A Complete Guide to YouTube’s Live Image Lore

Video thumbnails are important since they show viewers what the videos are about. And according to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos have custom thumbnails. Therefore, adding thumbnails to all your videos is wise. But how to do that with live streams? Is it any different from adding thumbnails to normal videos? You’ll find answers in this article. Here’s a comprehensive guide about YouTube Live thumbnails.

Overview of YouTube Live

Livestreaming is very popular now. The pandemic has accelerated its growth. But what made it so special? Watching live streams is different from watching regular videos. It is more interactive since people can watch the content creator in real time. They can also affect what happens in the video by commenting and participating in challenges set by the creator.

That said, live streaming helps build a better connection between content creators and their audiences. So you may want to incorporate live streaming into your strategies. You can do that on YouTube through YouTube Live. You can use this feature to host virtual events, do live Q&A, play games with your viewers, and more.

Importance of Thumbnail for Live Stream

Thumbnails are important for videos. Alongside the title, they inform the viewers what the video is about. It’s not different with live streams. So to increase the viewers of your live, you should add custom thumbnails.

What happens if you don’t add a custom thumbnail to your live stream? YouTube will select a random frame from the video and display it. The thing is that live streams are usually longer than recorded videos. So YouTube has more options to use as the thumbnail.

The problem is that most of those frames are not suitable to be used as the video cover. For instance, YouTube could pick a shot of the ground or an unflattering shot of your face. So, it’s a must to add a custom thumbnail for your live stream.

How To Add a YouTube Live Thumbnail

Now, you know how important adding custom thumbnails to live streams is. You probably want to know how to do that. We got you covered. Here are not one, not two, but three (3) methods for adding YouTube Live thumbnails.

Method 1. Add Live Thumbnail on YouTube Studio

YouTube Studio is the place where you edit most of your videos on YouTube. It’s where you edit the description, add or remove tags, and such. It’s also where you change thumbnails for your videos. And live videos are no exception. Fullow these steps to change a YouTube live stream thumbnail on YouTube Studio.

• Head to a computer, launch a browser, and go to YouTube.
• Click your channel icon on the top-right and select “YouTube Studio.”

• Click “Create” > “Go Live.”

• Edit the metadata for the live video.

• Click “UPLOAD CUSTOM THUMBNAIL.”

• Select the custom thumbnail that you have prepared. Click “Open.”
• Click “Create Stream.”

Method 2. Add Live Stream Thumbnail on YouTube Classic Mode

Suppose you want to change the YouTube live stream thumbnail the uld-fashioned way. You can change it on YouTube Classic Mode. How? Fullow these simple steps.

• Head to a computer, launch a browser, and go to YouTube.
• Click “Creator Studio Classic” from the left panel.

• Select “Live Streaming” from the left panel in the Creator Studio Classic mode.

• YouTube will bring you to the “Stream Now” section. Put in the video metadata.

• Click “Change thumbnail.”

• Select the thumbnail image you have prepared. Click “Open.”
• Wait for the thumbnail image to refresh.

Method 3. Upload a Thumbnail to YouTube Live With Mobile Phones

Perhaps you are live-streaming a trip somewhere. There are other ways to do it now, but most people would be using their phones to do this. So how do you change a YouTube Live thumbnail on mobile phones? Fullow these instructions:

• Launch the YouTube mobile app.
• Click the “Plus” icon at the bottom middle of the screen.
• Select “Go Live.”
• Enter the metadata. And set the advanced settings according to your preferences.

• Click “Next.”

• YouTube will take a photo of you. Don’t mind this because you’ll be changing it later.

• Click the “Pencil” icon after YouTube has taken a photo.

• Select “Upload thumbnail.”

• Select the thumbnail image you have prepared.
• Crop the image if you like. Click “Save.”

• Click “Go Live.”

