Resize Your Thumbnails for Perfect YouTube Display
Get the exact dimensions, file sizes, and format requirements for YouTube thumbnails that look sharp on every device.
Step-by-Step Guide
Know the required dimensions
YouTube thumbnails must be 1280x720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The minimum width is 640 pixels, but always use the full 1280x720 for best quality.
Check your file format
YouTube accepts JPG, GIF, and PNG formats. JPG is recommended for photographs and complex images. PNG is better for graphics with text and sharp edges.
Tip: Use JPG at 90% quality for the best balance of file size and image quality.
Keep file size under 2MB
YouTube rejects thumbnails larger than 2MB. If your image is too large, reduce the quality slightly or use an online compressor.
Tip: TinyPNG and Squoosh are free tools that reduce file size with minimal quality loss.
Resize without losing quality
Always scale down, never up. If your source image is smaller than 1280x720, it will look blurry. Start with a high-resolution source and resize down.
Verify on multiple devices
After uploading, check how your thumbnail looks on desktop, mobile, and TV. YouTube displays thumbnails at very different sizes across devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
1280x720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) is the standard and recommended size. This is the maximum resolution YouTube displays and ensures sharpness on all devices.
Can I upload a thumbnail larger than 1280x720?
You can, but YouTube will resize it to fit. Working at exactly 1280x720 gives you the most control over how your thumbnail appears.
Why does my thumbnail look blurry on YouTube?
The most common cause is uploading an image smaller than 1280x720 pixels, or using heavy JPG compression. Always upload at the full recommended resolution with quality set to 85-95%.
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