Resize image for YouTube thumbnail
Set the exact width and height, in pixels, centimetres or percent. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use it
Choose an image.
Move the box over the part to keep. It already has the right shape.
Download the image at the exact size.
What YouTube asks for in a thumbnail
From YouTube's help page for custom thumbnails:
| Shape | 16:9 for videos (9:16 for Shorts) |
|---|---|
| Recommended | 3,840 by 2,160 pixels |
| Smallest width | 640 pixels |
| File size | 2 MB from a phone, up to 50 MB on a computer |
| Format | JPG or PNG |
| Source | support.google.com/youtube, checked 6 October 2026 |
Why 1,280 by 720 here
It is twice YouTube's smallest width, sharp on phones and computers, and a JPG this size stays well under the 2 MB phone limit. For the largest size YouTube recommends, type 3840 by 2160: use it only with a big, sharp picture, and upload from a computer.
Thumbnail tips
- Faces and a few big words read best at the small size people see in lists.
- Keep important parts away from the bottom right corner, where YouTube shows the video's length.
- Use the same style on every thumbnail so viewers know your videos at a glance.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
Any 16:9 image at least 640 pixels wide; YouTube recommends 3,840 by 2,160. This page makes 1280x720, which stays under the 2 MB limit for uploads from a phone.
How do I make a thumbnail from a video frame or photo?
Take a screenshot of the frame or choose the photo, move the 16:9 box over the part you want, press Resize and download. Then add it in YouTube Studio when you edit the video.
Why does YouTube say my thumbnail is too big?
From a phone the limit is 2 MB. Resize to 1280x720 here, and if it is still too big, compress it to 1 MB.
Can I make a Shorts thumbnail?
Yes: type 720 by 1280 for a 9:16 picture, and the box turns upright.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. It is resized in your browser and never sent to a server, not even to the site you are posting to until you upload it there yourself. It is free, with no sign-up and no watermark.