What are the correct YouTube thumbnail dimensions?

YouTube requires 1280x720 pixels in 16:9 aspect ratio. This equals 1280 width by 720 height. This tool automatically creates thumbnails at these exact dimensions.

Why does YouTube reject my thumbnails?

Wrong dimensions cause rejections. YouTube needs exactly 16:9 ratio. Too square, too vertical, or wrong pixel counts all get rejected. This tool prevents rejection by using correct specs.

Can I use any size as long as ratio is 16:9?

YouTube accepts 16:9 ratio but recommends 1280x720 minimum. Smaller sizes cause quality issues. This tool uses 1280x720 or higher for best results.

Do YouTube Shorts need different dimensions?

No. Shorts use same 1280x720 dimensions as regular videos. One thumbnail size works for all YouTube content types.

What happens if I upload wrong size?

YouTube Studio shows error and rejects upload. You must recreate thumbnail at correct dimensions and re-upload. Using correct size prevents wasted time.

Should I export 1280x720 or higher resolution?

Export 2K or 4K if available. YouTube compresses uploads. Higher source resolution maintains quality after compression. Tool exports multiple resolutions automatically.

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YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions | Correct Size for YouTube Thumbnails

YouTube requires 1280x720 pixel thumbnails in 16:9 aspect ratio. This tool automatically creates thumbnails at correct dimensions. No manual resizing or rejected uploads from wrong sizes.

Create YouTube Thumbnails

Examples

Thumbnail Gallery

Real thumbnails created with Thumbnail Studio

How It Works

Create Thumbnails in 4 Simple Steps

Tool Sets Correct Dimensions

Canvas automatically opens at 1280x720 pixels. No dimension settings to configure. Correct size every time.

Create Your Thumbnail

Add text, upload images, generate AI backgrounds. All tools work within YouTube-required dimensions automatically.

Preview at Actual Size

See how thumbnail looks at YouTube display sizes. Test mobile view where most people browse.

Export YouTube-Ready File

Download in HD, 2K, and 4K maintaining 16:9 ratio. Upload to YouTube Studio without dimension errors.

Best Practices

Tips for Making Great Thumbnails

Let tool handle dimensions automatically. Do not manually resize images before upload. Tool maintains correct aspect ratio and pixel count.

Use full canvas space when designing. YouTube shows thumbnails large on TV screens. Design for big display knowing it scales down perfectly.

Test mobile preview before exporting. Desktop design might look different on phones. Verify text stays readable at small YouTube mobile size.

Export highest resolution available. YouTube compresses uploads. Starting with 2K or 4K source gives better final quality after YouTube processing.

Keep important elements in center. YouTube sometimes crops edges for different placements. Center positioning ensures nothing critical gets cut off.

Check file size stays under 2MB. YouTube rejects thumbnails over 2MB. Tool optimizes exports but verify size before uploading large files.

Common Mistakes

What to Avoid

Manually resizing images before using tool. Resizing breaks aspect ratio. Let tool handle dimensions to prevent stretched or squashed thumbnails.

Designing thumbnails in wrong aspect ratio. Square images or vertical photos do not fit YouTube requirements. Always use 16:9 horizontal format.

Ignoring mobile preview. Thumbnail looks good on your monitor but text becomes unreadable on phones. Always check small size preview.

Uploading low resolution sources. Starting with small images causes pixelation. Use high resolution sources for crisp YouTube thumbnails.

Assuming one size works everywhere. Same thumbnail might work for YouTube but fail on other platforms. This tool specifically optimizes for YouTube specs.

Not checking actual YouTube display. Preview in tool helps but upload to unlisted video to see real YouTube appearance before going public.

Benefits

Why Choose Thumbnail Studio?

No Dimension Math Required

Tool handles aspect ratio calculations automatically. No figuring out if your image will crop weird or get rejected by YouTube.

Prevents Upload Errors

Wrong dimensions cause YouTube Studio to reject thumbnails. Correct size prevents re-doing work and upload delays.

Optimized for Display

YouTube shows thumbnails at various sizes across devices. 1280x720 source scales perfectly to all YouTube display sizes without quality loss.

Works for Shorts Too

Same 1280x720 dimensions work for regular videos and Shorts. One size handles all YouTube thumbnail needs.

Create YouTube Thumbnails at Correct Dimensions

Tool automatically uses 1280x720 pixels required by YouTube. No dimension errors or rejected uploads. Create thumbnails that upload first try.

Create YouTube Thumbnails

No credit card required • Free plan available

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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