Use MediaConvert’s FRAME_CAPTURE output to create numbered JPEG stills, then choose one as a poster candidate. For seek previews inside an HLS or other supported stream, use image-based trick-play generation instead. These are different outputs: AWS documents frame capture and streaming preview imagery, but not a separate setting that selects one arbitrary “poster frame” timestamp.
Choose the output that matches your goal
| Your goal | MediaConvert output | What you receive |
|---|---|---|
| A still image to use as a poster or a set of stills to review | FRAME_CAPTURE |
A sequence of numbered JPEG files captured at a configured cadence. |
| Preview images viewers can use to seek through a supported stream | Image-based trick play | Thumbnails, tiled images and, for supported modes, full-frame images associated with streaming manifests. |
A poster is usually one representative image displayed before playback; trick-play thumbnails are a sequence intended for navigating playback. MediaConvert’s image overlay feature is different again: it places a graphic over video rather than extracting a video frame.
Create numbered JPEGs with FRAME_CAPTURE
Configure the output
- In the MediaConvert job, add or edit a video output and set its video codec to
FRAME_CAPTURE. - Set
FrameCaptureSettingsfor that output:FramerateNumerator,FramerateDenominator,MaxCapturesandQuality. The current API reference for the selected job configuration is the authority for allowed values and constraints. - Choose a destination for the output files and run the job. The result is a zero-based sequence of numbered JPEG captures; it is not one specially named poster file.
- Review the sequence, select the frame that best represents the video, and use that JPEG in the destination system that displays the poster.
Set the capture interval and limit
The capture interval is FramerateDenominator / FramerateNumerator seconds. For example, numerator 1 and denominator 3 requests the first frame and then one capture every three seconds. The first frame is captured before the repeated interval begins.
MaxCaptures limits how many JPEGs the output creates. Set it to a suitable limit for the duration of the input and the chosen interval so the job does not create more files than the workflow needs. Quality controls JPEG quality; check the current MediaConvert API reference for its permitted range rather than assuming a value is valid for every job.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Use the sequence to find a poster candidate
If you want a still near a particular moment, choose a cadence fine enough that the capture sequence includes a useful frame near that point, then identify the corresponding numbered JPEG. This is a cadence-based extraction workflow, not a dedicated arbitrary-timestamp poster picker. The exact frame available depends on the input and output timelines, frame rate and timecode handling.
Before using the chosen still, check that its resolution, crop, aspect ratio and color appearance suit the destination. MediaConvert’s frame-capture settings do not establish a universal poster-image specification for every website or player.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Generate streaming thumbnails for trick play
Enable the image output for the streaming group
For seek previews, enable the image-based trick-play option supported by the relevant output group and choose the available mode that fits the player and delivery format. Depending on output type and mode, MediaConvert can generate thumbnails, thumbnails plus full-frame images, or expose advanced settings for cadence and tile dimensions. Available values and constraints differ across formats and API surfaces; use the current reference for the specific output rather than transferring dimensions or limits from another format.
Choose the thumbnail cadence
FOLLOW_IFRAMEfollows IDR-frame cadence, so the preview cadence reflects the output GOP structure.FOLLOW_CUSTOMuses a requested interval. MediaConvert rounds intervals to a compatible output-frame boundary when necessary. AWS gives the example that a five-second interval at 29.97 fps is represented by 150 frames.FOLLOW_SEGMENTATIONaligns entries with segment boundaries and requires 1×1 tiling.
Advanced settings can include thumbnail interval and tile dimensions. Check the current API reference for the selected format’s thumbnail width and height, tile width and height, and divisibility requirements.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Check manifest and player compatibility
For HLS, AWS documents a child manifest for each image set and corresponding entries in the parent manifest; Roku trick mode is one cited application. A generated image set does not guarantee that every player will display it. Validate the resulting manifests and image layout with the intended player and delivery workflow before relying on the previews in production.
Account for timecodes, frame rate and GOP settings
MediaConvert builds input and output timelines, and frame-accurate video timecodes use the format HH:MM:SS:FF. Drop-frame timecode uses a semicolon before the frame number. A wall-clock time in seconds is not always the same as a frame address: clipping, timecode source and frame-rate conversion can affect which output frame corresponds to a requested moment. If frame accuracy matters, verify the timeline and output frame rate as well as the captured result.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
When trick-play thumbnails follow IDRs, their cadence follows the output GOP. AWS describes a typical GOP duration as 1–2 seconds and recommends that streaming segment lengths be multiples of the GOP size. These are encoding-context recommendations, not a guarantee of a particular thumbnail interval. Use a custom interval when you need a specified seek-preview cadence, or coordinate GOP and segment settings, then inspect the generated assets and playback behavior.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common results
| Symptom | What to check |
|---|---|
| No JPEG captures appear | Confirm the video output uses FRAME_CAPTURE, has frame-capture settings, and writes to the expected destination. Review the job result and output location. |
| The selected JPEG is not at the exact requested moment | The capture output uses a regular cadence rather than a dedicated arbitrary-time selector. Check the input/output timelines, timecode source and frame-rate conversion; use a finer cadence if appropriate and inspect the resulting sequence. |
| There are more or fewer JPEGs than expected | Check the numerator and denominator interval, whether the first frame is included, the input duration and MaxCaptures. |
| Trick-play images do not appear in the player | Verify the output group and mode are supported, inspect the generated image set and manifests, and confirm the target player understands that manifest and image layout. |
| Preview cadence differs from the requested interval | For custom cadence, check output frame-rate rounding. For IDR-following cadence, check the output GOP; for segment-following cadence, check segment boundaries and the 1×1 tiling requirement. |
| A still looks wrong for the destination | Review output resolution, crop, aspect ratio and color characteristics, and compare against the destination’s own poster-image requirements. |
Or let it run in the cloud
MediaConvert creates image assets; it does not keep a YouTube channel live. If you also want to run an uploaded video or playlist as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate option: upload the video, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; it streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Visit StreamNeo or start the free day.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FRAME_CAPTURE create a PNG?
The documented frame-capture output described here creates JPEG files.
Can I use the same trick-play image settings for every streaming format?
No. Supported modes and image-dimension constraints vary by output type and API surface, so check the current reference for the format you are configuring.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
