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Prepare a YouTube thumbnail or cover still

Prepare thumbnail images; use the video tool for MP4 and MOV files.

Supported stored metadata through image re-encoding.

A finished file. A reviewed copy.

Prepare the exact asset you intend to use.

  1. Choose the YouTube file

    Use the thumbnail image itself for this flow. Keep the actual video in the separate video metadata flow.

  2. Review what changes

    Read the supported findings before cleaning. A full clean removes supported camera, location, editing and provenance records. Use GPS-only cleaning when you need to retain other camera settings.

  3. Inspect the downloaded copy

    Review the thumbnail at a small viewing size and check that faces and lettering remain clear.

Know the output before you start.

This workspace accepts JPG, PNG, and WebP still images. Up to 30 files, 15 MB each, and no more than 50 megapixels. Animated PNG and WebP are rejected.

JPG, PNG, and WebP stay in the same format. The copy is re-encoded, so compression and color can change. A HEIC still uses the separate HEIC cleaner. A video uses the video cleaner. This workspace does not extract frames from a video.

JPG, PNG, WebP
New copy in the same image format

An illustrative workflow

episode-thumbnail.jpg

Use the thumbnail image itself for this flow. Keep the actual video in the separate video metadata flow.

Example only. No file has been scanned until you choose one.

Source
Your finished YouTube still image
Action
Inspect, then create a full metadata-cleaned copy
Review
Review the thumbnail at a small viewing size and check that faces and lettering remain clear.
Keep
The original and any project or attribution record you need

Before your next export or upload.

Answers for this destination.

Which YouTube file should I choose?

Use the thumbnail image itself for this flow. Keep the actual video in the separate video metadata flow.

What should I check after preparing my YouTube image?

Review the thumbnail at a small viewing size and check that faces and lettering remain clear.

Will this change an existing YouTube post?

No. This tool creates a local file copy. It cannot change a published post, an account setting or a platform decision. Keep required disclosures and review the platform’s rules.

Does a clean metadata report prove an image is not AI-generated?

No. Metadata can be absent, edited or forged. Cleaning stored fields does not remove invisible watermarks, erase visible text or logos, establish authenticity, or guarantee how a platform labels an upload.

Another file to prepare?

Explore the directory