Resize Image to YouTube Thumbnail Size — 1280x720
Overview
YouTube requires custom thumbnails at 1280x720 pixels (16:9 ratio), under 2MB. Thumbnails at this resolution display crisply across desktop, mobile, and TV. YouTube also accepts 1920x1080, but 1280x720 is the minimum recommended size. This tool resizes your image to 1280x720 instantly in the browser.
How to Use This Tool
Upload your thumbnail image, click 'Thumbnail' under YouTube (1280x720), choose JPEG at 85% quality to stay well under YouTube's 2MB limit, and download. Then upload the file in YouTube Studio under Video > Edit > Custom thumbnail.
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PDF Tool →Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
1280x720 pixels (16:9 ratio) is the standard. YouTube accepts up to 2MB in JPG, PNG, GIF, or BMP. A 1280x720 JPEG at 85% quality is typically 100–250KB.
Can I use a 1920x1080 thumbnail on YouTube?
Yes. YouTube accepts up to 1920x1080. If you have a high-res image, you can use the custom dimensions mode and enter 1920x1080 manually.
Why is my YouTube thumbnail blurry?
Blurry thumbnails usually result from uploading an image smaller than 1280x720 that gets stretched. Always start with an image at 1280x720 or larger.