Free tool · Thumbnail tester
See it in the feed before you post.
Preview your thumbnail and title on YouTube's home page, in search and on a phone, next to other videos. Compare two versions side by side.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
How it works
Three steps, under a minute.
- 1
Add your thumbnail
Drop it in with your title and channel name. Add a second version to compare.
- 2
See it in the feed
Home, search and phone, in light or dark mode, next to other videos. Shuffle to move it around.
- 3
Pick the winner
Choose the one you spot first, then get a free score for clarity, curiosity and readability.
Now make the thumbnail, in a minute.
Describe your video or copy a format that's already working. Put your face in, score it, fix it.
FAQ
Questions
Why test a thumbnail before posting?
Thumbnails are seen small and next to other videos. Something that looks great full screen can be unreadable or blend in at feed size. Seeing it in context catches that.
Is my thumbnail uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser. The other videos in the feed are example thumbnails with made-up titles.
Can I compare two versions?
Yes. Add Version B, then switch between A and B in the feed or use the A/B slider.
Is this real A/B testing?
It's a preview, not live traffic. For a real test, YouTube Studio's Test & Compare runs versions on your actual audience. Use this to pick your best two first.
What else can I check?
Our free score rates your thumbnail for clarity, curiosity and readability at phone size, and says what's holding it back.