YouTube Thumbnail Size Guide
Use 1280×720 pixels at 16:9. Keep text large enough to read on a phone and the file under YouTube’s size limit.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 1280×720 px |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Minimum width | 640 px |
| Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF (not animated) |
| File size limit | Commonly 2 MB; check YouTube Studio |
| Account | A verified account is needed for custom thumbnails |
Last checked 11 October 2026. Platforms change sizes and limits without notice, so confirm anything critical on the platform’s own help page: YouTube Help: add video thumbnails.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
1280×720 pixels at a 16:9 ratio, with a minimum width of 640 pixels.
What is the file size limit?
Commonly 2 MB. YouTube has been changing limits for some uploads, so check YouTube Studio if an upload is rejected.
Can I upload a custom thumbnail to a Short?
Shorts handle thumbnails differently from long videos. Check YouTube Studio for the current options.
See it in practice
Browse prompts with the exact settings and method to recreate them.