Image size reference
YouTube
| Image type | Dimensions | Aspect ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail | 1280 × 720 px | 16:9 | — |
| Channel Banner | 2560 × 1440 px | 16:9 | safe area 1546×423 |
| Profile Photo | 800 × 800 px | 1:1 | — |
| Video (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 px | 16:9 | — |
How to Use the YouTube Thumbnail & Banner Size
- Pick the YouTube image you need (thumbnail, banner or profile).
- Copy the recommended pixel dimensions.
- Optionally upload your image and select that size.
- Download it cropped correctly for YouTube.
YouTube thumbnail size and best practices
A YouTube thumbnail should be 1280×720 pixels (16:9), with a minimum width of 640 pixels, and kept under 2MB. This is the resolution YouTube uses everywhere from search results to suggested videos, so uploading at full 1280×720 keeps your thumbnail sharp on TVs and phones alike.
Thumbnails are the biggest driver of click-through rate. Use large, high-contrast text (readable even at small sizes), expressive faces or clear imagery, and a consistent style so viewers recognise your channel. Avoid clutter — three or four words of text is plenty.
YouTube banner size and the safe area
The YouTube channel banner (channel art) should be uploaded at 2560×1440 pixels, but here's the catch: it's displayed differently on TV, desktop, tablet and mobile. Only the central 1546×423 'safe area' is guaranteed to be visible on every device.
So upload the full 2560×1440 image for quality, but keep your logo, channel name and any text inside that central 1546×423 zone. Anything outside it may be cropped on smaller screens. Use the resizer above to prepare a correctly-sized banner or thumbnail.
How to make a YouTube thumbnail (policy + reach tips)
- Use large, high-contrast text (3–4 words max) that's readable at small sizes on phones.
- Show an expressive face or a single clear subject — emotion and clarity drive clicks.
- Keep a consistent style and branding so viewers recognise your channel at a glance.
- Make the thumbnail match the video — misleading/clickbait thumbnails violate YouTube policy and hurt long-term reach.
- Avoid nudity, violence, or shocking imagery — these break YouTube's thumbnail policies and can lead to strikes.
- Keep key elements out of the bottom-right corner, where the video duration timestamp sits.
- Upload at 1280×720 (16:9), under 2MB; for the banner, keep logos/text inside the 1546×423 safe area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct YouTube thumbnail size?
1280×720 pixels (16:9) with a minimum width of 640 pixels. This is the standard high-resolution thumbnail size YouTube recommends.
What size is a YouTube channel banner?
Upload at 2560×1440 pixels. Because the banner is cropped differently across TV, desktop and mobile, keep your logo and text inside the central 1546×423 'safe area'.
Why does my banner look cropped?
YouTube shows different portions of the banner on different devices. Designing within the 1546×423 safe area ensures your key content is always visible.