YouTube Thumbnail Resizer
Resize to 1280×720 (16:9) locally in your browser. No upload. Export JPG for smaller files or PNG for sharp text/logos.
Turn on Keep under 2MB to auto-adjust JPG quality.
Best / recommended thumbnail size: 1280×720.
Using Canva? Export your design, then resize or keep it under 2MB here (no upload).
Preset details: 1280×720 →
Need smaller files? Compress →
Resize YouTube thumbnails locally
Resize images to 1280×720 (16:9) without uploading. Export JPG (auto keep under 2MB) or PNG.
Local-only processing. Files stay on your device and are not uploaded.
What happens next
- Select images from your device.
- Adjust settings and preview the result.
- Export locally as JPG/PNG/WebP.
Quick tip
Keep thumbnails under 2MB. If your file is too large, export JPG or compress after resizing.
Text legibility
Thumbnails are tiny on mobile. Use large fonts, strong contrast, and avoid tiny details.
FAQ
Do you upload my images?
No. Your images are processed locally in your browser (no upload).
Quick tip: For best clarity, resize down from a larger source instead of upscaling.
Common mistake: Upscaling a tiny image to 1280×720—text and edges will look soft.
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
The best YouTube thumbnail size (YouTube recommended thumbnail size) is 1280×720 (16:9).
Quick tip: Export at 1280×720 to avoid YouTube scaling your thumbnail.
Common mistake: Uploading odd sizes and letting YouTube resize—results can look blurry.
JPG or PNG for YouTube thumbnails?
Use JPG for photos and smaller files. Use PNG for text-heavy designs, sharp edges, and logos.
Quick tip: If text looks fuzzy in JPG, try PNG or increase JPG quality.
Common mistake: Using very low JPG quality—compression artifacts ruin text.
What is the maximum thumbnail file size?
Keep YouTube thumbnails under 2MB.
Quick tip: If your file is too large, use JPG or compress after resizing.
Common mistake: Exporting huge PNGs with lots of noise—file size can exceed limits.
Crop vs Pad — which should I choose?
Crop fills 1280×720 (edges may be cut). Pad keeps everything visible (adds background/space).
Quick tip: If your design has text near edges, Pad is safer.
Common mistake: Cropping designs with edge text—important text gets cut.
Can I batch resize thumbnails?
Yes. Use the Batch Resizer to apply 1280×720 to many images.
Quick tip: If you need different crop focus per image, resize them one by one.
Common mistake: Batch cropping without checking composition—faces can be cut off.
What is the YouTube thumbnail size?
1280×720 (16:9) is the commonly recommended thumbnail size.
JPG or PNG for thumbnails?
JPG for photos and smaller files; PNG for text-heavy designs and sharp edges.
What is the max thumbnail file size?
Keep thumbnails under 2MB.
Crop vs Pad — which should I use?
Crop fills 1280×720; Pad keeps the whole image visible (adds background/space).
Can I batch resize?
Yes. Use the Batch Resizer to apply 1280×720 to many images.