YouTube thumbnail size: 1280×720 at 16:9
Size answer and destination decision
YouTube currently recommends 3840×2160 at 16:9 with a minimum width of 640 pixels; this page keeps 1280×720 as a common practical 16:9 preset.
1280 ÷ 720 = 1.777… (16:9)
Judge bold text and subject contrast at a tiny preview size, then use the device-specific video-thumbnail limits: 2 MB on mobile and 50 MB on desktop.
Use this preset when
- You need a common supported 1280×720 thumbnail preset
- Text remains readable in a tiny preview
Reconsider the crop or format when
- A mobile video thumbnail exceeds 2 MB or a desktop upload exceeds 50 MB
- Important text touches the outer crop area
After export: manual destination check
After export, manually check the tiny preview in YouTube and confirm the video-thumbnail file stays within the applicable mobile 2 MB or desktop 50 MB limit.
Open the working workflow
1280×720 is a common practical 16:9 YouTube thumbnail preset. YouTube currently recommends 3840×2160 with a minimum width of 640 pixels, so use this page when you specifically need the smaller 1280×720 canvas.
Local processing, no upload. Open this preset in the resizer, use Crop to fill, then export as JPG or PNG.
Current YouTube recommendation: 3840×2160 (16:9, minimum width 640 pixels). For video thumbnails, the stated limit is 2 MB on mobile and 50 MB on desktop. The 1280×720 canvas on this page is a common practical preset.
Summary
Dimensions
Aspect ratio
Recommended mode
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Related links
Quick tips
- Thumbnails are often viewed small—use large, readable text.
- For video thumbnails, YouTube currently states 2 MB on mobile and 50 MB on desktop; JPG is usually smaller than PNG.
More YouTube sizes (16:9)
View all →Each source applies only to the claim described beside its link.
- YouTube Help: Add video thumbnails — Currently recommends 3840×2160 at 16:9 with a minimum width of 640 pixels. For video thumbnails, the stated file limit is 2 MB on mobile and 50 MB on desktop.Source checked: