YouTube thumbnail size: the 2026 specs
The resolution YouTube recommends now, file types and limits, Shorts thumbnails, and how to test which thumbnail wins.
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The short answer
YouTube now recommends thumbnails of 3840 x 2160 pixels for videos (16:9) and 2160 x 3840 for Shorts (9:16), with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Use JPG or PNG: up to 50 MB when you upload on a computer, 2 MB from the mobile app. Your account must be verified to add a custom thumbnail, and Shorts thumbnails can only be added in YouTube Studio on a computer.
Updated
Add and test one
- 01
Verify your account
Custom thumbnails need a verified YouTube account.
- 02
Upload in Studio
In YouTube Studio, open the video’s details and upload the thumbnail. For Shorts, do it on a computer.
- 03
Test up to three
Test & compare runs up to 3 titles, thumbnails or both on desktop, and picks the one with the most watch time share.
- 04
Let it finish
Tests should complete within two weeks, sometimes in a few days. They are not available for Shorts, scheduled lives or premieres.
The specs
Size
3840 x 2160 for videos, 2160 x 3840 for Shorts. At least 640 pixels wide.
Aspect ratio
16:9 for videos, 9:16 for Shorts, 1:1 for podcasts.
File type
JPG or PNG. GIF is not on YouTube’s current list.
File size
Up to 50 MB from a computer; on mobile, 2 MB for video thumbnails and 10 MB for podcasts.
The sources
Read on 10 October 2026. Many guides still give 1280 x 720; YouTube’s own page now recommends 3840 x 2160, and 1280 x 720 is above its 640-pixel minimum.
Add video thumbnails
“3840 x 2160 pixels for videos and 2160 x 3840 for Shorts, with a minimum width of 640 pixels.” JPG or PNG; verified account.
Source: support.google.com, read Invalid Date
- Says
- Size, ratio, file rules
- Page
- YouTube Help
- Date
- Read 10 October 2026
Test & compare thumbnails and titles
Up to 3 titles and thumbnails; the winner is chosen by watch time share.
Source: support.google.com, read Invalid Date
- Says
- A/B testing
- Page
- YouTube Help
- Date
- Read 10 October 2026
What is not allowed
Policy breaks
No nudity or sexually provocative content, hate speech, violence, or harmful or dangerous content.
The cost
Breaking the thumbnail rules can bring strikes and loss of custom thumbnails.
Read next
Your questions, answered
Short answers to what people ask next.
YouTube recommends 3840 x 2160 pixels (16:9) for videos and 2160 x 3840 (9:16) for Shorts, at least 640 pixels wide.
Yes, it is above YouTube’s 640-pixel minimum and 16:9. YouTube’s current recommendation is 3840 x 2160.
JPG or PNG, up to 50 MB from a computer or 2 MB from the mobile app.
Yes, but only in YouTube Studio on a computer, at 2160 x 3840.
Test & compare picks the title or thumbnail with the most watch time share, not the most clicks.
Percify makes short videos for your brand and posts them for you. To use a custom thumbnail, add it in YouTube Studio on a computer.