Video thumbnail sizing
Resize Image for YouTube Thumbnail
Recommended thumbnail size
A common YouTube thumbnail size is 1280 x 720 pixels, which is a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size works well for video previews and keeps the image sharp across desktop and mobile screens.
Make text readable
Thumbnail text should be large enough to read on a phone. Avoid placing important words near the bottom right, where interface elements may cover part of the image. Strong contrast between text and background helps the thumbnail stand out.
Use the preset
Upload your image, click the YouTube Thumbnail preset, and export as JPG or WebP for a smaller file. If your source image is not 16:9, crop or reposition it before final publishing.