Thumbnailr › YouTube thumbnail size
YouTube thumbnail size (2026)
The short answer: a 16:9 image, ideally 3840×2160 pixels, saved as a JPG or PNG. Here are the full specs from YouTube Help, what changed, and how to export the right file.
YouTube thumbnail specs at a glance
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 3840 × 2160 pixels (videos) |
| Minimum width | 640 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 (1:1 for podcast playlists) |
| Shorts | 2160 × 3840 pixels (9:16) |
| File types | JPG or PNG |
| File size limit | 2 MB when uploading from a phone (10 MB for podcasts); 50 MB on desktop |
Source: YouTube Help, “Add video thumbnails”, checked 26 October 2026. YouTube changes these from time to time, so check the official page if in doubt.
Is 1280×720 still OK?
Yes. For years YouTube recommended 1280×720, and that size is still well above the 640-pixel minimum, uploads fine, and looks sharp in the feed on most screens. YouTube's help page now recommends 3840×2160 (4K). A 4K thumbnail mainly helps on big, high-resolution screens such as TVs and large monitors.
In Thumbnailr, Free mode exports 1280×720 PNG or JPG, and Pro adds a true 3840×2160 export. Both are 16:9, so you never have to resize or crop.
Why the 2 MB limit catches people out
Desktop uploads in YouTube Studio accept much bigger files, but the YouTube mobile app is limited to 2 MB for video thumbnails. A detailed PNG at 1280×720 or above can easily go over that. Two easy fixes:
- Export as JPG. Thumbnailr's JPG export automatically keeps the file under 2 MB.
- Upload from a computer, where the limit is much higher.
Design for the size people actually see
The upload is big, but the thumbnail is shown small: roughly 160 to 360 pixels wide in phone feeds, search results and the sidebar. A few rules follow from that:
- Keep the bottom-right corner clear. YouTube puts the video length badge there.
- Keep key elements away from the edges. Rounded corners and other overlays can clip them.
- Use few, big words. Two to four words in a thick, outlined font.
- Check it small. The feed test shows your design at home, search and sidebar sizes before you upload.
Shorts, vertical videos and podcasts
Shorts
For Shorts, YouTube Help lists a vertical 2160×3840 (9:16) recommendation. You pick a Shorts thumbnail differently from a regular video, so check the current options in the YouTube app.
Vertical videos on the home feed
YouTube Help notes that vertical videos can get an automatically generated 4:5 thumbnail on the home feed, so keep the important part of a vertical frame near the centre.
Podcasts
Podcast playlists use a square 1:1 image, and the mobile upload limit for podcasts is 10 MB.
How to make a correctly sized thumbnail
- Open the Thumbnailr editor. The canvas is already 16:9.
- Start from a template, or a gaming layout, and add your image and text.
- Export a JPG to stay under 2 MB for phone uploads, or a PNG for desktop. With Pro, choose 4K.
- In YouTube Studio, open the video's details and upload the file under Thumbnail.
Making a whole run of episodes? Series mode exports every thumbnail at the same size in one ZIP.
FAQ
What is the best size for a YouTube thumbnail?
YouTube Help currently recommends 3840×2160 pixels at 16:9 for videos. 1280×720 is still accepted and widely used. The minimum width is 640 pixels.
What is the maximum file size for a YouTube thumbnail?
2 MB when uploading from the YouTube mobile app (10 MB for podcasts) and 50 MB on desktop, according to YouTube Help.
Which file format should I use?
JPG or PNG. JPG keeps the file small; PNG keeps flat colours and text crisp.
Why can't I upload a custom thumbnail at all?
YouTube may ask you to verify your account, or have advanced features turned on, before custom thumbnails are available. Check the eligibility section of YouTube Help.
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