How Do I Change My Facebook Thumbnail?

bayleemayer35
2 days ago
3 min read

Have you ever posted a link on Facebook only to be presented with a blurry or irrelevant image? That small preview image, known as a thumbnail, can have a significant impact on who clicks your content. Whether you're promoting a blog post, a YouTube video, or an e-commerce product, the thumbnail is your visual hook.

But what if Facebook picks the wrong image? There are easy ways to take control, so don't worry. Let’s walk through exactly how to change your Facebook thumbnail and why it matters more than you think.

Why Is My Facebook Thumbnail Not Showing the Right Image?

Facebook automatically scrapes metadata from your links, looking for images to display. If your website or blog doesn’t use Open Graph (OG) tags correctly, then Facebook might pull a random image or none at all.

Sometimes, the image is outdated, too big, too small, or not even related. This can lead to fewer clicks and less engagement on your post. If you're noticing your shared content isn't visually appealing, this is likely the culprit.

How Can I Set the Right Thumbnail When Sharing a Link?

When sharing a link on Facebook or running Facebook marketplace ads, controlling the thumbnail image is crucial for attracting attention. Facebook usually pulls the image automatically from your website, but you can customize it by adding Open Graph tags to your page’s HTML.

Here’s how:

Access your website’s HTML - Look for the <head> section.
Add Open Graph tags - Include the tag:
<meta property="og:image" content="https://yourwebsite.com/your-image.jpg"/>
Use the right image size - Facebook recommends 1200 x 630 pixels for best quality.
Refresh the preview - After adjusting the tags, use Facebook's Sharing Debugger to scrape the URL again.

This tool forces Facebook to re-read your metadata so your new thumbnail will display immediately.

Can I Change the Thumbnail Directly on Facebook?

If you're sharing someone else's content or a page you don’t control, your options are limited. However, if it's your own post or link, you can often tweak it this way:

Paste your link in the post box.
Wait for the preview to load.
To select a different image if there are several available, click the arrows.
Sometimes, you’ll see an “X” to remove the thumbnail entirely.
If you’re creating an ad, Facebook Ads Manager lets you upload a custom image as a thumbnail for your promoted post.

This gives you some flexibility, even if the website itself isn’t optimized for Open Graph.

What About Video Thumbnails on Facebook?

If you're uploading a video directly to Facebook, you have more control. Here’s how to change the video’s thumbnail:

Go to your video post.
Click the three dots (...) on the top-right.
Select Edit Video.
You can upload your own image or select from the automatically created frames under the Thumbnail section.
Hit Save.

This is very important if you want your video to stand out immediately in the feed.

Why Does the Right Facebook Thumbnail Matter?

The saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" is certainly familiar to you, but people do just that when they are online. A good Facebook Thumbnail is like a billboard for your content. It sparks interest, sets expectations, and shows professionalism.

Whether you're a small business owner, a blogger, or just someone who loves sharing cool stuff, having the right thumbnail can double or triple your engagement. If you’re serious about getting clicks, it’s worth the extra effort.

Also, watch this video - PowerAdSpy - Best Facebook Ads Spy Tool

Final Thoughts

Your Facebook thumbnails are not just a random image; It’s the gateway to your content. It influences whether someone clicks, engages, or simply scrolls past. By taking a few extra minutes to optimize your thumbnails, you can dramatically improve your visibility and engagement. Use the right image size, apply Open Graph tags, and preview your links using Facebook’s tools. These small steps can make a big difference in how your content performs.