Why CAN’T I Upload a Custom Thumbnail to YouTube Even Though It’s Enabled for My Channel?

Have you ever encountered the frustrating issue of being unable to upload a custom thumbnail to your YouTube channel, even though the feature should be enabled for you? This article will guide you through the troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem and provide valuable insights to prevent similar issues in the future.

Why is Custom Thumbnail Upload Not Working?

The most common issue preventing custom thumbnail upload is that the user has not verified their YouTube channel. While the feature might appear to be enabled, it requires a few additional steps to work effectively.

What are the Required Steps for Custom Thumbnail Upload?

To upload a custom thumbnail, you need to follow these steps:

Verify Your Channel: It is a prerequisite to have your channel verified. Even if your channel is already verified, there might be specific requirements such as adding your phone number. Add a Mobile Number: If your channel is verified but the custom thumbnail option is still not available, you need to add a mobile number to your account.

By following these steps, you will be able to customize your thumbnails and improve your video visibility.

When Does Verification Fail or Custom Thumbnail Option Disappear?

From a few days back, a new issue emerged where the custom thumbnail option is disabled even if the account is verified, and a phone number is required to be added. In such cases, there is no official solution from YouTube, but a workaround does exist.

How to Use the Legacy Uploader to Upload Videos

The legacy uploader can help activate the custom thumbnail feature. To use it, follow these steps:

Click on the Create/Upload button on your YouTube page. Near the top right corner, you will see the Upload with classic option. Click on it. You will be taken to the legacy uploader page, where you can upload your video and customize the thumbnail.

Ensure that you are using Google Chrome, as some web browsers like Safari (on Mac) might not work properly for uploading videos.

Additional Tips for Troubleshooting

Here are some general tips to troubleshoot the issue:

Verify Your Mobile Number: YouTube requires you to enter a verified mobile number to enable the custom thumbnail feature. If you have not completed this step, it might be the reason for the issue. Wait It Out: Sometimes, the issue might resolve itself if you simply wait for a few days. Check back in periodically to see if the feature has re-enabled itself. Check YouTube Support: Visit the official YouTube support page or refer to the video tutorials available online, as they can provide step-by-step guidance to resolve the issue.

Custom thumbnails are crucial for attracting viewers and improving the overall engagement of your videos. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that you have a perfectly customized thumbnail for your YouTube videos.