YouTube Thumbnail Size: 3840×2160 px (16:9)
YouTube recommends a 16:9 thumbnail up to 3840×2160 px, at least 640 px wide, as a JPG or PNG. 1280×720 still works; it is above the minimum.
YouTube thumbnail specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | 3,840×2,160 px |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Minimum | 640×360 px |
| Max file size | 50 MB |
| Formats | JPG, PNG |
Verified Oct 16, 2026against YouTube Help: add video thumbnails
- Upload limit is 2 MB from the mobile app and 50 MB from a computer.
- Shorts thumbnails are 9:16, up to 2160×3840 px.
- Vertical videos with a 16:9 custom thumbnail get an automatic 4:5 version on Home and Subscriptions.
Changelog
- : Checked against official source.
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