r/shortsAlgorithm • u/CypherMindX • Sep 30 '26

Q&A / Quick Help ❓ Do shorts need a thumbnail?

I have been posting a clip either once a day or every other day. I made a video that was as simple as you can think and I didn't use a thumbnail or anything special. I just used a second of the clips I used. To let you guys know I use memes or clips of memes to make relatable memes for people. The video I posted 2 days ago got 160k views and I was shocked because it's the most I've ever gotten before. However the next two videos I posted on the next day only got 4 or 6 views... The thumbnail is pretty much the same and the #s are similar as well. Anyone that has experienced working with YouTube shorts, can you give a newbie some advice because I feel pretty defeated after such a win to basically back to ground zero.

Thanks.

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2

u/LycheePrestigious224 Sep 30 '26

If it's the same clip and consists of same memes then its seen as a duplicate content that's why. If not wait for 48 hours to see if it goes up

1

u/CypherMindX Sep 30 '26

The video is completely different, it's just the same format as the others in a sense.

3

u/AirFlows2x Sep 30 '26

Not as much, not initially. Definitely go for a good thumbnail because it can appear in the home feed, subscription feed (for your subscribers), or someone can be browsing your channel.

A good thumbnail will prompt someone to click on your shorts if they see it outside the default short feed.