"2024 Approved Speedy Transformation From Pixels to Polished YouTube Thumbnails"

Speedy Transformation: From Pixels to Polished YouTube 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.

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

Part 1. Best music video editors for PC

1. Filmora

System compatibility: Windows 11/10/8/7 and Mac

Rating: 4.7/5

Wondershare Filmora is the best video editor with music. It is a premium software where you get all the features and functionalities you need to make and edit music videos like a pro. The software lets you capture screen video, webcam video, external audio as well as voiceover. Therefore, you can use your own music or song in the background of your video.

When it comes to video editing, all the standard tools are available for music video creation. There are loads of transitions, effects, elements, audio and titles available. Besides, there is a dedicated stock media library available. You can import and export different file formats and publish 4K videos as well. Here are the top features of Wondershare Filmora.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Drag and drop all media files for video creation.
Easy timeline for organizing media files and editing them quickly.
Crop, trim, split, cut, and combine media files.
Wide range of video transitions and audio effects.
Different motion elements, titles, and stock media files.
Keyframing, noise removal, video stabilization options.
Super intuitive user interface for all users.

2. Windows Movie Maker

System compatibility: Windows 11, 10

Rating: 4.0/5

If you are Windows user and you are looking for a free video editor with song, Windows Movie Maker is the perfect app you can get from Microsoft Store. Even though it comes free, the video editor is quite powerful. You can crop, trim, join video clips and add text and music to your video. There are image filters available for photo enhancement as well as transitions to apply in the video.

There are in-built music tracks available and it supports importing a wide range of media files. You can avail animated pan and zoom feature for photos and adjust volume and speed. There is also a Pro version available that supports 4K video and better project management as well as advanced tools. Here are the top features of Windows Movie Maker.

Rotate, trim, flip, and join video clips to make music video.
Make video from photos and add in-built or external music files.
Add titles, credits, texts, stickers, as well as pan-zoom animation.
Wide range of transition effects and photo filters available.
Supports importing and exporting different file formats.
Pro version supports 4K resolution and offers exclusive quick tools.

3. Blender

System compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1 macOS 10.13+, Linux.

Rating: 4.5/5

If you are looking for an open-source video editor, Blender is the best choice. It is completely free to use and it comes with all the standard features for creating and editing music videos. The software is particularly popular for modelling, sculpting, rendering and creating animation-based videos. The video editor contains 32 slots where you can add your media files to create the video.

Blender allows you to change video speed, adjust different layers in the videos and add preferred transitions. Moreover, there are masks and filters available to enhance video content. The advance options of audio mixing and keyframing will surely come handy for advanced users. Here are the top features of Blender video editor.

Cut, split, trim, and join videos clips.
Color grading, photo filters and custom text options.
Add effects, transitions, and animations to your video.
Live visualization options for advanced users.
Motion tracking, scene stabilization and compositing options.

4. Adobe Premiere Pro

System compatibility: Windows 10 and 11.

Rating: 4.5/5

Adobe Premiere Pro is the best video editor for professionals. The software has a slightly steep learning curve and it requires a high-end computer. Therefore, it is useful for you when you are serious about making professional-quality music video. In fact, Adobe Premiere Pro is widely used in the music video and video creation industry.

Adobe Premiere Pro is the perfect combination of standard and advanced video editing options. You can edit various video files at the same time. In fact, it is perfect for a team to work on your music video files. You can edit VR videos, multi-cam videos as well 3D videos. You can edit your photos, video clips and audio files perfectly as per your requirements. Here are the top features of Adobe Premiere Pro.

Trim, split, crop, merge, adjust speed, color correction options.
Edit video clips and audio files minutely with comparison view.
Auto color correction, auto reframe, and configurable user interface.
Editing advanced videos like VR and 3D as well as advance audio editor.
Supports importing and exporting different media file formats.

5. Final Cut Pro

System compatibility: macOS 10.14 or higher

Rating: 4.4/5

Final Cut Pro for Mac users is equivalent to Adobe Premium Pro for Windows users. It is widely used by video creators to edit your videos and add effects and audio to get the desired result. You get the standard as well as the advanced video editing options and features. You can publish your music video at high resolution, and the software takes minimum time for rendering.

Final Cut Pro allows editing 3D, VR, multi-cam, and 360-degree videos. There are loads of effects, filters, and presets available to apply to your video clips and photos to create a music video. The presence of cinematic mode and object tracker could be useful for creating out-of-the-box videos. Here are the top features of Final Cut Pro.

Trim, split, crop, change speed, color correction, and multi-cam video editing.
Amazing cinematic mode to enhance music video content and quality.
Add external music file and edit the music file as required.
Proper organization tool for team to work collaboratively.
Background rendering feature saves a lot of time in video processing.
Publish your music video in high resolution without long processing time.

