How To Add a Featured Imaged to a Medium Post

Many writers and would-be writers utilize Medium’s features to get the word out online. While writing content can get your point across, using images with the content can send a clearer message – especially in thumbnails.

If you’re wondering how to add a Feature Image on Medium, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover more about this unique tool and how to add it to your next article.

How to Add a Featured Image

Nowadays, many do most of their reading online, and “judging a book by its cover” has taken a new meaning. Thumbnails are the new book cover, so if you want to grab potential readers’ attention, yours will have to be a compelling one. Luckily, there are many ways to enhance your articles with images on Medium.

Adding an Image

Before you can designate one of your photos as a featured one, you must post them to your story. If you don’t already have images posted to your story, here’s how to do it:

1. On a post, make a new line and click on the “+” symbol on the left.
   
2. Select the small camera icon labeled, “Add an image.”
   
3. Your computer’s File Explorer will open automatically. Find the image you want to use, then click on it.
   
4. The photo will be added to your article
   

Selecting a Featured Image

By default, Medium will select the first of your uploaded images as a thumbnail. If that’s not the one you want to feature, here’s how to choose a specific one:

1. When you’ve completed your article, click on the green “Publish” button at the top right corner.
   
2. On the left side of the menu is your images. Select the one you want to use as a Featured Image.
   

Alternatively, you can designate a Feature Image by selecting the image in your article. Press “Shift + F” to mark it as the featured one. You’ll also see it on the preview card when you press the “Publish” button.

Setting a Focal Point

Sometimes an image won’t work well if it’s posted in its entirety. Fortunately, Medium has thought of that and given users tools to crop images that will present better on social media.

From your desktop:

1. Press and hold the Alt/Opt key.
2. Choose a focal point in the image and left-click on it with your mouse.
3. The app automatically crops the image, and you’ll see a green circle denoting the new focal area.

Keep in mind that this new focal point can be seen in preview and post listings around the website. If you’re not satisfied with the overall look, simply go through the steps above and re-crop the image.

How to Change the Featured Image on Medium

If you change your mind about a Featured Image, you can change it in a few simple steps.

1. Find the article you want to change the Featured Image for on your Dashboard.
   
2. At the bottom right corner, click on the “…” button to open the menu.
   
3. Select “Edit story.”
   
4. Locate the image you want to use, click on it, then press “Shift + F” on your keyboard.
   
   

You can also choose a new Featured Image on the publishing screen.

Additional FAQs

What is a Featured Image?

A Featured Image is sometimes called a “thumbnail” or “post thumbnail.” These photos represent the content posted, whether a web page or an individual post. In Medium, these Featured Images represent the first thing a potential reader usually sees when scrolling through your post listings – and it’s usually a deciding factor on whether to click on a story or not.

Keep in mind that you can choose how many (or few) images to include with a post, but only one can be a Featured Image. Typically, writers will choose a photo to capture the essence of the content to be their main or featured image.

What types of images can I use on Medium?

You can use any royalty-free image. The picture can be one of your own or downloaded from a royalty-free site.

Garner More Readers With Featured Images

A great image can make or break your readership, and many online users select reading material by its “book cover” or thumbnail. Lucky for you, Medium understands the power of a carefully chosen image and has given you the tools to use them effectively. Just remember to select your focal point carefully, and if you find that one picture doesn’t work, you can always change it.

Do you use Featured Images on Medium? Do you use your own images or royalty-free ones? Let us know in the comments below.