Formats
JPG, PNG, WebP
YouTube thumbnail size
As of July 2, 2026, the YouTube thumbnail is 1280 by 720 pixels (16:9). Below is the full spec, then a resizer already set to that size so you can export a perfectly fitted image.
YouTubeThumbnailLast verified July 2, 2026
Recommended size1280x720 px
Aspect ratio16:9
Safe zone: Keep faces and text out of the bottom-right corner; the video duration badge sits there.
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About the YouTube thumbnail size
A YouTube thumbnail is 1280 by 720 pixels, 16:9, and must stay under 2 MB. That resolution is the sweet spot: large enough to look sharp when YouTube blows it up to a full-width suggested card, and it downscales cleanly to the tiny 168 by 94 thumbnail in search. The single most common mistake is text that vanishes at small sizes. Design your title to be readable at 210px wide, because that is roughly how big it is in most feeds, and keep the bottom-right corner clear for the duration badge.
Quick tips
- 011280 by 720 (16:9) is the recommended size; the minimum width is 640.
- 02Stay under 2 MB, or the upload is rejected.
- 03Test your thumbnail at 210px wide; if the text is unreadable there, simplify it.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a YouTube thumbnail?
1280 by 720 pixels, a 16:9 ratio. The minimum accepted width is 640 pixels and the file must be under 2 MB.
What resolution should a YouTube thumbnail be?
1280 by 720 (720p) is recommended. YouTube scales it up and down, so this resolution stays sharp everywhere from search results to the home page.
Why is my YouTube thumbnail blurry?
Usually the source is under 1280 by 720 and gets upscaled, or the file was compressed too hard. Export a clean 1280 by 720 JPG or PNG under 2 MB.
What aspect ratio is a YouTube thumbnail?
The YouTube thumbnail uses a 16:9 aspect ratio at 1280 by 720 pixels.
Related sizes
See all YouTube sizes, the full cheat sheet, or grab this spec from the JSON API.