How to use it
- Add your thumbnail by dropping it in or pasting it. No image yet? Use the sample.
- Type your title and channel name. The previews update as you type.
- Check every placement. Home feed, mobile, search and up next, in light and dark mode.
- Compare with competitors. Add a few competitor thumbnails to see how yours stands out next to them.
Why preview your thumbnail and title before you publish
A thumbnail and title are never seen alone. They compete with the videos next to them in a feed, on different screen sizes, in light or dark mode. A design that looks great in your editor can disappear in context.
Previewing the pair takes seconds and answers the questions that matter: Does it stand out? Can I read it on a phone? Is the title cut off before the interesting part?
What to check in each placement
- Home feed. Your video sits in a grid of similar thumbnails. Look for contrast and a clear focal point.
- Mobile. The thumbnail is large but the title is short. Make sure the first few words carry the meaning.
- Search results. The title and description matter more here. People are looking for something specific.
- Up next. The thumbnail is small. If your text is unreadable here, it is probably too small or too long.
- Light and dark mode. Bright or white edges look different on a dark background. Check both.
How long should a YouTube title be?
YouTube shows around two lines of the title in most placements, and longer titles are cut off with an ellipsis. Titles under about 60 characters rarely get cut off. Very long ones lose their ending on mobile and in the sidebar. Put the most important words first, and use the character counter above while you type.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an exact copy of YouTube?
It matches the main placements closely so you can judge contrast, readability and title length. YouTube tweaks its layout from time to time.
Can I compare my thumbnail with my competitors?
Yes. Use “Add competitor thumbnails” to put up to four other images in the feed next to yours.
Is my thumbnail uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything happens in your browser. Your images are not sent to a server.
How long can a YouTube title be before it is cut off?
It depends on the placement and screen size. Titles under about 60 characters are rarely truncated. Longer titles are usually shortened with an ellipsis on mobile and in the sidebar.
Why check dark mode?
Many viewers use YouTube in dark mode. Thumbnails with white or very light edges can look like glowing boxes on a dark background.
Can I save the preview?
Use your device’s screenshot to share a preview with your team. The tool is built for a quick check in the browser.