Fast Guide: Transforming Images Into YouTube Desktop Thumbnails

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.

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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

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.

Click here


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.

YT Shorts Soundtrack Hits: Top 10 Trending Sounds

The 10 Best Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

Shanoon Cox

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Even though it has only been a while since YouTube Shorts has been released, it has already become quite popular instantly. For instance, each day YouTube Shorts get a view of more than 6 billion the world over. Though, if you also want to make your YouTube Shorts videos more appealing, then consider adding some interesting background music in them.

Here, I will make you familiar with 10 trending YouTube Shorts music options that you can also consider adding to your videos.

Part 1: What are YouTube Shorts All About?

Recently released, YouTube Shorts is a dedicated feature in the app that lets us view or post short videos of 60 seconds or less. To access this feature, you can just go to the “Shorts” option from the bottom panel of your YouTube app. This will automatically load all kinds of short videos that you can browse on YouTube.

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Part 2: Top 10 Trending Background Music for YouTube Shorts

While there are thousands of options to YouTube Shorts songs, I would recommend going through the following picks for your next videos:

1. Fun Background Mix

This is one of the most popular songs for YouTube Shorts that you might have come across in the past, too. Since it is a copyright-free track, you can use any part of it in your Shorts videos without any issue. In most cases, this YouTube Shorts music is recommended to add a funny or relaxing appeal to your videos.

2. Tropical Mix

If you want to add all kinds of unique music for YouTube Shorts, then you can explore this mix of 15+ different tracks. All these background songs are based on a fun and light tropical feel, letting you add a chill and relaxed appeal to your Shorts videos for sure.

3. Upbeat Music for Shorts

Are you a fitness blogger on YouTube or would like to come up with some motivational content? In this case, you can explore this YouTube Shorts background music that has an upbeat and uplifting appeal. It would be best suited for motivational and fitness videos and can be used for free.

4. Motivational and Uplifting Score

This is another recommended choice of YouTube Shorts BGM for motivational or inspirational videos. The track starts with a soothing appeal and gradually grows to an uplifting rhythm with the help of drums and guitars. You can simply clip its best parts while using it on your YouTube Shorts video.

5. Soothing No Copyright Music

This is one of the best YouTube Shorts songs that can go flawlessly with almost every kind of video. From a romantic to an inspirational charm, the track has different lows and highs that would compliment all kinds of content for sure. After loading it on YouTube Shorts, just make sure you clip out the best segments according to the type of video you are posting

6. Dreamer by Hazy Ambient Music

For all those who post emotional or romantic content on YouTube Shorts, this would be an ideal background score. The ambient music has soft rhythms that would add a soothing appeal to your videos, letting your audience focus on other important things.

7. Ethnic Hip Hop Music

Having a blend of ethnic and retro appeal, this would be an ideal YouTube Shorts copyright music that you can add to your videos. It has tons of musical instruments (both old and new) mixed flawlessly. It will certainly grab the attention of your audience and will make your Shorts stand out.

8. City Calm Track

From fashion bloggers to lifestyle influencers, everyone can take the assistance of these YouTube Shorts songs. It has a calming yet modern appeal that would make your videos sound unique for sure. You can explore this music for YouTube shorts and simply clip out the best segment for your video.

9. Peaceful Piano Music

This is a copyright-free YouTube Shorts music that would let you add a peaceful effect to your videos. The best part is that this is a royalty-free track, which means you can seamlessly add it to your videos without any hassle. It is a highly recommended track for those who create inspirational and emotional content for their audience.

10. Catwalk Funny Music

Lastly, you can also explore these YouTube Shorts trending songs as a background score for funny and cute videos. The track is often used for video content related to pets, slow dances, makeup tutorials, and so on. You can use this royalty-free music directly on YouTube Shorts without any conflicts.

Part 3: How to Add Background Music to YouTube Shorts Videos?

I’m sure that after going through these YouTube Shorts songs, you can easily find the perfect background music for your videos. Though, if you want to add music for YouTube Shorts, then you can do it via its native recording and editing feature. To add or edit YouTube Shorts BGM, you can just follow these steps:

Step 1: Record a Video on YouTube Shorts and Select the Clip

You can start by launching the YouTube application on your device and visiting the Shorts section. Now, tap on the red (recording) icon to shoot a video and let go of it to stop the recording. As the video would be recorded, you can go to its dedicated section from the top and select it.

Step 2: Search for Songs for YouTube Shorts

Great! Once you have selected the video segment, you can just tap on the “Add Music” button from the top panel. This will automatically load all the trending music in different categories that you can preview in advance.

If you want, you can just enter the name of the song, genre, artist, or any other keyword on the search bar to look for anything specific.

Step 3: Add Music to YouTube Shorts

After finding the right track for the video clip, you can tap on it, and it will automatically be loaded on the interface. You can further tap on the “Adjust” button on the side to make changes to the added music.

This will let you clip out the specific part of the song that you want to add to your video on YouTube. Once you have found the right segment of the track, you can preview it, and tap on the “Done” button to clip it.

That’s it! This will automatically add the selected music for YouTube Shorts, letting you post it on the app. If you want to make any changes, then you can tap on the track’s icon from the top. This will let you delete the added track for your video or change it with any other background music.

Bonus Tip: Add Stunning Edits to Your Videos with Filmora

Now, when you know how to add YouTube Shorts music to any video, you can easily come up with some great content for your channel. Though, if you want to make better edits and make your videos even more interesting, then you can use Wondershare Filmora.

The desktop application has tons of editing features to add transitions, captions, filters, overlays, and so much to your videos. There are also inbuilt AI-integrated features to automatically remove the background from your videos and implement other effects.

Besides that, some other features in Filmora are animation keyframing, auto reframing, audio ducking, silence detection, speed controls, and more.

Conclusion

I’m sure that after going through these suggestions, you can pick some of the best YouTube Shorts music tracks for your videos. Since YouTube Shorts has a wide range of music, you can find all kinds of background tracks for your funny, inspirational, romantic, or any other videos.

Besides that, if you want to make better edits to your videos, then you can also try Wondershare Filmora. It is an ultra-smart and user-friendly editing tool that would let you come up with some of the most visually appealing videos in no time.

Shanoon Cox

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

Follow @Shanoon Cox