What size are YouTube thumbnails?
YouTube thumbnails are 1280×720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The minimum width is 640 pixels. File size must be under 2MB.
How do I make a good YouTube thumbnail?
Crop to 16:9, use high contrast, include readable text (3-5 words max), and show expressive faces. Keep important content centered as thumbnails display differently on various devices.
Can I use a portrait image as a YouTube thumbnail?
No. YouTube requires 16:9 landscape thumbnails. Crop your portrait image to 16:9 and center the subject for best results.