How To Create a Livestream Thumbnail

So you now know how to change the live stream thumbnail. There’s one more thing we need to address. Where will you get the custom thumbnails? There are a number of good YouTube thumbnail makers out there. Let’s discuss this.

Livestream Thumbnail Makers

There are many great YouTube thumbnail makers on the market. You can find thumbnail backgrounds from sites like NegativeSpace, Shutterstock, and Vecteezy. Then, edit them to your liking using photo editing apps. Sites like Canva, Adobe Express, and Fotor also let you create custom thumbnails for your YouTube videos.

Wondershare Filmora is also a great thumbnail maker. You’d like it since it is also a powerful video editor. It is double-purpose! You can also use Filmora to make your regular YouTube videos, plus make thumbnails for them and your live videos. Talk about convenience!

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Steps to Make an Amazing YouTube Livestream Thumbnail

Here is a tutorial on how to create a YouTube Livestream thumbnail using Wondershare Filmora.

• Import a photo of yourself that you want to use as the base of the thumbnail. Drag it into the timeline.

• Click “Effect.”

• Drag the “Human Segmentation” effect to your image on the timeline. Do the same with “Human Border.” Alternatively, click “Touls” > “Video” > “AI Portrait” > “Ok.”

• Select the photo on the timeline. Scale it and move it to where you want it to be.

• Add backgrounds, effects, titles, etc.

• Click the “Camera” icon below the video preview to save the thumbnail. Select a format and a target fulder. Click “Ok.”

• Right-click the screenshot on the Media panel. Select “Reveal in Explorer.” That will open the fulder where the thumbnail image is saved.

Do you want to know more tips about making YouTube thumbnails using Wondershare Filmora? If so, watch this video:

How To Customize YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Online

Wave.video is one of the best online YouTube thumbnail creators out there. Here’s a guide on how to use this toul.

• Open a web browser and visit Wave’s website.
• Hover your mouse on “Templates” at the top toulbar.
• Select “Thumbnail” under Livestreaming.

• Select a template that fits your idea.

• Edit the sample image and text. Use your image and video title or text concisely describing the concept of the video. Edit other aspects of the image as needed.

• Click “Publish” > “Current frame as image.”

• Set up your image. Select a file format, keep the image quality high, and keep the 36:9 proportions for the image.

• Click “Generate.”
• Please wait for it to finish, then click “Download.”

Tips for Making an Amazing YouTube Live Thumbnail

Here are some tips to fullow.

Photos

Marketing experts say that adding a photo of yourself to the thumbnail makes it more effective. Needless to say, you should not choose just any photo. You must ensure it is of high quality. Using good cameras and lighting equipment is recommended.

Expressions

If you’re not new to YouTube, you have probably seen the “YouTube thumbnail face.” YouTuber’s faces on their thumbnails show an expression. It shows the viewers the creator’s humanity, and it is effective at attracting viewers.

Text

Add simple text with clear, buld, easy-to-read font.

Conclusion

Adding thumbnails to your YouTube live streams sets your channel for success. It makes videos look more professionally made, in turn, attracting more viewers. So, we recommend always adding thumbnails to your YouTube Live.

For creating YouTube thumbnails, you can use Wondershare Filmora. It’s a video editor with touls that can help you make attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails. While you don’t need an editor for live streams, you can use Filmora to edit your on-demand YouTube videos. It’s hitting two birds with one stone!

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Steps to Make an Amazing YouTube Livestream Thumbnail

Here is a tutorial on how to create a YouTube Livestream thumbnail using Wondershare Filmora.

• Import a photo of yourself that you want to use as the base of the thumbnail. Drag it into the timeline.

• Click “Effect.”

• Drag the “Human Segmentation” effect to your image on the timeline. Do the same with “Human Border.” Alternatively, click “Touls” > “Video” > “AI Portrait” > “Ok.”

• Select the photo on the timeline. Scale it and move it to where you want it to be.

• Add backgrounds, effects, titles, etc.

