Three Techniques for Adding a Personalized Thumbnail to Instagram Videos
1. Using Instagram's native feature
When you upload a video to Instagram, it automatically pulls up a series of frames from your video that you can choose as your thumbnail. If you don't like any of the frames offered, you can slide the cursor along the bar at the bottom of the screen to select the perfect frame for your thumbnail.
2. Using a video editing app
There are several video editing apps available that allow you to add a custom image as your thumbnail. This allows you to use any image you want, not just a frame from the video. Simply create or choose your image, add it to the beginning of your video using the video editing app, and then select that frame as your thumbnail when uploading the video to Instagram.
3. Using Instagram's cover photo feature for IGTV videos
If you're uploading a video to IGTV, you have the option to add a custom cover photo. You can select this photo from your device's camera roll, allowing you to use an entirely different image from your video as your thumbnail.
About Thumbnails
A thumbnail is a small image that represents a larger image or content. Thumbnails are often used in digital platforms to provide a snapshot of the content before the user clicks to view the full content. In the case of Instagram videos, a thumbnail would be the small image that gives users a preview of what they will see in the video. It's important to choose a compelling thumbnail as it could be the deciding factor for someone deciding whether or not to watch your video.