5:20
$ previewer run yt-video
YouTube Video Preview Tool
Write your title, upload a thumbnail, and see exactly how your video will look in YouTube search results — title limit, channel info, views, and dark mode included. Free, no login.
100 characters left
Click or drop an image here
// text saves to this browser only — images are never uploaded anywhere
// why this matters
Small things that make a video flop.
The 100-character title limit
YouTube caps titles at 100 characters. Go over and your title gets cut off in search results. Preview the exact length here.
Thumbnail crop and composition
Your thumbnail is the first thing viewers see. Upload it here to see how it will be displayed in search, and check if the text is readable.
Dark mode readability
Many users browse YouTube in dark mode. Toggle the preview to ensure your thumbnail and title still pop against a dark background.
// what's inside
Everything you need to check before you upload.
Live title counter
A real-time 100-character counter that warns you when you're about to hit the limit.
Thumbnail upload preview
Upload an image and see it rendered as the video thumbnail in the mockup at the exact size YouTube uses.
Channel and metadata
Customize channel name, avatar, views, and upload time to see the full video card context.
Light / dark mode
Switch instantly between YouTube's light and dark display modes without leaving the page.
Download the mockup
Export your preview as a PNG to share with a client or teammate for approval.
No login, no uploading
Nothing here connects to YouTube. It's a private, local mockup — nothing is ever uploaded for you.
// how it works
Three steps, one polished video.
$ write-your-title // watch the 100-character ring
$ upload-thumbnail // drag and drop or click
$ check-light-and-dark // then upload it to YouTube
$ ▍
// writing tips
Videos that get clicks.
Front-load the hook
The first few words of the title are what show in search. Put the most compelling keyword or phrase right up front.
Keep it under 60 characters
While the limit is 100, shorter titles often perform better. Preview how it looks in the mockup to see if it's scannable.
Thumbnail readability
Text on thumbnails should be large and high-contrast. Upload your thumbnail and check it in both light and dark mode.
Check channel avatar
Your channel avatar appears next to the video. Make sure it's recognizable and fits the context.
// faq
Questions, answered plainly.
What is the character limit for a YouTube video title?
YouTube video titles are limited to 100 characters. This tool counts characters live and warns you as you approach the limit.
Can I preview my thumbnail with the title?
Yes. Upload a thumbnail image and it will appear inside the mockup exactly where it would in YouTube search results.
Does this tool upload my video to YouTube?
No. This is a preview-only tool. It never connects to your YouTube account and never publishes anything on your behalf.
Can I see how my video looks in dark mode?
Yes. Use the light/dark toggle above the preview to check how your video card renders in both of YouTube's display modes.
Is my video title or thumbnail stored anywhere?
Your draft title is saved only in your own browser's local storage so it survives a refresh. Uploaded thumbnails are not saved and nothing is sent to a server.