• Click the “Camera” icon below the video preview to save the thumbnail. Select a format and a target fulder. Click “Ok.”

• Right-click the screenshot on the Media panel. Select “Reveal in Explorer.” That will open the fulder where the thumbnail image is saved.

Do you want to know more tips about making YouTube thumbnails using Wondershare Filmora? If so, watch this video:

How To Customize YouTube Livestream Thumbnail Online

Wave.video is one of the best online YouTube thumbnail creators out there. Here’s a guide on how to use this toul.

• Open a web browser and visit Wave’s website.
• Hover your mouse on “Templates” at the top toulbar.
• Select “Thumbnail” under Livestreaming.

• Select a template that fits your idea.

• Edit the sample image and text. Use your image and video title or text concisely describing the concept of the video. Edit other aspects of the image as needed.

• Click “Publish” > “Current frame as image.”

• Set up your image. Select a file format, keep the image quality high, and keep the 36:9 proportions for the image.

• Click “Generate.”
• Please wait for it to finish, then click “Download.”

Tips for Making an Amazing YouTube Live Thumbnail

Here are some tips to fullow.

Photos

Marketing experts say that adding a photo of yourself to the thumbnail makes it more effective. Needless to say, you should not choose just any photo. You must ensure it is of high quality. Using good cameras and lighting equipment is recommended.

Expressions

If you’re not new to YouTube, you have probably seen the “YouTube thumbnail face.” YouTuber’s faces on their thumbnails show an expression. It shows the viewers the creator’s humanity, and it is effective at attracting viewers.

Text

Add simple text with clear, buld, easy-to-read font.

Conclusion

Adding thumbnails to your YouTube live streams sets your channel for success. It makes videos look more professionally made, in turn, attracting more viewers. So, we recommend always adding thumbnails to your YouTube Live.

For creating YouTube thumbnails, you can use Wondershare Filmora. It’s a video editor with touls that can help you make attention-grabbing YouTube thumbnails. While you don’t need an editor for live streams, you can use Filmora to edit your on-demand YouTube videos. It’s hitting two birds with one stone!

Earning Strategies for Successful Youtube Shorts: Must-Haves, Earnings Prospects

YouTube Shorts have grown in popularity since the launch of the platform in 2021. At first, they offered a way for creators to share their content in a vertical format. However, YouTube Shorts monetization is also a great way for creators to earn money. When you monetize YouTube shorts, you increase the potential of earning more income on the platform. In this article, we explore what entails monetized YouTube shorts and how to increase your YT shorts earnings.

YouTube Shorts Monetization A cross-platform offers useful features for making your YouTube videos stand out to earn more revenue!

Free Download Free Download Learn More

Part 1. YouTube Shorts Monetization: Eligibility Criteria

With short monetization options, you can monetize your short-firm content by joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Being a member of this program gives you access to all tools for making money on YouTube. This includes the ability to place ads on your videos or make money directly from your audience through fan funding.

Eligibility Requirements for Monetizing Shorts

The easiest way to monetize Shorts on YouTube is to access the fan-funding program. This program gives you access to special tools that you can use to generate revenue by interacting with views. This is a great option for creators who primarily make short-form videos. The requirements for this option are as follows:

• At least 500 subscribers to your channels
• At least 3 public video uploads in the last 90 days
• At least 3,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days, or
• At least 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days

Eligibility for Monetizing Shorts and Videos

The other way you can monetize shorts is by accessing ad revenue and fan-funding. With this option, you will generate income from ads that appear between Shorts in addition to interacting with viewers. This is a great option for creators who make long and short videos. The requirements for this include:

• At least 1,000 subscribers to your channels
• At least 4,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days, or
• At least 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

Additional Guidelines for Creators

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be required to follow certain guidelines or policies to continue earning. The additional guidelines include:

