Android users can now customize YouTube Shorts through the mobile app. Until Google introduced Shorts, YouTube's app was a hub for viewers, while creators did most of their work on the platform’s desktop tool, YouTube Studio. Now YouTube is adapting to allow creators more flexibility in producing content on mobile phones.
YouTube dominated the long-form video market for years. While Facebook and Instagram were equally popular, they were contrasting platforms with different intentions. Sure, short-form video apps like Vine made an appearance, but it just as quickly departed due to management failure. It wasn’t until TikTok’s arrival that YouTube had a true rivalry. So much so that Google introduced YouTube Shorts, a TikTok replica. Integrated within YouTube’s app, Shorts strives to deliver the same advantages creators get on the competing app. While users could customize their Shorts thumbnails through YouTube Studio, they have been asking for the same ability on the mobile app. For Android users, Google has come through.
Google made customizing the thumbnail on a YouTube Short a breeze, and Android users can say goodbye to YouTube Studio. Once the video has been recorded or imported, navigate to the final post-edit screen. In the thumbnail of the video, tap the pencil icon. To select a thumbnail, navigate along the video's timeline and click 'Done' once selected. Once the Short is uploaded, YouTube will showcase the chosen image from the video to viewers. Users will find that this process saves time on content creation as they no longer need to log in to YouTube Studio to accomplish the task.
Can You Select A Short Thumbnail On iPhone?
Unsurprisingly, Android users will be the first to receive this new feature. Given that the tech giant owns the Android operating system, it makes sense that Google would prioritize Android users over iPhone. While Google did not indicate that iOS would receive the feature, the tool will likely roll out to iPhones shortly. While many creators gravitate towards high-end photography phones, it is hard to ignore iPhone’s 18 percent share in the global smartphone market. Apple users can rest assured that Google will eventually bring this new capability to their phones.
Users cannot change the thumbnail once the Short is posted. However, Google has already addressed that it is a feature they will present in the future. YouTube has been adding better creator functionalities to attract talent. In addition to improved features, Google has updated the YouTube Partner Program to include Shorts creators. With this level of attention toward acquiring creators, YouTube is strengthening its position as the top video platform.
Sources: Google