YouTube Thumbnail Size
YouTube thumbnail size requirements: 1280×720 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio, 2 MB max file size, safe zones, and downloadable specs.
Recommended size
1280 × 720 px
Aspect ratio
16 : 9
Minimum width
640 px
Max file size
2 MB
Official YouTube requirements
According to YouTube Help, custom thumbnails should be 1280×720 pixels (minimum width 640 px) with a 16:9 ratio. Supported file types include JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.
Safe area for mobile
Feeds crop edges unpredictably. Keep headlines, faces, and logos inside the center **80%** of the frame so nothing critical disappears on phones or TV UI.
Common export sizes
- 1280×720 — standard upload target
- 1920×1080 — Full HD design master
- 4K masters — only when compression still meets the 2 MB cap
Check live thumbnails
After upload, download the served image with the YouTube Thumbnail Downloader to confirm what the CDN delivers—not just your master file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the recommended YouTube thumbnail size? +
YouTube recommends 1280×720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum width of 640 pixels.
What is the maximum thumbnail file size? +
Custom thumbnails must be under 2 MB. Use JPG compression if PNG files exceed the limit.
Can YouTube thumbnails be square? +
YouTube displays thumbnails in a 16:9 frame. Square art will be letterboxed or cropped in previews.
What formats does YouTube accept? +
JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP are supported for custom thumbnail uploads.