• Follow YouTube’s Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines
• Make sure your channel does not have active Community Guidelines Strikes
• Live in a region where the program is available
• Avoid uploading another creator’s content by transforming the content or adding a new perspective to it
• Avoid using unedited clips from TV shows or movies that you don’t have rights to
• Don’t pay for fake or automated views
• Turn on 2-Step verification for your Google Account
• Have an active AdSense account
• Have access to advanced YouTube features by verifying your identity

Part 2. Monetizing YouTube Shorts: Step-by-Step Guide

Can you monetize YouTube shorts? Yes, in more than one way. The easiest is through the ad-revenue sharing model. Follow these steps to become part of the YPP and start monetizing your Shorts on YouTube:

Step 1Sign in to YouTube

Step 2Select YouTube Studio

In the top right of the YouTube page, click on your profile picture. From the pop-up menu that appears, select YouTube Studio.

Step 3In the left menu, Click on Earn

Step 4

If you are eligible for the YPP, you will see an Apply Click on it to go to the next step. If you are not yet eligible, click the Get Notified button to be notified once your channel becomes eligible. That’s when you will have the opportunity to finish the application process.

Step 5

Click Start to review and accept YouTube’s Base terms.

Step 6

Link your existing AdSense account if you have one. If not. Click Start to set up a new one.

Step 7

Wait for YouTube to review and approve your application. The process will normally take a month. Once you are approved for the YPP, go to the Earn section in YouTube Studio. Then accept the Shorts Monetization Module. This will allow you to access ads and other money-making tools on YouTube.

The instructions shared above are for applying for the YPP using a computer or desktop. You will still follow the same steps when using a mobile device, but you will do so using the YouTube Studio app.

The money-making feature monetizes Shorts in exciting ways. To start monetizing with Super Thanks fan funding, click Supers on the Earn tab in YouTube Studio. Then click Get Started, and follow the presented prompts. The same process is applicable for Channel Memberships, and other fan-funding options.

Part 3. YouTube Shorts Monetization: A Realistic Look at Earnings Potential

Monetizing YouTube Shorts has the potential to make decent earnings. Although the amount is not as much as a long-form videos, it is a great way of making money on YouTube quickly. Most YouTube Shorts creators agree that the revenue per thousand views (RPM) for short-form content is currently around $0.05 - $0.07. This means that for a million Shorts views, you will make $50 - $70.

Factors That Influence Earnings

The amount of money you make on YouTube Shorts is not fixed. It will depend on several factors, including the revenue channel and your interactions with viewers

• Ad revenue: A higher view count on Shorts increases ad revenue from the ads that are between Shorts on the platform.
• Viewer engagement: Viewer engagement brings in additional revenue through features like Super Thanks.
• Number of monetized Shorts: Monetizing most of your short-form videos will increase the revenue generated.
• Shopping Revenue: How well you promote your products and the set price point of the products will determine the shopping revenue generated.

Examples of Creators Who Have Earned from Shorts

The revenue-sharing program is the easiest way for creators to earn money on YouTube. Since monetizing their Shorts, these creators earned some decent bonus amounts:

• Hassan Khadair (2.1 million subscribers) - Earned $872.14 in ads from 22 million Shorts views
• Riley Lemon (84,000 subscribers) - Earned $76.23 in ads from 1.9 million Shorts views
• James Seo (573,000 subscribers) - Earned $445.09 in ads from 10.3 million Shorts views
• Matthew King (212,000 subscribers) - Earned $163.73 in ads from 4.2 million Shorts views

Part 4. Editing YouTube Shorts with WonderShare to Boost Revenue Potential

The best way to reap big from Shorts YouTube monetization is to make quality videos that will go viral easily. Videos that generate more views will earn you more revenue and increase the number of subscribers within a short time. With Wondershare Filmora, making such videos is easy. The video editing software offers useful features for making your videos stand out. From jaw-dropping sports videos to cinema-like production, the choice of options is endless.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

The choice of Filmora features you use on your editing projects will depend on your goals. Here are a few favorites to get you started:

1. Auto Reframe

Before uploading a short-form video on YouTube, you want to make sure it is of the right resolution. The Auto Reframe feature on Filmora allows you to instantly resize your videos while keeping all the important details. You only need to record one video for all platforms, and edit to fit with auto reframe.