7. Clido

System compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS.

Rating: 4.5/5

Clido is an online platform where you get different tools for video editing. It is a premium online video editor with music and hence, it is suitable for all those who want to edit video with music on the go. There is no need to download any software and you can merge, compress, resize, cut and crop video as per your requirements.

You can even rotate and adjust speed to create slow-motion videos. To create your music video, you have to opt for its video maker where you can use photos, video clips, GIFs, and music. You can edit the duration for photos and video clips as per your preference. There is also a slideshow maker available for instant video creation with your photos. Here are the top features of Clido that you should be aware of.

Flip, loop, reverse, crop, resize, and merge video clips.
Create slideshow videos and add music of your choice instantly.
Wide range of presets and video filters.
Change aspect ratios to make videos for different platforms.
Super intuitive user interface and secure platform.
Compatible with popular browsers and suitable for PC and phone users

8. Adobe Express

System compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Rating: 4.5/5

Adobe Express is an online video editor with song that is compatible with popular browsers and all devices. You can create stunning music videos in a few minutes. There are various templates available to get started and finish your stunning music video in a few steps. There is a wide range of stock images available from Adobe. You get access to effects, textures, overlays, and filters to enhance video quality.

You can also remove background from your photos to improve video content. There are various graphical elements available to add to your video. You can resize your video to be compatible with online platforms and different devices. The software allows you to play with texts and titles by offering various customization options. Here are the top features of Adobe Express.

Loads of video templates for quick video creation.
Resize photos, convert to different formats, and remove background.
Trim and crop video clips, convert to GIFs, resize as required.
Access to stock media library of Adobe and experiment with text.
Make video for different online platforms and different devices.

9. VideoPad

System compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP & Mac OS X 10.5 or above.

Rating: 4.1/5

VideoPad from NCH Software is a simple but powerful video editor. You can create stunning music videos and edit them as per your requirements. The user interface is suitable for beginners and you can avail different video effects and transitions to apply to your video. There are also dedicated audio tools available to edit audio and music files.

The software supports editing 360-degree and 3D videos. In fact, it supports over 60 video file formats for importing them. The software is equally useful in video optimization and you can share the edited video on different online platforms as per your preference. Here are the top features of VideoPad.

Standard video and audio editing options available.
Mix music track, add audio effects, and record your narration.
Wide range of templates for intro, outro and others for branding.
Supports up to 4K resolution and lossless export.
Video optimization, stabilization, color correction, and change speed.
Upload videos directly to YouTube, Vimeo, and Flickr and cloud platforms.

Part 2. How to make a music video on my own?

In order to make a music video file, you will need a video editor, video clips or photos, and background music. We recommend Wondershare Filmora as the best video editor for music videos. Transfer the video clips or photos with which you want to make the music video from your phone to your computer. Choose and download the music file that you would want to add to the background of your video. You can also record your own song or music and use the same for background music. Here are the steps to make a music video on your own.

Step 1: Download and install Filmora as per your operating system. Launch the software and click on New Project.

Step 2: Drag and drop the video clips, photos, music and audio files on Project Media folder.

Step 3: Drag and drop the video clips or photos on Timeline and arrange them in order as you want in your video. You can stretch the duration of the photos and videos as per your requirements.

Step 4: Go to Transition option at the top bar and drag and drop the transition of your choice on the photos or video clips so that the transition is eye-catching and eye-soothing.

Step 5: Drag and drop the music file from Project Media folder on the Timeline below the photos or video clips. You can stretch or trim the music track to suit the video length. Check out Audio, Effects, Elements and Titles section at the top bar so that you can incorporate them in your music video to be more appealing and engaging.

Step 6: Preview the music video on Filmora and click on Export button to save it on your hard drive as per your selected file format.

1. How do I add music to video editor on PC?

Different video editor offers different options to add music. Some allow you to drag and drop music file from your hard drive to video editor directly. Otherwise, you have to browse and go to the location and select the music file. Online video editor also allows uploading music file from cloud storage.

2. What software is best for editing music videos?

Wondershare Filmora is the best video editor for editing music videos. This is because it is a premium software with all the features and functionalities that you need to edit your music video. The user interface is intuitive for everyone to enhance video content and quality.

3. What is the best app to put music to videos?

InShot is the best app to put music to videos for Android users. For iOS users, Video Maker with Music Editor is the best app to use where all the required features are readily available.

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Drag and drop all media files for video creation.
Easy timeline for organizing media files and editing them quickly.
Crop, trim, split, cut, and combine media files.
Wide range of video transitions and audio effects.
Different motion elements, titles, and stock media files.
Keyframing, noise removal, video stabilization options.
Super intuitive user interface for all users.