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Add Thumbnail on Facebook Videos on Mobile and Get More Clicks

James Hogan
James Hogan Originally published Mar 11, 25, updated Nov 12, 25

First impressions are everything. If you post a video on Facebook, your Facebook video thumbnail is the first thing the viewers will see, which could lead to drastically improving engagement and click-through rates.

But unfortunately, many users have a hard time setting a thumbnail on Facebook video on mobile due to the limited customization options available on the platform. A default frame from the video may not always be the most attractive choice.

The solution? Creating and setting custom thumbnails that best represent your content. This article provides a step-by-step guide on selecting, editing, and uploading a high-quality thumbnail using a simple yet powerful tool. Whether you want to change video thumbnails on Facebook mobile or design a custom one, this guide will help you optimize your videos effortlessly.

create thumbnail for facebook video
In this article
    1. Recommended Size and Format
    1. Key features
    2. How to Add a Thumbnail to a Facebook Video
    1. Use High-Quality Images
    2. Make Text Easy to Read
    3. Choose a Thumbnail That Represents the Video

Part 1: Facebook Video Thumbnails: Everything You Need to Know

Facebook video thumbnails are the images shown before a video starts playing or when shared outside Facebook. They act as a preview, encouraging people to click and watch. Thumbnails can either be frame grabs taken from the video or custom imagery created to attract attention. Milestones that are well thought out have the potential to significantly increase the engagement and appeal of your content.

thumbnail for facebook video

Recommended Size and Format

Platform Recommended Size Aspect Ratio Format Notes
Feed Video 1200 x 630 px 1.91:1 JPEG / PNG Standard thumbnail
Facebook Reels 1080 x 1920 px 9:16 JPEG / PNG Full-screen mobile format
Facebook Stories 1080 x 1920 px 9:16 PNG recommended Same as Reels
Facebook Watch 1280 x 720 px 16:9 JPEG For long-form videos

Using the right Facebook video thumbnail size keeps your video clear and eye-catching. A well-optimized thumbnail makes your content stand out and encourages more clicks.

Pro Tips:

  • Keep file size under 2MB to avoid compression artifacts.
  • Use PNG with transparency if you want layered designs.
  • Always preview on both mobile and desktop — cropping may vary.

Part 2: How to Add & Change Thumbnail on Facebook Video on Mobile

You can create Facebook thumbnails by taking a screenshot of your video for a personalized thumbnail. But if you want to create more appealing and engaging Facebook video thumbnails, it's simple to use the Filmora Mobile App (available on Andropid and iOS) and add professional-looking Facebook video thumbnails.

With Filmora, you can immediately add the thumbnail you want to the video when uploading to Facebook.

custom thumbnail template

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Key features

  • Pick the perfect thumbnail with precision: Filmora lets you scroll through your video timeline and choose the exact frame you want, so there's no need for screenshots or guesswork.
  • Upload and enhance custom thumbnails: Import images from your gallery or Filmora's stock media, then adjust colors, crop, or apply filters to keep your thumbnail sharp and attractive after Facebook compression.
  • Edit videos effortlessly: Trim clips, add transitions, adjust lighting and color, or apply filters - all within one app.
  • Add creative text and captions: Include animated titles, subtitles, and emojis generated by Filmora's AI to make your Facebook videos more engaging.
  • Enhance with visuals and sound: Improve overall quality with effects, filters, transitions, and background music that match your video's tone.
  • Create Reels with AI: Use Filmora's AI Auto Cut to turn existing clips and photos into attention-grabbing Facebook Reels in seconds.
  • Seamless export and upload: Save your video and thumbnail in high resolution, ensuring top quality and compatibility when uploading to Facebook.

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If you need to change/edit the video thumbnail on phone for Facebook, Filmora ensures a smooth and hassle-free process.

How to Add a Thumbnail to a Facebook Video

Filmora offers two simple ways to add a thumbnail to a Facebook video on mobile. You can either upload a custom thumbnail from your phone's gallery or select a frame from the video. Follow these steps to create and set your perfect thumbnail.

