YouTube Thumbnail size — 1280×720 (16:9)
Local processing, no upload. Use Crop (fill) or Pad (fit), then export as JPG/PNG.
Recommended YouTube thumbnail size: 1280×720 (16:9 / 1280x720 / 1280 720).
Summary
Dimensions
1280×720
Pixels
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Display
Recommended Mode
Crop (fill)
Quick tips
- Thumbnails are often viewed small—use large, readable text.
- Keep thumbnails under 2MB. JPG is usually the smallest.
More YouTube sizes (16:9)
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Last checked: 2026-02-05
- YouTube Help: Add video thumbnails — Mentions 1280×720 (16:9) and max 2MB for custom thumbnails.
FAQ
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
The best YouTube thumbnail size (YouTube recommended thumbnail size) is 1280×720 (16:9).
Quick tip: Start at 1280×720 to avoid upscaling blur.
Common mistake: Uploading a smaller thumbnail and hoping it scales cleanly—upscaling looks soft.
Is 1280×720 the same as 16:9?
Yes. 1280×720 is a 16:9 size and is the standard YouTube thumbnail dimension.
Quick tip: Keep text large because thumbnails appear small on mobile.
Common mistake: Using tiny text—most viewers can’t read it at thumbnail size.
What is the YouTube thumbnail file size limit?
Keep thumbnails under 2MB. JPG is usually the smallest.
Quick tip: If text looks fuzzy in JPG, try PNG at higher quality.
Common mistake: Uploading large PNGs—file size can exceed limits.
JPG or PNG for YouTube thumbnails?
Use JPG for photo thumbnails and PNG for text-heavy designs, logos, and sharp edges.
Quick tip: If text looks fuzzy in JPG, switch to PNG or increase JPG quality.
Common mistake: Using low-quality JPG for bold text—compression artifacts appear around letters.
How do I keep text sharp?
Use larger fonts, strong contrast, and export in PNG or high-quality JPG.
Quick tip: Design for mobile: if it’s unreadable small, simplify.
Common mistake: Using tiny text—most viewers see thumbnails at very small sizes.
What is the YouTube Thumbnail size?
1280x720 (16:9).
Crop vs Pad — which is better?
Default recommendation: Crop (fill).
Why does the output look blurry?
Use a higher-resolution source, increase JPG quality (90–95), or use PNG for text/logos.
How do I avoid cutting faces or important content?
Use Pad to keep everything visible, or drag the crop focus in Crop mode.
Do you upload my images?
No. Processing happens locally in your browser. Your files are not uploaded.
What format should I export?
JPG for photos, PNG for text or transparency, WebP for smaller files (if supported).
What is this size in inches or cm?
Instagram and most platforms use pixels. Inches/cm depend on DPI. For print, inches = pixels ÷ DPI.