YouTube now offers the option for creators to select a custom thumbnail for their videos, but this feature was previously unavailable for video playlists. Back in June, it was discovered that YouTube was developing a new feature to enable users to choose a custom thumbnail for playlists. Finally, this functionality is launching for YouTube users on Android.
Traditionally, video playlists on YouTube automatically utilize the thumbnail from the first video in the playlist as the thumbnail. To alter this, users would have to rearrange the order of videos within the playlist. However, with the recent YouTube Android app update (version 19.37.35), users can now select custom thumbnails for their playlists, albeit with certain limitations.
Importantly, the option to set custom video playlist thumbnails is restricted to verified accounts only. This means a significant number of users will not have access to this feature unless they verify their phone number on the platform.
Once a user has verified their account, they will notice a new “pencil”icon appearing in the lower right corner of the playlist thumbnails. Tapping this icon opens the edit menu, which provides options to create thumbnails using AI or remove the custom image.
This indicates that users will not have the freedom to set a fully custom thumbnail of their choice, as they must choose from a selection of preset themes, akin to the AI-driven album art generation feature available on YouTube Music.
After selecting a theme, this feature automatically generates sample thumbnails based on a default prompt. Users will have the option to adjust some elements of the prompt by tapping the underlined text, but they cannot enter a fully customized prompt. Additionally, there is a “Randomize”button available to create a new assortment of images.
While this feature provides a viable method for selecting thumbnails for video playlists, many users may find it lacking and would prefer a true upload option that allows them to set their own images as thumbnails. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source and images: Android Authority
Leave a Reply