YouTube is the go-to platform for video content, boasting over two billion monthly active users worldwide, and watching videos on the platform is a daily activity for many of us. Thumbnails play a significant role in grabbing user’s attention on the platform. They provide a quick snapshot of what to expect in a video, helping viewers decide whether or not to click on it. However, sometimes YouTube thumbnails do not show up, creating inconvenience and frustration for both creators and viewers. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five ways to fix YouTube thumbnails not showing.
1. Clear browser cache and cookies:
One of the most common reasons behind YouTube thumbnails not showing is an outdated browser cache or corrupt cookies. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can resolve the issue in most cases, as it forces your browser to reload webpage data. To clear cache and cookies, go to your browser settings, search for “cache” or “cookies,” and follow the prompts to clear them.
2. Disable browser extensions:
Some browser extensions may interfere with how web pages are displayed, including causing issues with YouTube thumbnails. To rule out any conflicts that might be arising from these extensions, disable them one by one and refresh the YouTube page to check if the thumbnails are showing up correctly.
3. Check thumbnail settings in your YouTube account:
If you’re a content creator, make sure that you’ve properly set up custom thumbnails for your videos. To verify this, go to YouTube Studio > Videos > Details, and check if you have uploaded a custom thumbnail under “Thumbnail.” If not, try uploading a custom thumbnail by clicking on “Upload thumbnail” and see if the issue resolves.
4. Update your browser:
An outdated browser can cause compatibility issues with modern websites like YouTube; hence it is essential always to have an updated version of your preferred browser installed. Check for any pending updates in your browser and update it to the latest version to fix the YouTube thumbnail issue.
5. Contact YouTube support:
If all the above methods fail to resolve the issue, it’s time to reach out to YouTube support. They can guide you through any known bugs or server-side issues affecting YouTube thumbnails. You can contact YouTube support via their Help Center page or connect with them on social media platforms like Twitter for more assistance.
In conclusion, fixing YouTube thumbnails not showing is usually a simple process that involves clearing your browser cache, disabling conflicting extensions, making sure thumbnail settings are correct, updating your browser, or reaching out to YouTube support. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the platform, both as a creator and a viewer.