Resize an Image for a YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube recommends 1280×720 pixels at a 16:9 ratio for custom thumbnails. The size is already set, so choose your image and how it should fit.
How to resize an image for a YouTube thumbnail
- 1Add your image.
- 21280×720 is already selected. Crop to fill is usually best for thumbnails.
- 3Click resize and download, then upload it in YouTube Studio.
Design for small screens
Most people see thumbnails at a small size, so use a few large words and a clear face. YouTube also places a time stamp in the bottom right corner, so keep that spot clear.
If it's too big to upload
If YouTube Studio says the file is too large, run it through Compress Image, which keeps the 1280×720 size and lowers the file size.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is my thumbnail blurry?
- A small image stretched to 1280×720 will look soft. Start from a larger source, like a screenshot of a 1080p frame.
- Can I resize several images?
- Yes, up to 5 at once, or 50 with Pro.
- Are my images uploaded?
- No. They're resized in your browser.