YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions
Reference canvas: 3840 × 2160 pixels (16:9)
YouTube currently recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio for video thumbnails. Its guidance lists a minimum width of 640 pixels. Upload limits depend on device: the current guide distinguishes mobile and desktop uploads. Shorts and podcast artwork have separate recommendations.
Specifications
| Width | 3840px |
| Height | 2160px |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Platform | youtube |
| Category | video |
Video thumbnails, Shorts, and upload limits
Use JPG or PNG and check YouTube’s current guidance before export. The documented mobile limit is 2 MB for video thumbnails, while desktop uploads can be up to 50 MB. Shorts use a vertical composition; podcast playlists use a square one.
How to check the export
Check the final file’s pixel dimensions and crop, then preview it where it will be used. Compare text, edges, and subject detail at the displayed size. Keep an original so another crop or a less compressed export can be made without starting from the delivery copy.
Quick Tips
- → Keep an editable original and export a separate delivery copy.
- → Check text and subject framing at the actual display size.
- → Compare the final published result after any platform processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the only usable size?
No. This page gives a specific design size or an attributed platform recommendation. Other crops and placements can have different requirements; consult the linked reference for the destination.
Will changing DPI make this image sharper online?
Changing DPI metadata alone does not add pixels. For web display, check the source pixel dimensions, rendered CSS size, device pixel density, and compression quality.