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Forum Discussion

ch_bt's avatar
ch_bt
Helpful | Level 5
3 years ago

Replace thumbnail on a video upload

Hello, I am uploading demo videos to share with clients. The thumbnail / static image on each video is random and is not taking the first image (which is a title card). I am getting awkward shots of our speakers in the still images, and they are not the most attractive thumbnails to share with clients. Is there any way to choose what screen the thumbnail comes from and/or replace this image? Thank you!

  • TheCrossingLV's avatar
    TheCrossingLV
    New member | Level 2

    Hey y'all!  Vote here!  https://www.dropboxforum.com/idea/101002013/creating-your-own-thumbnails-for-videos/711922

  • unger15's avatar
    unger15
    New member | Level 2

    I actually found a workaround for this, but I'm trying to remember.  I have 5 videos uploaded with the title screen in advance of 8 seconds.  Just uploaded my 6th, but the last one was almost 2 years ago, so I'm trying to figure it all out again.  I make the videos on iMovie (older version), which allows you to update the thumbnail via the "Get Info" menu for the movie file.  But when I upload to Dropbox Replay, it reverts to the 8 sec spot.  When I figure it out, I'll repost.

    • unger15's avatar
      unger15
      New member | Level 2

      Ok, posted too soon!  When you open your video, play to the part of the video you want in your thumbnail.  Then in the upper right selection tab (below "Share") is an icon that looks like an image background setting... that's the "set frame as thumbnail" option.  Try it out!

       

       

  • Boss Mama's avatar
    Boss Mama
    New member | Level 2
    Totally agree. Who wants to chew up 8 valuable seconds of video to appease this thumbnail issue or indeed give the spoiler in a thumbnail before the video is viewed - which is my gripe! I wont be messing up the flow of my content to correct this. Dropbox you need to up your game on this. We take the time in video editing to present this suitably for our clients with a cover pic or title so it’s common sense for your application to be consistent with that.
  • Rich's avatar
    Rich
    Icon for Super User II rankSuper User II

    ch_bt wrote:

    Is there any way to choose what screen the thumbnail comes from and/or replace this image?


    No, there isn't. The thumbnail is generated from a frame at about the 8 second mark. There's no way to change that.

     

     

    • ch_bt's avatar
      ch_bt
      Helpful | Level 5

      Thank you! We will edit our videos to keep the title card up for 8 or 9 seconds vs. 5 seconds, so hopefully we can work around it. 

      • BigSlick's avatar
        BigSlick
        New member | Level 2
        I agree 100% and suggested a change to dropbox.
        The thumbnail should be the first frame of the video of course!
        I am having the same problem and wasted hours trying to get around this bug.

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