YouTube Thumbnail Size Guide
YouTube thumbnails must be 1280×720 pixels in 16:9 aspect ratio. Resize yours for maximum click-through — free online.
- ✓1280×720 px 16:9 thumbnail export
- ✓Under 2MB file size for upload
- ✓Smart crop for subject-centered designs
- ✓Consistent branding across video series
YouTube thumbnail specifications
YouTube recommends thumbnails at 1280×720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, in JPG, PNG, or GIF format under 2 MB. Thumbnails appear in search results, suggested videos, and embeds — they are the single biggest factor in click-through rate after the title. Minimum width is 640 pixels; upload at full 1280×720 for sharp display on HD screens and TV apps.
Create YouTube thumbnails
Design your thumbnail in Canva or Photoshop, then resize to 1280×720 with our Social Media Resizer. Use smart crop to center faces or products. Compress to under 2 MB with Image Compressor if needed. Test readability at small sizes — bold text and high contrast perform best in search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size are YouTube thumbnails?
1280×720 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio, under 2 MB.
What format for YouTube thumbnails?
JPG, PNG, or GIF. JPG is best for photo-heavy thumbnails.
What is the minimum thumbnail size?
640 pixels wide. Upload at 1280×720 for best quality.
Also available as our general Social Media Resizer.