---
title: "Overview - Thumbnail preview"
description: "Preview YouTube thumbnails in 3 contexts: search results, home feed, sidebar. Check title truncation and design. No signup required."
url: "https://adaptlypost.com/free-tools/youtube-thumbnail-preview"
---

# Useful context - Thumbnail preview

Preview how your YouTube thumbnail looks in search, the home feed, and suggested videos. Upload it and customize the title, channel, and view count.

100% free, images stay on your device

## Interactive tool

Upload Thumbnail

Video Title0/100

Search truncation: 60 charsSidebar truncation: 48 chars

Channel Name

View Count

Time Ago

Preview Context

### Preview

12:34

Video Title

0 views · just now

C

Channel Name

### Thumbnail Tips

Use high contrast colors that stand out

Include a face with an expressive emotion

Keep text to 3-5 words maximum

Use 1280x720 resolution (16:9 aspect ratio)

Avoid clutter - one focal point works best

Test readability at small sizes (sidebar)

## Free YouTube Thumbnail Preview Features

Preview your thumbnail in 3 YouTube contexts

### 3 Preview Modes

Search result, home feed, and sidebar suggested video layouts.

### Best Practices

Tips for creating thumbnails that get clicks.

### Title Truncation

See where YouTube cuts off your title in each context.

### Upload Thumbnail

Upload your 1280×720 thumbnail image to preview.

## FAQ

### What size should my thumbnail be?

1280×720 pixels (16:9 ratio) is the recommended size. Minimum 640px wide. YouTube compresses to \~120KB.

### What makes a good thumbnail?

High contrast, readable text (3-5 words max), expressive faces, bright colors, and clear subject. Avoid clutter, it needs to work at small sizes.

### Does the title length matter?

Yes. YouTube truncates titles at \~60 chars in search and \~48 chars in sidebar. Front-load your keywords.

## Keep going with AdaptlyPost

[Create visuals with the AI Image Studio](https://adaptlypost.com/features/ai-social-media-image-generator)[Schedule posts across every platform](https://adaptlypost.com/features/ai-social-media-scheduler)

## Schedule YouTube Content

Plan and schedule your YouTube uploads with AdaptlyPost.

[Get Started Free](https://adaptlypost.com/signup)