YouTube thumbnail size: 1280x720 pixels.
The quick answer, plus a free tool to download any video thumbnail at its real size.
YouTube thumbnail size and resolution
Recommended resolution: 1280x720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio).
Minimum width: 640 pixels.
Maximum file size: 2 MB.
Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF (and BMP).
Safe area
YouTube shows the video time in the bottom right corner, so keep text and faces away from it. On phones thumbnails are small, so use big bold text of 3 words or fewer.
Need a ready background at exactly this size? Browse our free 1280x720 thumbnail backgrounds or preview thumbnail fonts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
1280x720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, saved as JPG or PNG under 2 MB.
What is the minimum thumbnail size?
The minimum width is 640 pixels, but 1280x720 is recommended for sharp results on large screens.
Is a 4K YouTube thumbnail possible?
YouTube thumbnails are shown at up to 1280x720, so 4K files give no visible benefit.
What is the thumbnail size for Shorts?
Shorts use a frame from the vertical 9:16 video as the thumbnail. Keep important content in the centre.