2. Text to Speech

Narration is an important aspect of YouTube Shorts. You can tell what is happening in the clip in the simplest way for your audience to understand. The Text to Speech (TTS) feature on Filmora allows you to convert your text files to voice-over. This makes your Shorts video more entertaining and enriched with more elements.

3. AI Portrait

Just like other vertical social media videos, Shorts require some bit of personalization. You may want to add a bit of elements or filters. The AI Portrait feature automatically removes background with high accuracy to further enhance your videos. It also comes with over 70 portrait and sticker effects to bring out the mood you are going after. Automatically recognize the faces of your subjects and add AR stickers on the go.

Conclusion

YouTube Shorts have become immensely popular. They tend to have a higher ROI and receive more engagement compared to long-form video content. This makes vertical short-form videos more important and lucrative for content creators. When it comes to YouTube short video monetization, posting quality videos is the key ingredient. We recommend using Wondershare FIlmora to edit your videos. This will make sure they are more entertaining and keep more people engaged.

Free Download Free Download Learn More

Part 1. YouTube Shorts Monetization: Eligibility Criteria

With short monetization options, you can monetize your short-firm content by joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Being a member of this program gives you access to all tools for making money on YouTube. This includes the ability to place ads on your videos or make money directly from your audience through fan funding.

Eligibility Requirements for Monetizing Shorts

The easiest way to monetize Shorts on YouTube is to access the fan-funding program. This program gives you access to special tools that you can use to generate revenue by interacting with views. This is a great option for creators who primarily make short-form videos. The requirements for this option are as follows:

• At least 500 subscribers to your channels
• At least 3 public video uploads in the last 90 days
• At least 3,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days, or
• At least 3 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days

Eligibility for Monetizing Shorts and Videos

The other way you can monetize shorts is by accessing ad revenue and fan-funding. With this option, you will generate income from ads that appear between Shorts in addition to interacting with viewers. This is a great option for creators who make long and short videos. The requirements for this include:

• At least 1,000 subscribers to your channels
• At least 4,000 public watch hours in the last 365 days, or
• At least 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

Additional Guidelines for Creators

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be required to follow certain guidelines or policies to continue earning. The additional guidelines include:

• Follow YouTube’s Advertiser-Friendly Content Guidelines
• Make sure your channel does not have active Community Guidelines Strikes
• Live in a region where the program is available
• Avoid uploading another creator’s content by transforming the content or adding a new perspective to it
• Avoid using unedited clips from TV shows or movies that you don’t have rights to
• Don’t pay for fake or automated views
• Turn on 2-Step verification for your Google Account
• Have an active AdSense account
• Have access to advanced YouTube features by verifying your identity

Part 2. Monetizing YouTube Shorts: Step-by-Step Guide

Can you monetize YouTube shorts? Yes, in more than one way. The easiest is through the ad-revenue sharing model. Follow these steps to become part of the YPP and start monetizing your Shorts on YouTube:

Step 1Sign in to YouTube

Step 2Select YouTube Studio

In the top right of the YouTube page, click on your profile picture. From the pop-up menu that appears, select YouTube Studio.

Step 3In the left menu, Click on Earn

Step 4

If you are eligible for the YPP, you will see an Apply Click on it to go to the next step. If you are not yet eligible, click the Get Notified button to be notified once your channel becomes eligible. That’s when you will have the opportunity to finish the application process.

Step 5

Click Start to review and accept YouTube’s Base terms.

Step 6

Link your existing AdSense account if you have one. If not. Click Start to set up a new one.

