Why Preview Matters
YouTube displays thumbnails differently depending on:- Device type: Mobile, tablet, desktop, TV
- Screen size: Small phones to large monitors
- Context: Search results, suggested videos, home feed, channel page
50%+ of YouTube views come from mobile. Always prioritize mobile readability in your thumbnails.
Preview Modes
- Small size: See how your thumbnail appears in mobile feeds
- Touch targets: Verify text is readable at small sizes
- Portrait context: Preview in vertical scrolling feeds
How to Use
- Upload or Select: Choose a thumbnail from your generations or upload one
- Browse Previews: Switch between device sizes
- Check Readability: Ensure text and faces are visible at all sizes
- Compare Options: Preview multiple thumbnails side by side
Preview Checklist
Before publishing, verify your thumbnail:- Text readable on mobile (smallest size)
- Face/subject clearly visible
- Colors pop against YouTube's white/dark backgrounds
- No important elements cut off at edges
- Works in both light and dark mode
Common Issues
Text Too Small
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Text unreadable on mobile | Use larger, bolder fonts |
| Too many words | Limit to 3-5 words max |
| Thin font weight | Use bold or extra-bold |
Face Not Visible
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Face too small | Make face 30-40% of thumbnail |
| Low contrast | Add outline or shadow |
| Busy background | Simplify or blur background |
Colors Don't Pop
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Muted colors | Increase saturation |
| Similar to YouTube red | Avoid red borders/backgrounds |
| No contrast | Use complementary colors |
Size Reference
| Device | Thumbnail Size |
|---|---|
| Mobile (small) | ~120 x 68 px |
| Mobile (large) | ~168 x 94 px |
| Tablet | ~210 x 118 px |
| Desktop sidebar | ~168 x 94 px |
| Desktop search | ~360 x 202 px |
| TV | ~480 x 270 px |
Design for mobile first, then verify it still looks great at larger sizes.
Try It Now
The Thumbnail Preview tool is free to use—no account required.Open Thumbnail Preview to test your thumbnails across all devices.
Next Steps
Explore other tools:- Avatar Generator - Create your channel profile picture
- Card Generator - Create YouTube player mockups