Have you ever captured the perfect moment on your iPhone camera, only to realize that the thumbnail for the video doesn’t do it justice? Maybe you want to choose a different frame from the video as the thumbnail, or maybe you just want to add some style to your video library. Whatever your reason may be, changing the cover of a video on your iPhone is a simple and straightforward process. In this article, we’ll show you several methods to do it.
Changing the cover of a video can be a great way to make your videos more visually appealing and easier to find. Whether you’re creating a video library on your iPhone or sharing a video with friends, having an eye-catching cover can make all the difference. Now let’s dive into the methods!
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Change the Cover of a Video on iPhone
Changing the cover of a video on iPhone can carry various benefits that include:
- Highlighting the best moment of the video.
- Adding custom designs and style to your video thumbnails.
- Making it easier to recognize videos in your gallery.
- Finding the right video quickly, especially if it’s a part of a series or project.
Method 1: iOS inbuilt Edit tool
This is the most straightforward method for changing the cover of a video on iPhone. Below are the detailed steps on how to do this:
Steps:
1. Find and open the "Photos" app on your iPhone.
2. Browse through your video library and select the video you want to change the cover for.
3. Tap on the video to open it, then tap the "Edit" button at the top-right corner of the screen.
4. At the bottom of the edit screen, you’ll see a timeline of the video. Drag the slider along the timeline to find the frame you want to use as the cover.
5. Once you’ve found the frame, tap the "Done" button at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
6. Select "Save as New Clip" or "Save Video" to save your changes.
Pros:
- Free to use – it’s already built into your iPhone
- No third-party apps to download and install
Cons:
- You can only choose a frame from the video
- Limited editing options, you can’t add texts or graphics
Method 2: InShot Video Editor
InShot Video Editor is a popular video editing app on the App Store. It has a lot of features that can help you customize your videos, including changing the cover.
Steps:
1. Download and install InShot Video Editor from the App Store.
2. Open the app and select "Video" from the app’s homepage.
3. Tap the plus icon to import the video you want to edit.
4. Once you’ve imported the video, tap on it to open it in the editor.
5. Use the timeline to select the frame you want to use as the cover.
6. Tap on the "Canvas" icon at the bottom of the screen, then select "Change Cover".
7. From there, you can adjust the cover size, add text, change background color, and other graphic elements you want to add in the thumbnail.
8. Once you’re satisfied with the changes, tap "Save".
Pros:
- Several editing options and features to choose from.
- Ability to add text, emojis, and stickers in the cover.
Cons:
- Some features may require you to pay to access them.
Method 3: Filmora Go
Filmora Go is an iPhone app that helps you edit and add effects to your video recordings. It offers a simple and intuitive way to customize videos on your iPhone quickly.
Steps:
1. Download and install the Filmora Go app from the App Store.
2. After installation, open the app, then click the ‘New Project’ button, and choose the video you wish to edit
3. On the toolbar, go to the ‘settings’ icon and select the ‘Thumbnail’ feature.
4. Pick the desired thumbnail; when you locate it, hit the ‘check mark’ button.
5. Adjust the thumbnail version using the available features in style or the graphic.
6. Save the changes and watch the thumbnail to see how it appears.
Pros:
- Wide range of customizable video features.
- Ability to change both the thumbnail and end-screen of your video
Cons:
- Some advanced features are only available for paid subscription users.
Method 4: iMovie
iMovie for iPhone application can help edit and refine your videos, therefore fast-tracking your creation process.
Steps:
1. Download and install the iMovie application on your iPhone
2. Open the app and select ‘Projects’ from the menu bar.
3. Choose the video you wish to edit from your media list
4. Begin scrolling through your video as it plays, and select the frame you want as your thumbnail
5. Click on the selected frame, go to the top toolbar, and click on the ‘share’ button.
6. Select this frame as your thumbnail to save these changes and export the new version.
Pros:
- Multiple features (eg, edit, subtitles, audio enhancement, transitions)
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Free version has limited features
- To access all the editing features, you must upgrade to the paid version
What Should You Do If You Can’t Change the Cover of a Video on Your iPhone?
If you are unable to change the cover of the video on your iPhone, try the following steps:
- Restart your iPhone to refresh it.
- Ensure that your iPhone software and the Photos app are up-to-date
- Clear your Photos app cache and storage to help optimize the app’s performance. To do this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Photos App, then select ‘Delete App.’ After that, reinstall the application.
- Try using other apps that offer the same feature since the problem may be with your iPhone’s specific app.
- Contact the official Apple Support team if the problem persists.
Bonus Tips
- When selecting a new thumbnail, pick an image that represents the video’s content.
- The more creative you can get when designing your thumbnail, the more likely it is to attract viewers.
- Use a consistent and straightforward design across all the covers in your video library. This helps in identifying and navigating through your videos.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I select my own photo for a video thumbnail?
A: You can only choose a still frame from the video as the thumbnail. You can use a third-party app to add text or graphics to that image to make the thumbnail stand out.
Q2: Why can’t I see the ‘Edit’ button on my video in the Photos app?
A: Ensure that your phone’s software and the Photos app are up-to-date. If the problem persists, restart your phone.
Q3: What happens to the original video when you save the edited version?
A: The edited video is saved as a new clip, leaving the original video untouched.
Q4: Can I change the cover of a video on iPhone without downloading additional apps?
A: Yes, the iPhone provides an in-built editing tool that you can use to change the cover of your video without downloading third-party apps.
Q5: Can I change the cover of a video after I upload it to social media?
A: No, once a video is uploaded to social media, the thumbnail is generated automatically, and you can’t go back to change it.
Final Thoughts
Changing the cover of a video on your iPhone is an excellent way of personalizing and organizing your video collection. While the in-built Photos app is an easy way to change the cover image, more feature-packed video editors such as InShot and Filmora Go offer a deeper level of customization. If you’re struggling with changing the thumbnail on your iPhone, you can try some quick fixes mentioned above to get back on track. Remember to add some creative elements to your thumbnail and keep your design consistent to make your video library look more professional.