Whenever you search for any stuff and see the thumbnails, you get an idea about what the video is about and can select stuff smartly. So it is not wrong to say that thumbnails are responsible for engaging users on YouTube. But what are the causes that lead to the issue?
What are the Causes for YouTube Thumbnails Not Showing?
You need to fix the YouTube Thumbnail Not Showing issue. However, it is necessary to diagnose the reasons for the issue. When you search for a video and cannot see a thumbnail, you will see a greyish-colored square. Several factors account for the issue. Some of them are as listed below:
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Too much cache memory and cookiesBugsUsing add-onsBrowser extensions and much more
The thing about reading in your mind is that most of the time, it is caused due to modifying any device settings or any YouTube settings. Besides, it might also occur due to a software bug or your YouTube app version. Moreover, sometimes connection issues can also lead to the issue. We have got you covered with all the solutions to solve the problem.
How To Fix Youtube Thumbnails Not Showing Issue?
As mentioned earlier, several methods to fix the YouTube thumbnail do not show the issue. Therefore, try each solution step by step and roll over to the other only if one does not work. Besides, the steps are easy to follow; however, you should read them properly to follow the correct procedure.
Check your Internet Speed
One of the most typical issues that lead to the issue is poor quality networks. To tackle poor internet connection, follow the steps given below:
Connect your mobile/PC/tab/any other device with a routerUse the ethernet cable for the purposeOpen your device browserInput speedtest.net in the browser’s search barPress the Enter keyWhen the webpage opens, press the Go button
If you are notified of unstable, slow, or poor Internet connection again, you need to use a better network connection.
Install a VPN on your Device
Sometimes you might face a problem when your region does not access other countries’ YouTube videos. Moreover, it will also be due to a DNS Server. To download a VPN, follow the steps given below:
Go to Google PlayStore or the AppstoreIn the search bar, type VPNChoose anyone you like; if possible, upgrade it to premiumDownload the VPN
After it installs, set up and enable it. Then, search in your device over the VPN connection, and if the issue gets resolved, then the thumbnail would again disappear when you disconnect the VPN.
Clear your Browser’s Cache Memory
As mentioned earlier, too much cache and cookies on Google Chrome leads to YouTube thumbnails not showing. If you come across a situation, then follow the steps given below to resolve it:
Open Google ChromeAt the top-right corner of the screen, press the three dotsGo to SettingsNavigate to the middle of the More Tools sectionSelect the Clear Browsing Data option from the listAnother window will openClick on the Clear Data button
When you do so, your browser gets rid of the cache and cookies.
Clear YouTube Watch History
If clearing the Cache Memory on your internet browser does not help, your YouTube app might have excess Cache Memory. It would help if you now cleared Cache Memory from the YouTube app. Thus, your device will be allocated more space for different features. Follow the steps given below to fix it:
Open the YouTube app on your mobileOn the right corner of the device’s screen, you will see the Account iconThen from a list of options, choose SettingsNavigate to History & Privacy Then a pop-up dialogue box would open Choose Clear Watch HistoryExit the YouTube ApplicationLaunch YouTube once more
Now, search for free video and check if the method works or not.
Force Stop the YouTube Application
If clearing the cache and checking the internet connection does not work, you have to Force Stop the YouTube app using your device. Force Stop will help to relaunch it. But, if you do not know how to Force Stop, then follow the steps mentioned below:
Navigate to Settings on your Device Locate the App Manager on your deviceNavigate to the ManagerKeep scrolling down in the list till you find YouTubePress it and select the Force Stop option
Mow close all the recent apps on your device. Again launch the YouTube app and check if the thumbnails are visible or not.
Check for Incompatible Browser Extensions
Sometimes you use incompatible browser extensions that intervene with your daily surfing. One such issue that it creates is YouTube thumbnails not showing. Therefore, Switch to the Incognito mode from the normal mode in your browser. Follow the steps below to do so:
Open your BrowserGo to Browser SettingsNow create a new incognito mode window
Once it works, you need to eliminate the incompatible Chrome Extension. To remove the extension, right-click over the extension and then, from the pop-up menu, choose Remove from Chrome. Now, open YouTube and check if it works.
Check if YouTube Servers are Down
Suppose you have a stable internet connection, no excess Cache Memory, and do not have any incompatible browser extensions or a situation where you need a VPN. In that case, you need to pay attention. The issue is probably in the YouTube server if all other websites work well. Unfortunately, it takes hours to tackle the issue, so no fix works, and you have no option rather than waiting. Billions of users access YouTube at the same time. Therefore, it is obvious for a YouTube Server to be down. If you want to check whether the YouTube server is down or not, open a YouTube video through its direct link. If the webpage does not open, its web server is down. You can report the issue with Downdetector. It had details of outages that occurred most recently. Besides, you will also learn if someone in your neighborhood is facing the problem or not.
Update YouTube
Several times technical issues arise because of using an outdated version of an app. So, you need to check if any app updates are available or not regularly. For example, if you are using an outdated version of YouTube, you need to update it as any application update fixes software bugs. Follow the steps given below to update YouTube:
Close recent apps on your deviceGo to Device’s SettingsNavigate to the Apps sectionLocate YouTube Click on it and check for updatesAfter the update completes, your problem would have been fixed if it was a software bug.
However, if none of the above fixes works, follow the below method!
Reboot your Device
If none of the above fixes works, then at the most, you can reboot your device. Reboot means restart to do so, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds and turn off. After 5 minutes, switch it on using the same method. It is an easy, quick, and effective method to fix minor issues with your device or apps. But if this also does not work, you have the last fix to solve the issue!
Reinstall YouTube
Some bugs require reinstalling the app. You first need to uninstall it to install the app again. Follow the steps bow to Uninstall YouTube:
Close all recent apps on your deviceNavigate to PlayStoreIn the search bar, input YouTubeIn the list, press YouTube Click on the Uninstall button
Now, you have to reinstall the app; follow the steps given below:
Navigate Google PlayStore In the search box, input YouTubeThen you will see YouTube Press the install buttonWait for the installation to finish
After it is reinstalled, navigate to YouTube and check if the issue is resolved or not. Well, it will help as when all the options fail, your device will fix the issue without wanting you to do much.
YouTube thumbnails do not show after I upload a video
When such an issue occurs, the problem is usually with the video or the thumbnail you have selected. Try uploading a test video, and you will see the thumbnails generated.
The Final Word
Several reasons account for the YouTube Thumbnails not showing the issue. A lot many reasons were mentioned above. Besides, sometimes the issue can also be the DNS server. Be it whichever issue accounting for the problem, any of the above-mentioned ten methods will fix it. However, it is mandatory to follow the guide in serial order and not skip any step. You have learned how to fix YouTube thumbnails not showing issues. So, whenever you experience the same, you are well-versed in what you need to do! So, don’t panic the next time you see no thumbnails on a YouTube video.
