouTube thumbnails on your Windows or Mac computer.

To create a thumbnail using Filmora on your Windows or Mac computer, follow these steps:

Step1 Launch Filmora, add the picture to the timeline and select the AI Portrait option in the Effects panel to cut out the subject from the background.

Step2 Scale up and reposition the photo.

Step3 Add a new background to the track below the picture. Use the other editing tools in Filmora to customize the image as desired, such as adding text, graphics, and special effects.

Step4 When you are done editing the thumbnail, take a snapshot by clicking the camera icon.

Step5 Locate the thumbnail in your local drive.

For more detailed instructions and a visual guide, you can watch the following video tutorial:

Add a video

This video will show you how to use Filmora to create a custom thumbnail for your YouTube video, step by step.

Conclusion

Many tools are available for creating YouTube thumbnails, including the built-in Photos app on mobile devices and third-party apps like Pixelab. One particularly powerful option is Filmora, a video editing software with features for creating custom thumbnails, such as adding text, graphics, and special effects.

Whether you create your thumbnails on your mobile device or your computer, use a high-quality image and make the thumbnail relevant to your video to increase the chances of it getting clicked.

Method 2. Make YouTube Thumbnails on Android/iPhone With Third-Party Apps

Here are the steps to create a thumbnail using PixelLab on your Android or iOS device:

Step1 Open the Play Store and search for PixelLab. Install the app.

Step2 Tap the “+” icon to add an image from your gallery.

Step3 Edit the image using the available tools, such as cropping, rotating, and adjusting the color and lighting.

Step4 Add text to the image and customize it to your liking.

Step5 Change the resolution of the image to 1280 x 720 pixels.

Step6 Save the image to your gallery by exporting it.

Pros

More customization options
Advanced editing tools
High image quality

Cons

Requires a separate app download
It may require a learning curve

How To Add Thumbnails to YouTube Videos on Mobile

Here’s how to do it on your mobile device:

Step1 Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and sign in to your account.

Step2 Tap on the My Videos tab to view a list of your uploaded videos.

Step3 Tap on the video and tap the “Edit“ button in the top right corner of the screen.

Step4 Tap the Custom thumbnail button and upload the image you want to use from your photo library.

Step5 Tap Save in the top right corner to upload the thumbnail to your video.

It May Interest You – Make YouTube Thumbnails on Windows/Mac

While it’s convenient to create YouTube thumbnails on your mobile device, there may be times when you need to create a thumbnail on your Windows or Mac computer.

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

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

To create a thumbnail using Filmora on your Windows or Mac computer, follow these steps:

Step1 Launch Filmora, add the picture to the timeline and select the AI Portrait option in the Effects panel to cut out the subject from the background.

Step2 Scale up and reposition the photo.

Step3 Add a new background to the track below the picture. Use the other editing tools in Filmora to customize the image as desired, such as adding text, graphics, and special effects.

Step4 When you are done editing the thumbnail, take a snapshot by clicking the camera icon.

Step5 Locate the thumbnail in your local drive.

For more detailed instructions and a visual guide, you can watch the following video tutorial:

Add a video

This video will show you how to use Filmora to create a custom thumbnail for your YouTube video, step by step.

Conclusion

Whether you create your thumbnails on your mobile device or your computer, use a high-quality image and make the thumbnail relevant to your video to increase the chances of it getting clicked.

Efficient YouTube Ad Blocking on Chrome/Firefox/Android Devices

How to Block YouTube Ads on Chrome/Firefox/Android/iPhone

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

YouTube is unquestionably the world’s most popular video-sharing platform with a massive 2 billion active monthly users. With such a large audience, advertisers are pouring a lot of funds into Google’s video platform that makes up a big portion of the company’s advertising revenue. Unfortunately, according to the BI Intelligence Digital Trust Survey , YouTube serves up the most annoying ads with 43 percent of the respondents considering YouTube ads most irksome.

Every now and then you’ll get annoyed with the obtrusive ads and ask how to block YouTube ads. Getting away with the un-skippable and plagued 30-second ads during the playback or the onscreen pop-up ads that come suddenly on the playing screen will make your life miserable when watching a show or practicing a dance move. To help you escape the forced ads on YouTube we’ll go through the YouTube ad blocking techniques available. You will learn:

Part 1: How to block YouTube ads on the computer (Chrome & Firefox)
Part 2: How to block YouTube ads on the mobile phone (Android & iPhone)

Here is the video guide to help you block Youtube ads on the computer and mobile phone

Part 1: How to block YouTube ads on the computer (Chrome & Firefox)

In case you care about and want to support content creators on YouTube, you can buy the YouTube Premium which will also give you access to exclusive shows and will eliminate ads from your YouTube life.

