Introduction

Hey there, it's Rakeem Addison, and if you're searching for the easiest way to make your YouTube shorts stand out with a clickable thumbnail, you've come to the right place. Join me in this step-by-step guide as I walk you through the process and share my insights on how to make your content shine.


Launch YouTube and Start Short Creation

Let's kick things off by opening the YouTube app. Once you're in, tap that '+' icon at the bottom and select "Create a short" to get the short creation process underway.

Step 2: Select Your Video

Now that we're in the short creation interface, head to your files and choose the video you want to turn into a short. Follow along as I select the first video that pops up.

Step 3: Initial Editing and Progress

After selecting your video, it's important to keep the flow smooth. Hit "Done" to proceed, unless you need to add any extra elements at this stage.

Step 4: Choose a Compelling Thumbnail

As we move forward, I'll highlight the crucial step of picking a compelling thumbnail. Focus on the most intriguing and essential part of your short—I'll use my own video as an example, selecting the frame that screams "Download."

Step 5: Utilize the Pencil Tool

Now, let's talk about the pencil icon. Click on it to open up pause still options, allowing you to navigate through your short and find that perfect frame for your thumbnail.

Step 6: Optimize for Clicks

I can't stress enough how important an engaging thumbnail is. It's what entices viewers scrolling through their feeds. Focus on the most captivating aspect of your video to increase those click-through rates.

Step 7: Confirm and Upload

Once you've selected the ideal thumbnail, click "Done" to confirm your choice. After filling in the necessary details, hit "Upload short," and voilà—your YouTube short with a clickable thumbnail is ready to go.

Conclusion

With the clickable thumbnail game mastered, the next step is to boost viewer engagement. Join me in my next video where I share retention hacks to keep your audience hooked from start to finish. Don't miss out—watch the video and take your YouTube short game to new heights with these insider tips.