Quick Cheat Sheet: All Key Sizes
| Visual Type | Recommended Size | Key Notes |
|---|
| Thumbnail | 1,280 × 720 px | 16:9 aspect ratio; <2MB; JPG/PNG |
| 4K Video | 3,840 × 2,160 px | 16:9; MP4 preferred; 720p min for all videos |
| Profile Picture | 800 × 800 px | Circular crop; keep text/logo away from edges |
| Banner (Master) | 2,560 × 1,440 px | Safe area: 1,546 × 423 px (visible on all devices) |
| Banner (Desktop) | 2,560 × 423 px | Full width shown; top/bottom cropped |
| Banner (Mobile) | 1,546 × 423 px | Only safe area visible; no edge details |
| Banner (TV) | 2,560 × 1,440 px | Full master size; use high-res imagery |
1. YouTube Thumbnail: Get Clicks
- Size: 1,280 × 720 px (min 640 × 360 px) – Avoid blurriness that turns viewers away.
- Tips: Use bold, readable text (30–40pt font) and center key visuals (faces, products) to prevent cropping. Test on mobile (zoom to 25% in design tools) for legibility.
2. YouTube Banner: Avoid Cropped Branding
- Start with master size (2,560 × 1,440 px) – Extra space lets YouTube crop for devices without hiding your logo/tagline.
- Safe area rule: Put logos/text in the 1,546 × 423 px center—this shows on desktop, mobile, and tablet.
- Tip: Use simple backgrounds; save as PNG for transparent logos. Preview in YouTube Studio to check device display.
3. YouTube 4K Video: Premium Quality
- Size: 3,840 × 2,160 px (16:9) – Use only if your audience has 4K devices (check YouTube Analytics) and you have fast uploads (4K files are large).
- Format: MP4 (H.264/AAC) for smooth playback.
4. YouTube Profile Picture: Clear Identity
- Size: 800 × 800 px (min 98 × 98 px) – Sharpness matters for trust.
- Tip: Design for a circle—keep text/logo 10–15% away from edges to avoid cropping. Use headshots (personal channels) or logos (brands).
Final Quick Check
- Thumbnail: 1,280 × 720 px, readable text
- Banner: Key details in 1,546 × 423 px safe area
- 4K Video: 3,840 × 2,160 px, MP4
- Profile Pic: 800 × 800 px, circle-friendly design
Follow these to keep your YouTube visuals professional and optimized for views.