✅ How to Unlock Custom Thumbnails on YouTube
Custom thumbnails help your videos stand out and attract more clicks. Before you can use them, you need to unlock Intermediate Features by verifying your account. It’s also highly recommended to unlock Advanced Features for full channel functionality.
🔹 Step 1: Sign in to Your YouTube Account
Go to youtube.com and sign in with your Google account.
🔹 Step 2: Access YouTube Studio
Click your profile picture in the top right corner → select YouTube Studio.
🔹 Step 3: Verify Your Account to Unlock Custom Thumbnails
- In YouTube Studio, click Settings (the gear icon in the bottom-left corner).
- Go to Channel → Feature eligibility.
- Under Intermediate Features, click Verify phone number.
- Choose your country and verification method (SMS or voice call).
- Enter the code sent to your phone.
✅ Once verified, you’ll unlock:
- Custom thumbnails
- Longer videos (over 15 minutes)
- Live streaming
- Appealing Content ID claims
🔹 Step 4: (Recommended) Unlock Advanced Features
To unlock Advanced Features, YouTube requires further verification to ensure safety and give you access to additional tools.
You can complete one of the following:
- Channel history: Build a good reputation on your account by uploading regularly and following community guidelines.
- Video verification: Record yourself completing simple actions as instructed by YouTube (e.g. turning your head or speaking a phrase).
- Valid ID: Upload a government-issued photo ID for manual review.
To get started: Go to YouTube Studio > Settings > Channel > Feature eligibility > Advanced features.
📝 Final Notes:
- Your account must remain in good standing (no active Community Guidelines or copyright strikes).
- Features may take some time to activate – try refreshing or signing out and back in.
- Advanced features also enable:
- External links in video descriptions
- Monetisation (once you’re eligible)
- More flexibility for collaborations and content management