spec · image
YouTube Thumbnail Size
YouTube custom thumbnails must be 1280×720 pixels (16:9) and under 2 MB. JPG usually hits the size target faster than PNG; WebP is not accepted for thumbnail upload in Studio.
Updated 2026-05-21
Official dimensions
| Asset | Size | Max file | Formats |
|---|---|---|---|
| thumbnail | 1280×720 | 2048 KB | jpg, png, webp |
| channel_banner | 2560×1440 | 6144 KB | jpg, png |
Official source · verified 2026-05-01
16:9 aspect ratio. 2 MB upload limit for custom thumbnails.
Preset: 1280×720
FAQ
- What is the YouTube thumbnail size in pixels?
- 1280×720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is the standard for custom thumbnails in YouTube Studio.
- What is the maximum file size for a YouTube thumbnail?
- 2 MB. If your PNG exceeds this, export as JPG at 85–90% quality.
- Does YouTube accept WebP thumbnails?
- No. Upload JPG, PNG, or GIF (non-animated) for custom thumbnails in Studio.