From a video embed to a featured image

When you publish a post, Video Thumbnails Reloaded Pro finds the first embedded video and retrieves a thumbnail supplied by its source. The image can be saved to your media library and set as the post’s featured image automatically.

Thumbnail display and WordPress content

Pro settings let you choose an aspect ratio when a source thumbnail has black bars or does not fit your site’s presentation. The plugin uses high-resolution widescreen thumbnails when available; non-HD videos may provide fullscreen pictures.

For content stored outside the main post area, enter the custom field name in the extension settings so it can scan that field. The plugin also works with custom post types. Featured images depend on theme support for post thumbnails. If the theme lacks that support, it may need modification or use of the plugin’s custom functions. Functions are also available for use outside a standard loop.

Supported sources and thumbnail limits

Supported providers include YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Vine, Twitch, Dailymotion, Metacafe, TED, VK, Blip, Google Drive, Funny or Die, CollegeHumor, MPORA, Livestream, Yahoo Screen, Wistia, Youku, Tudou, SAPO, Rutube, and other listed providers.

Thumbnails come from supported video websites. The plugin does not make them from self-hosted video files or select an image from a specific point in a video. Providers may have their own utilities for choosing a thumbnail for videos in your account.

Setup and troubleshooting

1. Install Video Thumbnails Reloaded Pro in WordPress and open its settings page.
2. Embed a video from a supported site in a post. If the video is stored in a custom field, enter that field’s name in the settings.
3. Publish the post so the plugin can find the first embedded video.
4. Let the plugin retrieve the available thumbnail and save it to the media library for use as the featured image.
5. Select an aspect ratio in the Pro settings when the thumbnail presentation needs adjustment.

If a thumbnail is not found, save the post changes and use the Debugging page to test the video markup and image download. You can also try another supported source or review support threads for similar cases.