1. Create a Thumbnail from a Video Frame

Step 1. Create a New Project After Launching Filmora

Open Filmora and tap New Project from the Quick Access panel. You can also press the Plus (+) icon at the bottom menu to begin.

Step 2. Import Your Video

Choose a video from your phone's gallery or select one from the Stock tab. Tap Import to add it to the timeline.

start and import project
Step 3. Make Basic Edits (Optional)

Trim or cut the video by dragging the edges of the clip in the timeline. Right-click and select Cut to remove unwanted parts.

Add effects and transitions and adjust colors to enhance the video. To add a transition, tap the space between clips, open the Transitions bar, and choose from the library. Select the transition duration and press the Checkmark to apply changes.

make basic edits
Step 4. Add Visual Effects (Optional)

Tap Effects from the toolbar at the bottom. Use the search bar to find specific effects. Tap Checkmark to apply the effect.

add effects
Step 5. Select the Thumbnail from Your Video

Go to Filmora's Work Area and tap the Cover icon on the left of the timeline. Drag the video and select the exact frame you want to use as your Facebook video thumbnail.

Step 6. Confirm Your Selection

Once you're happy with the thumbnail, tap the Checkmark to apply it.

add thumbnail to video

2. Add a Custom Thumbnail From Other Content

The thumbnail of your video does not have to be a video frame. You can also create a custom thumbnail from an image or video stored on your device, or use available stock footage in Filmora for Mobile. Here's how:

Step 1. Access the Thumbnail Editor

In the thumbnail settings, tap the Album button.

Step 2. Choose an Image

Pick an image from your phone's gallery or select one from Filmora's Stock Media collection. Tap Import to add it to your project.

Step 3. Edit and Enhance the Thumbnail (Optional)

Adjust colors, add effects, or crop the image to fit the Facebook video thumbnail size correctly. Apply filters or text overlays to make it more engaging.

Step 4. Apply the Thumbnail to Your Video

Once you're satisfied, tap the Checkmark in the top-right corner to confirm.

add custom thumbnail to video

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3. Bonus: How to Add & Edit Facebook Video Thumbnail on Computer

Customize Thumbnails Instantly! ⚡
Customize Thumbnails Instantly! ⚡

With the AI Thumbnail Creator on Filmora (Desktop), you can effortlessly generate eye-catching thumbnails using AI-powered frame selection and 270+ customizable templates, ensuring your video stands out.

filmora thumbnail template

Whether you're optimizing for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, the tool provides real-time previews to guarantee the perfect fit across all platforms. Plus, Filmora Desktop also allows you to schedule videos for seamless sharing.

Part 3: How to Add or Change Video Thumbnail on Facebook

With Facebook, you can upload custom thumbnails directly on the platform; Facebook allows you to set a thumbnail while editing your video. You will need to use the Creator Studio app if you want to change the video thumbnail using Facebook mobile. Here's how to set or update your video thumbnail on Facebook.

1. Install and Open Creator Studio

Now you can go ahead and get the Creator Studio app from either the App Store or the Google Play Store. After downloading, use the app and enter your credentials (email or phone). Select the Facebook page with the uploaded video.

2. Select the Video You Want to Edit

Locate the video for which you want to update the thumbnail. Tap on the three-dot menu beside the video. Select Edit Post from the dropdown options.

3. Add a New Thumbnail

Scroll down to the Thumbnail section. Tap the Add button to change or upload a new thumbnail.

4. Grant Permissions

A pop-up will appear asking for permissions. Tap Allow to enable adding a custom thumbnail. Confirm again by tapping Allow once more.

5. Upload Your Custom Thumbnail

Choose an image from your device gallery that fits the ideal Facebook video thumbnail size. Tap Next in the top-right corner.

6. Save Your Changes

Add or update the video title and description. Tap Save at the bottom to finalize the changes.

create thumbnail for facebook video

If you've already added a thumbnail but are unsatisfied with it, Facebook allows you to replace it with a new one.

