YouTube thumbnail size
The short answer: 1280 × 720 pixels, 16:9, JPG, PNG or GIF, under 2 MB.
Quick reference
| Item | Size | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Video thumbnail | 1280 × 720 (min. width 640) | 2 MB |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | — |
| Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF | — |
| End screen / full HD | 1920 × 1080 | — |
| Channel banner | 2560 × 1440 | 6 MB |
Check the real size of any thumbnail
Paste a video link in the tool above to see which sizes YouTube really stores for that video. This is useful to check whether a competitor's thumbnail is HD, or to confirm your own upload went through at full quality.
Make your image the right size
Use the free resizer to crop or fit any picture to exactly 1280 × 720. It compresses the file under 2 MB automatically. For full design advice read the complete specs guide and how to design a thumbnail that gets clicks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best size for a YouTube thumbnail?
1280 × 720 pixels at a 16:9 ratio, saved as JPG or PNG under 2 MB.
Is there a minimum size?
Yes. The image should be at least 640 pixels wide.