When publishing video content through Post for Me, controlling the first impression is vital for engagement. You can customize the cover image of your video posts by setting specific thumbnail parameters on your media objects during post creation.
Here is a breakdown of the two methods for setting thumbnails and which social platforms support them.
Using a Thumbnail URL
Definition: The thumbnail_url parameter allows you to pass a public link to a custom, standalone image file that will serve as the cover for your video.
How it works
When making a POST request to create a post, you can include the thumbnail_url string inside the specific object within your media array, alongside your primary video url.
Requirements: This method is currently supported by Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok (only when using the TikTok Business API). It is also supported by YouTube for standard long-form videos. However, it is important to note that custom thumbnail URLs are not reliably supported by YouTube for Shorts.
Using a Thumbnail Timestamp
Definition: The thumbnail_timestamp_ms parameter allows you to designate a specific frame from within the video file itself to act as the cover image.
How it works
Instead of uploading and linking a separate image file, you simply pass the exact time in milliseconds (thumbnail_timestamp_ms) within the media array to tell the platform exactly which frame to extract and display.
Requirements: This automated frame-extraction method is natively supported by Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok (supported across both the regular consumer API and the TikTok Business API).