YouTube Thumbnail Previewer
See how your thumbnail looks on the YouTube homepage before you publish. Check if the timestamp covers your text.
1. Upload Thumbnail
2. Overlay Simulation
Try '1:05' or '11:20:30' to see badge resize
Format or Size issues?
YouTube has a 2MB limit and doesn't support HEIC. Use Medrea to convert iPhone photos and compress images using MozJPEG for the best quality at small sizes.
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YouTube Thumbnail Previewer & CTR Optimizer
The **YouTube Thumbnail Previewer** is a free online tool designed for creators to test their video thumbnails in realistic environments before publishing. By simulating how your thumbnail appears on the **YouTube Homepage**, **Sidebar**, and **Mobile Feed**, you can identify design flaws that might hurt your Click-Through Rate (CTR).
A great thumbnail is the single most important factor in getting views. However, YouTube's interface overlays various elements—like the **timestamp badge**, **"Watch Later" buttons**, and **progress bars**—that can obscure your text or focal points. This tool helps you visualize these "blind spots" instantly.
Key Features for Creators
- The "Timestamp Trap" Check: YouTube places a black duration badge in the bottom-right corner of every video. This tool lets you simulate custom durations (e.g., "10:24" vs "1:05:30") to ensure your text isn't covered.
- Contextual Comparison: Your thumbnail competes with millions of others. Our **"Shuffle Competitors"** feature surrounds your video with random viral thumbnails, helping you judge if your colors pop or fade into the background.
- Multi-Device Simulation: see your design on Desktop (Home/Sidebar) and Mobile layouts. Text that is readable on a 27-inch monitor might be illegible on an iPhone.
- Dark Mode Testing: 80% of users browse in Dark Mode. Toggle between Light and Dark themes to ensure your design works in both environments.
YouTube Thumbnail Best Practices (2026)
1. The 1280x720 Standard
Always upload in **1280x720 pixels** (16:9 aspect ratio). While YouTube displays them smaller, this resolution ensures sharpness on Retina displays and TV apps.
2. Keep it Simple
Mobile screens are small. Limit your text to **3-4 words max**. Use high-contrast colors (Yellow/White on Black) and bold, sans-serif fonts.
3. Emotion Drives Clicks
Faces with strong emotions (surprise, joy, fear) tend to have higher CTRs. Ensure the eyes are visible and expressive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What file formats does YouTube support?
A: YouTube accepts **JPG, GIF, BMP, and PNG**. It does **not** support HEIC (iPhone photos) or WebP. If you have HEIC files, use our free Medrea app to convert them to high-quality JPGs.
Q: What is the maximum file size?
A: The limit is **2MB**. If your high-res PNG is too large, use Medrea to compress it without losing visual quality.
Q: Does this tool upload my image to a server?
A: No. We use client-side rendering. Your image never leaves your browser, ensuring 100% privacy for your unreleased content.
Q: Why is the bottom-right corner dangerous?
A: That's where the **Video Duration Badge** lives. On mobile, this badge is quite large and can cover up to 15% of the thumbnail width. Never put critical text or logos there.