Source: https://restorebunny.com/image-sizes/youtube-thumbnail/
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# YouTube Thumbnail Size: Prepare a 3840×2160 Image
Prepare a YouTube video thumbnail at the current 3840×2160 recommendation. Compare crop and borders, source pixels and enlargement before exporting locally.
## Which dimensions should you use?
YouTube currently recommends 3840×2160 pixels and a 16:9 ratio for video thumbnails, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. This is a recommendation, not an exact upload requirement.
**3,840 × 2,160 pixels** · Recommended canvas.
Prepare a landscape video preview without cutting off the subject or title
## Check the crop and prepare your image
Free and processed on this device. No account, credits or upload. Your original file is unchanged.
Calculate from pixel dimensions, or choose a photo for an actual preview and download. This prepares the image canvas; check file-size limits and the destination’s final crop separately.
Have a HEIC or WebP? [Convert a copy first.]() Transparent areas are filled with white in this tool.
Image dimensions and placement
Source width (pixels)Source height (pixels)Output width (pixels)Output height (pixels)Image placementDownload format
Horizontal crop position: 50%Vertical crop position: 50%
Output pixels
3840 × 2160
Source pixels kept
2400 × 1350
Image area cropped away
15.6%
Resize scale
1.60×
This adds pixels to reach the output size. Resizing cannot recover missing source detail; inspect the preview before using it.
This removes 15.6% of the source area. Move the crop to keep faces, products and important text visible.
## Compose this image
Use a frame that represents the video; inspect faces and any title at a small preview size.
The current upload limits differ by device: mobile video thumbnails must be under 2 MB; desktop thumbnails have a 50 MB limit. Check the exported file separately.
A wide canvas cannot stop YouTube from showing a different crop in another placement.
## A worked example
A 2400×1600 source fills this 3840×2160 canvas with a crop of about 2400×1350 source pixels, retaining 84.4% of its area. Filling enlarges the retained pixels by 1.60×; new pixels do not prove new detail. A smaller target can avoid enlargement; contain keeps the full frame but adds borders.
## Before you upload
- Choose a still that accurately represents the video.
- Compare fill with contain before keeping text near an edge.
- Check thumbnail eligibility and the actual file size in YouTube Studio.
“Keep whole image” is also called fit or contain; it adds white borders instead of trimming the scene. The exporter sets pixel dimensions and placement. It does not enforce platform byte limits or predict every device’s display crop. [Compress a copy]() if you need a smaller file, then check the destination’s preview.
## Questions about YouTube Thumbnail
### Is 1280×720 still the official recommendation?
The official page checked on 6 October 2026 recommends 3840×2160. A smaller 16:9 file may still be usable; account eligibility and upload limits are separate checks.
### Does resizing improve a blurry thumbnail?
It changes pixel dimensions. Enlarging a soft source does not guarantee a sharper face, readable text or better clicks.
## Sources and review
- [YouTube Help: custom thumbnail recommendations]()
Guidance reviewed on 2026-10-06. Platform requirements can change. These independent preparation tools are not affiliated with the platforms listed.
## Related image tasks
- [Inspect source pixels]()
- [Reduce the exported file's byte size]()
- [YouTube Shorts Thumbnail]()
- [YouTube Channel Banner]()
- [YouTube Podcast Thumbnail]()
- [YouTube Video Watermark]()