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Make a YouTube thumbnail 1280 × 720 pixels at a 16:9 ratio, as a JPG, PNG or GIF, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Keep it under 2 MB to be safe on every device.
- 1280 × 720 at 16:9 is the size YouTube recommends and the largest copy it serves publicly.
- The minimum width is 640 pixels, and JPG, PNG and GIF are accepted.
- YouTube's own help pages list different file size limits, so 2 MB is the safe choice.
The short answer#
Upload your thumbnail at 1280 × 720 pixels, in a 16:9 ratio. That is the size YouTube's help page recommends, and it is also the biggest copy of a thumbnail that YouTube shows to the public. A bigger upload will not give viewers a bigger picture.
| Spec | What YouTube says |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 1280 × 720 pixels |
| Minimum width | 640 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| File types | JPG, GIF or PNG |
| File size | Under 2 MB works everywhere. A newer help page allows up to 50 MB for uploads from a computer |
| Daily limit | Channels can hit a daily cap, and the error says to try again in 24 hours |
YouTube's help pages do not fully agree with each other. One lists 1280 × 720 as the recommended size, and a newer Studio page lists 3840 × 2160 with different file size limits by device. Both agree on 16:9 and a 640 pixel minimum width. Check the current page in YouTube Help if you are close to a limit.
Why a saved thumbnail can look smaller than expected#
YouTube keeps each thumbnail at several fixed sizes, from a tiny 120 × 90 copy up to 1280 × 720. The largest one exists only when the uploader's image was big enough. Many older videos, and many Shorts, start at 640 × 480 or less, so a downloader can only hand you what is there.
Keep text readable at small sizes#
Most people see your thumbnail small, on a phone or in a list. Large, short text and a clear face or object survive that. Fine print does not. Check your design at about the width of a thumb before you upload.
How to save a thumbnail from a video#
Paste the video, Short or playlist link into the YouTube thumbnail downloader. It lists the sizes that exist for that video, largest first, and saves the one you pick as a JPG. Only save thumbnails you made or have permission to use.
Checklist before you upload#
- Export at 1280 × 720, 16:9, as a JPG or PNG.
- Keep the file under 2 MB so it uploads from any device.
- Put the key subject and any text in the middle, because a timestamp badge covers the bottom right corner.
- View it at about 160 pixels wide to check it still reads.
Common mistakes#
- Uploading a vertical image. YouTube is 16:9, so a tall image gets cropped or padded.
- Tiny text. It disappears in lists and on phones.
- Counting on a bigger upload. Viewers still receive 1280 × 720 at most.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best size for a YouTube thumbnail?
1280 × 720 pixels at a 16:9 ratio. It is the size YouTube recommends and the largest it serves publicly.
What is the minimum thumbnail size on YouTube?
The minimum width is 640 pixels. Anything smaller can be rejected or look blurry.
Can a YouTube thumbnail be 4K?
YouTube's newer help page lists 3840 × 2160 for uploads, but the copy shown to viewers and available to downloaders is 1280 × 720 at most.
What file types does YouTube accept for thumbnails?
JPG, GIF and PNG.
Why can I not upload a custom thumbnail?
Your account may not be verified yet, or the channel may have reached the daily custom thumbnail limit. The help page says to try again after 24 hours.