What’s the Size of a YouTube Thumbnail?

Last Updated: 

February 2, 2025

Have you ever wondered what the size of a YouTube thumbnail is? YouTube recommends using images that are 1280 x 720 pixels for desktop users and 640 x 480 pixels for mobile users and this can be in JPG, GIF, or PNG.

We go into more detail below on how to do this and the best way to set this up.

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Basics of a YouTube Thumbnail

When it comes to YouTube videos, there are a few different file formats that you can choose from.

While the format that you choose won’t affect the quality of your video, it is important to choose a format that is compatible with the software that you are using.

For example, if you are using Windows Movie Maker, you will want to use a WMV or AVI file.

If you are using iMovie, you will want to use a MOV file. While YouTube does offer a few different file formats to choose from, the most popular format is MP4.

This is because MP4 files are small in size but still offer a high-quality YouTube video. They are also compatible with most video editing software.

If you are unsure of which file format to use, MP4 is always a safe option.

What is the Size of a YouTube Thumbnail?

YouTube thumbnails are the first thing that viewers see when they come across a video in their feed, and they play a critical role in driving click-throughs.

But what’s the ideal size for a YouTube thumbnail?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the device that your viewers are using and the resolution of their screen.

For example, YouTube highly recommends using images that are 1280 x 720 pixels for desktop users and 640 x 480 pixels for mobile users.

However, keep in mind that these are just recommendations – your actual thumbnail size may vary depending on the template that you’re using and the dimensions of your video.

In general, though, you’ll want to make sure that your YouTube thumbnail is large enough to be visible on all devices and small enough to not take up too much space on the screen.

A good rule of thumb is to use an image that is at least 200 x 200 pixels. This will ensure that your thumbnail is clear and easy to see, no matter where it’s being viewed.

Why Does the YouTube Thumbnail Image Size Matter?

The thumbnail image is the first thing viewers see when they come across a video in YouTube search results or on a YouTube channel. That’s why it’s important to choose an image that’s eye-catching and relevant to the video content.

When selecting a thumbnail image, keep in mind that it should be:

Clear and Easy to See

Avoid using images with lots of text or small, hard-to-see details.

Bright and Colorful

A vibrant image is more likely to catch someone’s attention than a dull one.

Relevant to the Video

The image should give viewers an idea of what the video is about.

The ideal dimensions for a thumbnail image are 1280 x 720 pixels, with a minimum width of 640 pixels.

Images must be at least 20KB in size, but we recommend using an image that’s at least 50KB for better quality.

Finally, keep in mind that YouTube automatically crops thumbnail images to a 16:9 aspect ratio. When selecting your YouTube thumbnail images, make sure the important parts of the image are within that 16:9 area.

How to Create a YouTube Thumbnail?

You have probably seen an eye-catching custom thumbnail image and wondered how you can make something similar.

After all, with over a billion active users, YouTube is one of the best places to reach out to new audiences and promote your brand.

The good news is that creating an attractive thumbnail is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, with a little effort and the right tools, you can easily create professional-looking YouTube video thumbnails that will help your videos stand out from the crowd.

First, decide on the main image that you want to use for your thumbnail.

This could be a picture of yourself, your product, or even just a simple graphic. Once you have your image, open it in an editing program like Photoshop or GIMP.

From there, you can crop the image to the desired size and shape, add text or graphics, and make other adjustments as needed.

Keep in mind that YouTube recommends using images that are 1280×720 pixels for the best results.

Once you are happy with your thumbnail, save it as a JPEG or PNG file and upload it to YouTube when prompted.

That’s all there is to it! By following these simple steps, you can create attention-grabbing thumbnails that will help increase your video views and engagement.

How Can You Choose the Best YouTube Thumbnail Size?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best YouTube thumbnail size for your videos.

The first is the size of your video. If you have a small video, you may want to use a smaller thumbnail, so it doesn’t take up too much space on the page.

If you have a large video, you may want to use a larger thumbnail so people can see what it is about immediately.

The second factor to consider is the resolution of your thumbnail. You want to make sure that your thumbnail looks good on both high-resolution and low-resolution screens.

The last factor to consider is the file size of your thumbnail. You don’t want your thumbnail to be too large or too small – you want it to be just right so it loads quickly and doesn’t take up too much space on people’s computers.

Choosing the best YouTube thumbnail size is important because it can make a big difference in how many people click on your video and watch it. Make sure to take all these factors into consideration when choosing the perfect size for your thumbnails!

Conclusion

To ensure that your video thumbnail is the right size, make sure that the image is 1254 x 706 pixels. This way, when it’s uploaded to YouTube, it will be in the correct format and look great!

Plus, your viewers will appreciate being able to see a clear and concise image of what your video is about before they click play.

To learn more about YouTube check out tips and tricks. You can also find out the size of the profile pic on this post.

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