The recommended YouTube thumbnail size is 1280 x 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Upload your image below and resize it online without installing software, opening a design app, or logging in.
or click to browse. Batch resize multiple thumbnails.
YouTube recommends a 1280 x 720 pixel image with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum width of 640 pixels. Its help page lists JPG, GIF, and PNG as accepted formats and a 2 MB limit for video thumbnails. These requirements can change, so check YouTube's official custom thumbnail documentation when preparing a high-stakes upload. Last checked June 23, 2026.
A square or portrait photo cannot fill a 16:9 canvas without a choice. Cover fills the thumbnail and crops the outer edges; move the important face, product, or text toward the center before resizing. Contain preserves the whole image but may add empty bands. Exact mode stretches the image and is rarely the best choice for a thumbnail.
For a broader explanation of quality and formats, read the image compression guide.
What is the recommended YouTube thumbnail size?
YouTube recommends 1280 x 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum width of 640 pixels.
Why is my thumbnail too large to upload?
Video thumbnails should remain within YouTube's current file-size limit. Exporting a photo as JPG and lowering quality slightly usually reduces size without changing dimensions.
Should I crop or letterbox?
Use cover mode for a clean thumbnail crop. Use contain mode when every part of the original image must remain visible.
Is this tool free?
Yes. It runs in your browser and does not require an account.