Step 7

Wait for YouTube to review and approve your application. The process will normally take a month. Once you are approved for the YPP, go to the Earn section in YouTube Studio. Then accept the Shorts Monetization Module. This will allow you to access ads and other money-making tools on YouTube.

The instructions shared above are for applying for the YPP using a computer or desktop. You will still follow the same steps when using a mobile device, but you will do so using the YouTube Studio app.

The money-making feature monetizes Shorts in exciting ways. To start monetizing with Super Thanks fan funding, click Supers on the Earn tab in YouTube Studio. Then click Get Started, and follow the presented prompts. The same process is applicable for Channel Memberships, and other fan-funding options.

Part 3. YouTube Shorts Monetization: A Realistic Look at Earnings Potential

Monetizing YouTube Shorts has the potential to make decent earnings. Although the amount is not as much as a long-form videos, it is a great way of making money on YouTube quickly. Most YouTube Shorts creators agree that the revenue per thousand views (RPM) for short-form content is currently around $0.05 - $0.07. This means that for a million Shorts views, you will make $50 - $70.

Factors That Influence Earnings

The amount of money you make on YouTube Shorts is not fixed. It will depend on several factors, including the revenue channel and your interactions with viewers

• Ad revenue: A higher view count on Shorts increases ad revenue from the ads that are between Shorts on the platform.
• Viewer engagement: Viewer engagement brings in additional revenue through features like Super Thanks.
• Number of monetized Shorts: Monetizing most of your short-form videos will increase the revenue generated.
• Shopping Revenue: How well you promote your products and the set price point of the products will determine the shopping revenue generated.

Examples of Creators Who Have Earned from Shorts

The revenue-sharing program is the easiest way for creators to earn money on YouTube. Since monetizing their Shorts, these creators earned some decent bonus amounts:

• Hassan Khadair (2.1 million subscribers) - Earned $872.14 in ads from 22 million Shorts views
• Riley Lemon (84,000 subscribers) - Earned $76.23 in ads from 1.9 million Shorts views
• James Seo (573,000 subscribers) - Earned $445.09 in ads from 10.3 million Shorts views
• Matthew King (212,000 subscribers) - Earned $163.73 in ads from 4.2 million Shorts views

Part 4. Editing YouTube Shorts with WonderShare to Boost Revenue Potential

The best way to reap big from Shorts YouTube monetization is to make quality videos that will go viral easily. Videos that generate more views will earn you more revenue and increase the number of subscribers within a short time. With Wondershare Filmora, making such videos is easy. The video editing software offers useful features for making your videos stand out. From jaw-dropping sports videos to cinema-like production, the choice of options is endless.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

The choice of Filmora features you use on your editing projects will depend on your goals. Here are a few favorites to get you started:

1. Auto Reframe

Before uploading a short-form video on YouTube, you want to make sure it is of the right resolution. The Auto Reframe feature on Filmora allows you to instantly resize your videos while keeping all the important details. You only need to record one video for all platforms, and edit to fit with auto reframe.

2. Text to Speech

Narration is an important aspect of YouTube Shorts. You can tell what is happening in the clip in the simplest way for your audience to understand. The Text to Speech (TTS) feature on Filmora allows you to convert your text files to voice-over. This makes your Shorts video more entertaining and enriched with more elements.

3. AI Portrait

Just like other vertical social media videos, Shorts require some bit of personalization. You may want to add a bit of elements or filters. The AI Portrait feature automatically removes background with high accuracy to further enhance your videos. It also comes with over 70 portrait and sticker effects to bring out the mood you are going after. Automatically recognize the faces of your subjects and add AR stickers on the go.

Conclusion

YouTube Shorts have become immensely popular. They tend to have a higher ROI and receive more engagement compared to long-form video content. This makes vertical short-form videos more important and lucrative for content creators. When it comes to YouTube short video monetization, posting quality videos is the key ingredient. We recommend using Wondershare FIlmora to edit your videos. This will make sure they are more entertaining and keep more people engaged.

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