1. Open the Thumbnail Settings

Navigate to the Edit Post section of your uploaded video. Locate the Change Thumbnail option and tap the down arrow next to it to open more choices.

2. Upload a New Thumbnail

Select Upload Image from the available options. Browse your device's storage and pick the image you want to use. Tap Done to confirm the new selection.

3. Save the Updated Thumbnail

Click on the Save button in the bottom left corner. The updated Facebook video thumbnail will now be applied to your video.

change thumbnail for facebook video

Part 4: Best Practices For Facebook Video Thumbnails

Getting the right Facebook video thumbnail size is crucial, but design matters too. Follow these best practices to create engaging thumbnails:

Use High-Quality Images

A fuzzy or lacklustre thumbnail could make your video appear amateurish. Bright colours in high contrast are a great way to capture attention. Your thumbnail should still stand out in a busy feed, even on smaller devices.

high quality thumbnails

Make Text Easy to Read

Adding text to your Facebook video thumbnails can help summarize the content. Ensure the font is bold, clear, and visible even on mobile. If needed, use text borders or contrasting colors for better readability.

easy to understand thumbnails

Choose a Thumbnail That Represents the Video

Your thumbnail should reflect the video's content. An engaging image with relevant text gives viewers an idea of what to expect. A strong, well-matched thumbnail increases clicks and views.

thumbnails defining video

Example Styles by Industry

Different industries benefit from distinct thumbnail strategies. Here are some ideas you can adapt:

Industry Thumbnail Style Example Idea
E-commerce Product close-up + bold price text "Under $10 Finds"
Education Teacher + clear subject text "Learn Photoshop in 5 Minutes"
Entertainment Facial expression + reaction shot "Top 5 Shocking Movie Moments"
Real Estate Property shot + callout "Dream Home Tour 2025"

Conclusion

This is how you make a Facebook post go viral. When a thumbnail is crafted well, the chances of a viewer clicking that video and watching it increase. Great content gets overshadowed if a compelling thumbnail is not integrated. Although Facebook has options bordering on minimal, the customisation is effortless when the right tools are at hand.

With Filmora, a powerful thumbnail maker app, you can add a thumbnail to a Facebook video on mobile with precision. Whether selecting a frame from the video or uploading a custom image, the process is seamless. The app's editing features, effects, and templates ensure that your video stands out.

A high-quality thumbnail paired with engaging content increases clicks and views. Take control of your video's first impression, and make it count.

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💬 FAQs About Facebook Video Thumbnails

  • 1. Does Facebook compress uploaded thumbnails, and how does it affect image quality?

    Yes, Facebook automatically compresses all uploaded thumbnails to optimize loading speed across devices. This compression slightly reduces image quality, especially if the file is large or highly detailed. To minimize quality loss, always upload your thumbnail in the recommended size of 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9 ratio) and keep the file under 2MB. Using high-resolution images with balanced contrast ensures your thumbnail still looks sharp after Facebook's compression process.

  • 2. Can I use PNG format with transparency for Facebook video thumbnails?

    You can upload PNG files as Facebook video thumbnails, but transparency will not be preserved. Facebook automatically converts all thumbnail uploads into a flat JPEG or non-transparent PNG image when processing the file. If your design relies on transparency effects, it's best to place your subject on a solid background before uploading to maintain the intended look and prevent unwanted background colors from appearing.

  • 3. How do Facebook video thumbnails display differently on mobile vs desktop?

    Facebook displays video thumbnails slightly differently on mobile and desktop. On mobile, thumbnails often appear cropped or zoomed to fit the smaller vertical screen space, while on desktop they maintain the full 16:9 aspect ratio. This means key elements like text or faces near the edges may be cut off on phones. To ensure consistency, always keep your main subject and text centered within a “safe zone” that avoids the outer 10% of the frame, so your thumbnail looks great on both devices.

James Hogan
James Hogan Nov 12, 25
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