The best YouTube thumbnail size is 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9)
Learn YouTube's recommended resolution, file requirements, and how to keep thumbnails sharp across devices.
📝 Core thumbnail specs (The Specs Table)
The table below summarizes YouTube's recommended thumbnail specifications so you can quickly check them while designing or exporting images.
| Spec | Recommended value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Best resolution | 1280 x 720 pixels | Minimum width must be 640 pixels. |
| Best aspect ratio | 16:9 | Works for all standard YouTube videos. |
| File formats | JPG, PNG, GIF | PNG is recommended for the sharpest results. |
| Maximum file size | 2 MB | Thumbnails larger than 2 MB cannot be uploaded. |
| Color space | sRGB | Prevents color shifts across different screens. |
🎯 Size usage by context (Contextual breakdown)
A. Standard YouTube video thumbnails
For regular horizontal videos, always use a 1280 x 720 pixel thumbnail with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size keeps your thumbnail sharp while loading quickly on most devices.
- On desktop: thumbnails are usually displayed in 16:9 so small details remain clear.
- On mobile: thumbnails are scaled down, so keep your main title text large and readable.
- On TV: resolution is higher, so avoid visible compression artifacts.
- Leave safe margins on the left and right so avatars, time badges and the progress bar don't cover important content.
B. YouTube Shorts covers
Shorts covers are usually generated from frames in your video, but you can still upload a custom 16:9 (1280 x 720) thumbnail to keep things consistent.
- In the feed, the cover is cropped to a ratio close to 4:5.
- In the Shorts player, the cover is compressed into a small vertically centered area.
- Place the most important elements (headline, face, logo) in the central area of the image.
C. Extra size reference: YouTube channel art (channel banner)
Channel art is not technically a thumbnail, but people often search for these sizes at the same time.
- Recommended size: 2560 x 1440 pixels
- Safe area: 2560 x 423 pixels (keep text and logos inside this area so they stay visible on all devices).
🎨 Thumbnail design & SEO tips
5 design principles to improve click-through rate
- High contrast: use strong contrast between text and background so it stays readable when shrunk.
- Face close-ups: if you appear on camera, highlight facial expressions and emotion.
- Brand elements: keep your logo or channel name in a consistent position.
- Short text: keep copy under about 6 words and use large, bold fonts.
- Visual punch: use saturated colors and clear composition to guide the viewer's eye.
For a deeper checklist on layout, color and branding, see our YouTube thumbnail design tips guide.
Optimize thumbnail filenames for SEO
Before you upload, rename the file to a descriptive name that includes your main keyword, for example:
youtube-thumbnail-size-guide-1280x720.jpg.
To learn more ways to increase click-through rate with better thumbnails, read how to improve YouTube thumbnail CTR.
❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQ section)
Q1: Why does YouTube recommend 1280x720 instead of 1920x1080?
1280x720 is the 720p HD standard. It offers a good balance between sharpness and file size, so thumbnails load quickly while still looking crisp on most screens.
Q2: If I don't upload a custom thumbnail, what will YouTube use?
If you don't upload a custom thumbnail, YouTube automatically picks three frames from your video for you to choose from. These auto-selected frames rarely express the core idea of your content, so it's strongly recommended to upload a designed thumbnail.
Q3: Can I use a GIF as my thumbnail?
Yes, but it will be displayed as a static image, not an animation. If you want a sense of motion, rely on strong facial expressions or bold contrasting colors in a still image instead.
Create your perfect YouTube thumbnail now
Now that you know the recommended sizes and design principles, you can use our free tool to fetch or download thumbnails in different resolutions, then refine them further in your design software.