However, as most of us won’t like the idea of paying for a free service, there are possible solutions of how to block YouTube ads in Chrome or Firefox. You will need to install a third-party browser extension proficient in blocking the annoying YouTube ads in Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

1.Google Chrome

Chrome allows you to have extensions to enhance the browser features and interact more with the content presented to you. These third-party extensions or sometimes called Add-ons can help prevent the irritating YouTube ads to show up on the site. To install them, follow the steps.

1. Open Google Chrome browser and go to Menu.
2. In the Menu look for “More Tools” and in there tap the “Extensions”.

3. In the Extensions tap the “Main menu” at the left-hand side. It will show the menu here open the Chrome Web Store. Or you can simply open Chrome Web Store

4. You will need to sign in with your Google account if you’re not already signed in.
5. In the search box type “ad blocker YouTube” and tap enter. You’ll see a list of ad blockers available for chrome.
6. You will adblocker’s specifically for YouTube ads. Select whichever you like and it will block the YouTube ads on Chrome.

2.Mozilla Firefox

You can also install third-party extensions to block YouTube ads from popping up in the middle of the playback. To install the extensions, follow the steps.

1. Tap the Hamburger Menu on Firefox at the top-right corner and select Add-ons.

2. In the search bar “Find more extensions” type “ad blocker YouTube” and press enter.

3. Select an appropriate ad blocker and it will protect you from the irritating ads.

4. Tap the “Add to Firefox” to download the extension.

5. It will ask for permission, press “Add” again to grant the permissions.

Part 2: How to block YouTube ads on the mobile phone (Android & iPhone)

Ads can cause inconvenience and make YouTube watching a sour experience. To protect yourself from the constant nagging ads on mobile platforms both Android and iPhone you can utilize the numerous ad-blocking apps for Android and iOS. Though the simplest method of blocking the ads and watch YouTube content without ads is to use the Adblock Browser available both for both devices at Google Play Store and Apple Store. This technique won’t require you to root your Android phone or jailbreak the iPhone for watching ad-free YouTube videos.

1.Android

Android is pretty flexible and allows you to add many feature-rich third-party apps. Though there might be other options available to get rid of the irksome YouTube ads, the easiest and single app solution to remove ads is downloading an Adblock browser app that will act as your default browser when you try to want to watch YouTube videos. The steps to set up your Android to block YouTube ads are down here.

1. Click Here to install Adblock Browser on your Android device.

2. It is a full-fledged browser and can act as your primary browser for YouTube playback.

3. After installing the Adblock Browser your Android device may still try to play videos in the YouTube app.
4. To current that, open the “Settings” on your Android and go to “Apps & notifications” and press See all. In the apps find YouTube, tap in to see app info.

5. In the App info screen click “Storage & cache”.

6. Tap on “Clear storage”. This will clear all the cache and data of the app from the operating system.

7. Now your YouTube videos will be played in the Adblock Browser.

2.iPhone

On iOS, you can keep using the default iOS browser and still be able to block YouTube ads in the Safari browser app. You can add third-party ad blocker apps to disable YouTube ads on your iPhone and link it as the Content Blocker in the Safari settings. To activate the ad blocking feature, follow the steps.

1. Open Apple Store and download any ad blocker app you like.

2. Now come to the iPhone device Settings and go to Safari.

3. In the Safari settings, you will find a “Block Pop-ups” toggle button, activate it.
4. Right below the toggle button, you’ll see the “Content Blockers” tap to configure it.

5. The ad blocker app you just downloaded will be displaying under Allow these content blockers, enable it with the toggle button.

6. Now your Safari browser will block all YouTube ads during playback.

Conclusion

Ads can be annoying and time-wasting if you are being forced to watch them every other minute. YouTube is as addictive as its active userbase depict and during that addiction, anyone will not accept an interruption. To do away with the disruptive adds and block YouTube ads on any of your devices from PC to Mac, or mobile devices you need to have an adblocker application that will disable YouTube ads and make your video viewing experience smooth and relishing.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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