This is for people who do not have access to browser extensions. I think it's a great way to set them anyway you like, rather than limiting users to set it within the project.

Here's the mockup:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1224646351/

I support this as gif thumbnails are cool and a great way to preview a game/animation in my opinion, but I don't think it will ever be added due to the ST marking gif thumbnails projects as NFE.

This would make it so most projects on trending would have animated thumbnails, which the ST has stated they mark nfe because they lag lower end computers. I don't agree with this suggestion.

SMG4fan7236 wrote:

This is for people who do not have access to browser extensions. I think it's a great way to set them anyway you like, rather than limiting users to set it within the project.

Here's the mockup:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1224646351/

i support bc :
The Problem:
Currently, Scratch does not have a built-in feature to set animated GIFs as project thumbnails. Because of this, creators who want dynamic, eye-catching covers for their projects have to rely on third-party browser extensions, bookmarklets, or external scripts.

Why current workarounds aren't fair:
Relying on external tools creates a huge disadvantage for a big part of the Scratch community:

• School devices: Thousands of Scratchers use school-managed pads or macs where installing browser extensions or running custom scripts is completely blocked.
  
• Mobile and tablet users: Users creating projects on mobile devices or tablets have no way to use these workarounds at all.
  
• Safety concerns: New or younger Scratchers shouldn't be encouraged to look for third-party scripts or extensions just to customize how their projects look on their profile.
  

My Suggestion:
Scratch should add a native, official way to set an animated thumbnail (such as uploading a short GIF or selecting a short loop from the project's stage) directly inside the project editor or project page.

Benefits:

• Equal opportunities for everyone: School device and tablet users will finally be able to make animated thumbnails just like PC users with extensions.
  
• More creativity: Artists, animators, and game developers can give a brief, exciting preview of their projects right from their profile or studios.
  
• Safer experience: Keeps everything inside Scratch without needing external tools.
  

What about lag, moderation, and NFE?

• To prevent lag or flashing images, Scratch could limit native GIF thumbnails to a few seconds (for example, 2–3 seconds) and low file sizes, and keep the existing rule of marking flashing animated thumbnails as NFE (Not For Everyone) so they don't appear on the front page.
  
• Users could also have an accessibility toggle in Account Settings to pause animated thumbnails if they prefer static images.
  

Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts below.