It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a thumbnail is your video’s deal maker or breaker. It not only conveys the video’s gist in a few seconds but also encourages viewers to see it.
By default, Instagram sets the first video frame as its thumbnail. To gain traction, you may want to customize it. Fortunately, it’s not challenging to do! Let me show you how to add a thumbnail to your Instagram video.
You can only choose a thumbnail from the video you are going to upload in the above steps. But what if you wish to have a completely different cover image that is not a part of the video? Well, for that, you can use Instagram’s Creator Studio or third-party editing apps. Let’s see how.
If you edit photos/videos on your Mac or PC, this is the most straightforward method. To use Instagram Creator Studio:
Once you satisfy the above conditions, here is how to use the Instagram Creator Studio to post videos with a custom thumbnail.
In addition to the above methods, you can create the perfect thumbnail for your video using video editing apps. After this, upload the video and choose the thumbnail following method one.
It is recommended to add the thumbnail at the starting of the video (the first 5 frames). But even if it’s not, you can select it manually.
If you already use a photo editing app like Canva, go ahead and design your thumbnail.
If you need some recommendations, check out our list of the best photo editing and video editing apps for iPhone and iPad.
Once you have the thumbnail, you can use the free iMovie app to add the thumbnail to the video.
I understand that each of the three methods has its caveats. But unless Instagram officially rolls an option in the inbuilt app, you will have to depend on these.
Q. Can you change the thumbnail on an Instagram video after posting?
No. You cannot change the thumbnail after posting. You will have to delete and repost the video.
Q. What is a thumbnail on Instagram?
A thumbnail is the first screen a user sees before he watches the Instagram video post. It is to give an idea about the video. Thumbnails on YouTube and other video platforms do the same thing.
You may also like to read:
We may earn commissions on purchases made using our links. However, this doesn’t affect the recommendations our writers make. You can read more about our review and editorial process here. Author
I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.
Alexandra | Mar 5, 2021
As you might have noticed, you cannot change the Instagram video thumbnail after posting on Instagram.
But can use your Preview App to check if your video thumbnail and cover image look fine in your grid.
You can upload different thumbnails and cover images.
You can see which one looks the best or catches people’s attention the most – before you post on Instagram.
Ready?
Here’s how to change Instagram video thumbnail in Preview.
The first thing you want to do is upload a video in Preview.
You can upload a normal video, IGTV or an Instagram Reels.
To upload your video:
Done!
Your video will appear in your Preview feed.
Click here to use it
Now press on the video and open your caption.
Press on the “Edit” button that is on your cover image.
This will allow you to change your Instagram video cover frame.
Now choose “Set Cover image”.
You have 2 options.
Option 1:
Slide the slider to choose a video clip as your cover image.
Let’s look at option 2.
Press on “Upload image” to upload a cover image from your camera roll.
This is to upload your own custom cover image for your IGTV videos and Instagram Reels.
As you can see you have different options:
Once you’re happy with your video thumbnail, you can post your video on Instagram.
Here is how to post:
And you’re done!
Now you know how to change your Instagram video thumbnail and cover image!
Let me know if you have any questions.
And have fun planning your posts!
– Alex
You might also like:
Click here to use it
It would be wrong to say that a thumbnail is a deciding factor or an obstacle to your video. It not only conveys the essence of the video in a few seconds, but also encourages viewers to see it.
By default, Instagram sets the first video frame as the thumbnail. To get traction, you can tune it. Luckily, it's not difficult! Let me show you how to add a thumbnail to your Instagram video. nine0003
You can only select a thumbnail from the video you are about to upload in the above steps. But what if you want to have a completely different cover image that is not part of the video? Well, you can use Instagram Creator Studio or third-party editing apps for that. Let's see how. nine0003
If you edit photos/videos on your Mac or PC, this is the easiest way. To use Instagram Creator Studio:
Windows programs, mobile applications, games - EVERYTHING is FREE, in our closed telegram channel - Subscribe :)
nine0010 Once you meet the above conditions, here's how to use Instagram Creator Studio to post a custom thumbnail video.
In addition to the above methods, you can create the perfect thumbnail for your video with video editing apps. After that, upload the video and select the thumbnail by the first method.
nine0003
It is recommended to add a thumbnail at the beginning of the video (first 5 frames). But even if it is not, you can choose it manually.
If you're already using a photo editing app like Canva, create a thumbnail. If you need recommendations, check out our list of the best photo and video editing apps for iPhone and iPad.
Once you have the thumbnail, you can use the free iMovie app to add the thumbnail to your video.
I understand that each of the three methods has its drawbacks. But unless Instagram officially adds the option to the built-in app, you'll have to rely on them.
Q. Can I change the thumbnail of an Instagram video after posting it?
No. You cannot change a thumbnail after it has been published. You will have to delete and re-post the video.
Q. What is an Instagram thumbnail?
The thumbnail is the first screen a user sees before viewing an Instagram video post. This is to give an idea of the video.
Thumbnails on YouTube and other video platforms do the same. nine0003
You can also read:
Programs for Windows, mobile applications, games - EVERYTHING is FREE, in our closed telegram channel - Subscribe :)
The Instagram video cover is the preview frame you choose. It is able to attract the attention of users, display the essence of the video. In addition, you can add a call to action and branding elements to the cover to improve the company's reputation. nine0003
Setting a custom cover for a video is not provided by the social network, but there are simple and convenient options for choosing a cover. They will be discussed in today's article. You will learn all the ways how to set a cover photo on Instagram video. We will consider some of the methods in detail.
Program for promotion on Instagram - SocialKit:
Registration >>>
Read also : Auto-post video to IGTV
There are three main ways to change cover.
A little later, we will take a closer look at its capabilities. nine0010 Interesting : How to download video from Instagram
Let's move on to step by step instructions.
Post your video to Instagram first. To do this, go to your page and click on the "+" icon.
Select content from the gallery or go to the Video section and record a new video by holding the record button. nine0003
After recording the video, click on "Next" at the top of the screen.
Click the Cover tab at the bottom of the screen.
Select a suitable preview frame and click Next.
If necessary, add a description to the video and mark the geolocation. You can also repost to other social networks. At the end, click "Share".
Done - the video is published with the cover of your choice!
If you want to change the cover, you will have to delete the published video and add it again, choosing a different preview during the posting stage.
Go to Google Play and install the app on your mobile device.
Launch this video editor on your phone and click on Video.
Create a new file by clicking on the plus. Go to the section with your videos and photos. After that, select a photo - a check mark will appear on the photo selected for the cover. nine0003
The selected photo can be edited: crop, copy, rotate, zoom.
Next, go to "Video" and tick the desired video for which the preview is intended.
You can also edit it: cut, insert music, add text and apply a filter.
Click Save at the top of the screen. A green check mark will appear, which means that the application is connecting the video with the picture, processing the request. nine0003
Select the video quality you want.
Once the on-screen video conversion reaches 100%, your video with a new cover will be ready.
To make the transition from the cover image in the video almost imperceptible, go to the "Speed" section. Select the desired frame - the "Time" tab will appear. Set the slider to one second. In this case, the screensaver will not interfere with the comfortable viewing of the video.
Topic 9 article0104 : Instagram video ideas
In order not to make a mistake when choosing a cover, take into account the recommendations of SMM specialists.
