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YouTube thumbnail size and how to make one
YouTube thumbnails are 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9). How to size one, keep it readable and stay under the file limit.
The size: 1280 × 720
YouTube recommends custom thumbnails at 1280 × 720 pixels, a 16:9 shape, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Crop your image to 16:9 first so nothing is squashed.
| Image | Size (pixels) | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Video thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 |
| Channel banner | 2560 × 1440 | 16:9 |
| Profile picture | 800 × 800 | Shown as a circle |
Commonly published recommendations; platforms can change them without notice.
Design for a small screen
Most people see thumbnails at a fraction of full size. Use large, bold text with few words, strong contrast and a clear face or subject. Avoid the bottom-right corner, where YouTube shows the video length.
Keep it under the file limit
YouTube has long required thumbnails under 2 MB; check its help page for the current limit. If your file is too big, the Compress to KB / MB tool can bring it under a limit while keeping 1280 × 720.
Channel banners
The channel banner is uploaded at 2560 × 1440, but only the centre area is visible on every device. Keep your channel name and logo in the middle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the YouTube thumbnail size?
1280 × 720 pixels (16:9), with a minimum width of 640 pixels.
What format should a thumbnail be?
JPG or PNG are safe choices. JPG usually gives a smaller file for photo-based thumbnails.
Social media
YouTube thumbnail & banner
Make a 1280 × 720 thumbnail, a channel banner or a profile picture. Free, and your image never leaves your browser.
Open YouTube thumbnail & banner