Change Your Video Thumbnail Before or After You Upload

Facebook lets you pick which frame from your video becomes the thumbnail—the still image people see before they click play. You can choose a frame that's already in the video, or upload a custom image instead. The process is different depending on whether you're uploading a new video or changing the thumbnail on a video that's already posted.

For videos you haven't posted yet, you pick the thumbnail during upload. For videos already on your page or in a group, you go back into the video's settings to swap it out. Either way, the steps take less than a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • During upload, Facebook shows you three frame options from your video automatically—click the one you want or upload your own image instead.
  • For videos already posted, open the video, click the three-dot menu, select "Edit Post," and choose a new thumbnail from the frames offered or upload a custom one.
  • Custom thumbnails must be a JPG or PNG file and work best at a 1200 × 628 pixel size, though Facebook will resize them automatically.
  • The thumbnail change takes effect when ready on your profile, timeline, or group—you don't need to wait for approval.
  • If you're uploading to a group or business page, the same thumbnail options appear, but group admins may need to approve the post itself.

Choosing a Thumbnail While Uploading a New Video

When you upload a video to Facebook, the platform automatically generates three thumbnail options from different moments in the video. These appear in a row before you finish posting. Click whichever frame looks best—it should be clear, show the main subject of your video, and catch attention in a feed full of other posts.

If none of the three frames work for you, click "Upload Custom Thumbnail" (or the upload icon) below the three options. Select a JPG or PNG file from your computer. Facebook will resize it to fit, so you don't need to worry about exact dimensions, though 1200 × 628 pixels is the standard size that looks sharpest.

After you pick your thumbnail, finish filling in the caption, privacy settings, and any other details, then click "Post" or "Share." The thumbnail appears when ready.

Changing the Thumbnail on a Video You've Already Posted

Open the video on your profile, timeline, or in a group. Look for the three-dot menu icon (⋯) in the top right corner of the video post. Click it and select "Edit Post" from the dropdown menu.

The video will open in edit mode. You'll see the same thumbnail options that appeared during upload—three frames from the video. Click the one you want, or click "Upload Custom Thumbnail" to use a new image file instead. After you choose, click "Save" at the bottom of the screen. The change takes effect right away.

Uploading a Custom Thumbnail Image

A custom thumbnail is any JPG or PNG image file on your computer. It doesn't have to come from the video itself—you can use a graphic, a photo, or any image that represents your content. Facebook automatically resizes it to fit the thumbnail space, so the exact dimensions don't matter, though images around 1200 × 628 pixels will look clearest.

When you click "Upload Custom Thumbnail," your computer's file browser opens. Navigate to the image file you want, select it, and click "Open." The image uploads when ready and becomes your new thumbnail. If the image looks stretched or cut off, try a different image or adjust it in an image editor before uploading again.

Why Your Thumbnail Might Not Change

If you pick a new thumbnail but it doesn't appear right away, refresh your browser or close and reopen Facebook. Sometimes the old thumbnail stays in your browser's cache for a few minutes. If you're on a mobile phone, close the Facebook app completely and reopen it.

If you're posting to a group, the group's admin or moderators may need to approve the post before it goes live—in that case, the thumbnail won't appear until the post is approved. Check with the group admin if your post has been pending for more than a few hours.

Thumbnail Size and Format Guidelines

Facebook accepts JPG and PNG files for custom thumbnails. The ideal size is 1200 × 628 pixels, which is the standard aspect ratio for Facebook's feed. If your image is smaller or larger, Facebook will automatically resize it without distorting it, though very small images (under 400 pixels wide) may look blurry.

Avoid text that's too small to read at thumbnail size, and make sure the main subject of the image is in the center—the edges may get cropped on some devices. If you're uploading a graphic with important details, test it by looking at how it appears in your feed before you finalize the post.

Changing Thumbnails on Videos in Groups or Business Pages

The process is the same whether you're posting to your personal profile, a group, or a business page. Click the three-dot menu on the video, select "Edit Post," and choose a new thumbnail. On a business page, you may see additional options like scheduling or targeting, but the thumbnail picker works the same way.

If you're a group member posting to a group (not an admin), your post may need approval before it appears. The thumbnail you choose will be the one that shows once the post is approved, so you don't need to change it again later. If you're a group admin, your posts go live when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a still from someone else's video as my thumbnail?

Yes, you can upload any image as a custom thumbnail, including screenshots or frames from other videos. However, if the video itself contains copyrighted material or someone else's intellectual property, Facebook may remove the post or restrict it. Make sure you have the right to use the image.

What if I upload a video and then want to change the thumbnail later?

Open the video post, click the three-dot menu, and select "Edit Post." You'll see the same three frame options plus the option to upload a custom image. Pick a new one and click "Save." The change appears when ready on your profile and in feeds.

Does changing the thumbnail affect how many people see my video?

A clearer, more eye-catching thumbnail may get more clicks, but Facebook's algorithm doesn't rank videos differently based on the thumbnail itself. What matters is engagement—clicks, shares, and watch time. A better thumbnail can lead to more clicks, which then affects reach.

Can I change the thumbnail on a video someone else posted?

No, only the person who posted the video (or a page admin if it's a business page) can change the thumbnail. If you're tagged in someone else's video and want a different thumbnail, you'd need to ask them to change it.

What happens to the old thumbnail if I change it?

The old thumbnail disappears and is replaced by the new one everywhere it appears—on your profile, in feeds, and in search results. There's no way to revert to a previous thumbnail, so if you change your mind, you'll need to pick a new one or re-upload the original image.