The short answer is 1280 by 720 pixels. That is a 16:9 rectangle, the same shape as a standard YouTube video, and YouTube asks for a minimum width of 640 pixels and a file under 2 MB.
Accepted formats are JPG, PNG and GIF, and the GIF is shown as a still image. If your image is the wrong shape, the resizer below crops or fits it to 1280 by 720 for you.
YouTube thumbnail size: what to know
Quick reference
Size: 1280 by 720 pixels. Minimum width: 640 pixels. Ratio: 16:9. File size: under 2 MB. Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF. Needs a verified account for custom thumbnails.
Why larger images are still fine
Uploading a bigger 16:9 image such as 1920 by 1080 works if it stays under the file limit, but 1280 by 720 is enough and keeps the file small.
Vertical videos
YouTube shows a 4:5 crop of a landscape thumbnail for vertical videos on some pages, so keep the subject in the centre.
How to use
- Add your image. Drop a JPG, PNG or WebP. A larger image gives a sharper thumbnail.
- Fill the frame. Crop to fill covers the whole thumbnail. Fit keeps the full picture over a blurred copy. Move the crop with the sliders.
- Choose the format. JPG is smaller and best for photos. PNG is sharper for text and graphics but larger. The tool lowers JPG quality as needed to fit the size limit.
- Download. Check the size shown under the preview and download the file.
Limits and good to know
- Very small source images will look soft when enlarged to 1280 by 720.
- PNG files with lots of detail may not fit under 2 MB. The tool switches to JPG and tells you.
- This tool resizes images. It does not design the thumbnail.
FAQ
Is 1920 by 1080 okay?
Yes if it is 16:9 and under 2 MB, but 1280 by 720 is the recommended size.
What happens if my image is too big?
YouTube rejects files over the limit. Lower the JPG quality or use the resizer, which does this automatically.
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
1280 by 720 pixels with a 16:9 ratio, a minimum width of 640 pixels and a file size under 2 MB.
JPG or PNG?
JPG for photos because it is smaller. PNG for sharp text and graphics if it fits under the size limit.
Is my image uploaded?
No. It is processed in your browser.