YouTube Thumbnail Size Guide
Official YouTube thumbnail specifications and best practices.
Recommended Specs
- •Resolution: 1280 × 720 pixels
- •Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- •Max File Size: 2 MB
- •Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP
- •Minimum Width: 640 pixels
Best Practices
- 1.Use high contrast and bold text for readability at small sizes.
- 2.Include a face or expressive image to draw attention.
- 3.Keep text minimal — 3-5 words maximum.
- 4.Use consistent branding across your thumbnails.
- 5.Avoid misleading thumbnails (clickbait hurts long-term growth).
Dimension Validator
The YouTube Thumbnail Size Guide provides official YouTube thumbnail specifications, best practices, and a built-in dimension validator. Thumbnails are the single most important factor in click-through rate — a great thumbnail can dramatically increase your views. This guide covers everything you need to create thumbnails that meet YouTube's requirements and attract clicks.
How to Use
- 1Review the recommended specifications for YouTube thumbnails.
- 2Follow the best practices to create eye-catching, effective thumbnails.
- 3Use the Dimension Validator to check if your thumbnail meets requirements.
- 4Enter your thumbnail's width and height, then click 'Validate' to verify.
Benefits & Expected Results
- ✓Create thumbnails that meet YouTube's exact technical requirements.
- ✓Improve click-through rate with proven thumbnail best practices.
- ✓Avoid upload issues caused by incorrect dimensions or file sizes.
- ✓Validate your thumbnail dimensions before uploading to YouTube.
- ✓Learn professional thumbnail design principles used by top creators.
Recommended For
- ▶New YouTube creators learning thumbnail requirements
- ▶Graphic designers creating thumbnails for YouTube channels
- ▶Content teams establishing thumbnail design guidelines
- ▶Anyone wanting to improve their video click-through rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a YouTube thumbnail be?▼
YouTube recommends 1280×720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The minimum width is 640 pixels. File size should be under 2 MB, and accepted formats include JPG, PNG, GIF, and BMP.
How important are thumbnails for YouTube success?▼
Thumbnails are arguably the most important factor for getting clicks. YouTube has stated that 90% of the best-performing videos have custom thumbnails. A compelling thumbnail can significantly increase your click-through rate and total views.
What makes a good YouTube thumbnail?▼
Effective thumbnails use high contrast colors, bold readable text (3-5 words max), expressive faces, consistent branding, and clear visual hierarchy. They should be compelling at small sizes since most viewers see thumbnails on mobile devices.