YouTube thumbnail resizer
Turn a screenshot, photo or design into a thumbnail that YouTube accepts first time, at its recommended 4K size or a lighter HD version for uploading from your phone.
PresetYouTube video thumbnail (4K)· 3840 × 2160· max 50 MB· change platform or size any time after upload· changeable after upload
How to make a YouTube thumbnail the right size
- 1
Upload a frame grab, photo or exported design.
- 2
The 4K video thumbnail (3840 × 2160) is preselected. Uploading from the YouTube app? Pick the HD version, which stays under 2 MB.
- 3
Zoom in on faces or the key object. Most people see thumbnails at a small size.
- 4
Keep text out of the bottom-right corner, where YouTube shows the video length.
- 5
Download, then add it under the video’s details in YouTube Studio.
4K or HD?
YouTube allows thumbnails up to 50 MB when you upload from a computer, but only 2 MB from the mobile app. Each preset turns on the matching limit, and the tool keeps the highest quality that fits. Upscaling a small screenshot to 4K adds no detail; if your source is around 1920 px wide, the HD preset is the honest choice.
YouTube image sizes
Thumbnail and channel banner specs, including YouTube’s upload limits.
| Image | Size (px) | Ratio | Format | Max file | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video thumbnail (4K)Thumbnail | 3840 × 2160 | 16:9 | jpg | 50 MB | YouTube's recommended thumbnail resolution. JPG or PNG, up to 50 MB when uploading from a computer (2 MB from the mobile app). Minimum width 640 px. Source ↗Checked 2026-11-11 |
| Video thumbnail (HD, mobile upload)Thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 | jpg | 2 MB | A lighter 16:9 thumbnail that fits the 2 MB limit for uploads from the YouTube mobile app. Source ↗Checked 2026-11-11 |
| Shorts thumbnailThumbnail | 2160 × 3840 | 9:16 | jpg | 50 MB | YouTube's recommended Shorts thumbnail size (minimum height 640 px). Custom Shorts thumbnails can only be added in YouTube Studio on a computer. Source ↗Checked 2026-11-11 |
| Channel bannerBanner | 2560 × 1440 | 16:9 | jpg | 6 MB | Minimum 2048 × 1152, max 6 MB. Text and logos must fit the centred safe area: 1235 × 338 at the minimum size, scaled here to 1544 × 423. Source ↗Checked 2026-11-11 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct YouTube thumbnail size?
YouTube recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels (16:9), with a minimum width of 640 px, as a JPG or PNG. Files can be up to 50 MB from a computer or 2 MB from the mobile app. Shorts thumbnails are 2160 × 3840 (9:16).
Why can’t I upload a custom thumbnail?
YouTube only allows custom thumbnails on channels that have verified their account, usually with a phone number. If the option is greyed out in YouTube Studio, check your channel’s feature eligibility.
Is a 1280 × 720 thumbnail still fine?
Yes. It is above the 640 px minimum and keeps files small enough for the 2 MB mobile limit. The 4K size simply looks sharper on large screens and TVs.
What size is a YouTube channel banner?
YouTube recommends 2560 × 1440 pixels (minimum 2048 × 1152), up to 6 MB. Keep text and logos inside the centred safe area: 1235 × 338 at the minimum size, about 1546 × 423 at 2560 × 1440.