How to Use Add Thumbnail to Video
- Upload the video you want to add a thumbnail to
- Upload your thumbnail image (JPG, PNG, or WebP)
- Set how long the thumbnail displays before the video starts
- Click Process and download the result
Features
- Prepend your thumbnail as an intro frame
- Perfect for YouTube, TikTok, and social media
- Automatic scaling to match video dimensions
- Adjustable display duration (1-30 seconds)
Quick Facts
- The intro image can be held for 1 to 30 seconds, with 3 seconds as the default.
- YouTube takes its thumbnail from a separate image upload, not from the video's first frame: it recommends 1280x720, at least 640 px wide, under 2 MB. Source
- The image is scaled to the video's own resolution before it is prepended, so a 1280x720 cover works on a 1920x1080 clip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I add a thumbnail to a video?
- Upload your video and thumbnail image, set the display duration, and click Process. The thumbnail is shown at the start of the video before the main content plays.
- What image size should the thumbnail be?
- Any size works. The tool automatically scales your thumbnail to match the video's resolution, so a 1280x720 thumbnail works perfectly for a 1080p video.
- Will this change my YouTube thumbnail?
- No. YouTube uses a thumbnail you upload separately in Studio, so a first frame added here will not replace it. This tool is for platforms and players that show the opening frame - messaging apps, embedded players, and local files.
- How long should the cover image stay on screen?
- You can hold it from 1 to 30 seconds; 1 to 2 seconds is enough to act as a cover frame without delaying the video. Longer holds make sense only when the card carries text a viewer has to read.