Guide
YouTube Thumbnail Size: The Only Dimensions Guide You Need
The current short answer: 3840 × 2160 pixels at 16:9 for a standard video. YouTube now lists different upload limits for desktop and mobile, plus separate 9:16 guidance for Shorts.
Verified against YouTube Help on September 19, 2026.
At a glance
The specs
| Recommended video resolution | 3840 × 2160 pixels |
|---|---|
| Recommended Shorts resolution | 2160 × 3840 pixels |
| Minimum video width | 640 pixels |
| Video / Shorts ratio | 16:9 / 9:16 |
| Desktop upload limit | 50 MB |
| Mobile video limit | 2 MB |
| Recommended formats | JPG or PNG |
The why
Why the recommendation changed
YouTube says to upload the largest practical image because thumbnails appear across phones, computers, televisions, and embedded players. Its current recommendation is 3840 × 2160 for standard videos, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. That makes older 1280 × 720 advice usable but no longer the current recommended resolution.
Match the limit to the device
On desktop, YouTube currently allows up to 50 MB for video, Shorts, and podcast thumbnails. On mobile, video thumbnails are limited to 2 MB. JPG and PNG are the safest formats named in YouTube's current guidance.
Free tools
Build it at the right size
Questions
FAQ
What is the correct YouTube thumbnail size?
YouTube currently recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels at 16:9 for standard videos. For Shorts, it recommends 2160 × 3840 at 9:16.
What is the maximum thumbnail file size?
YouTube currently lists a 50 MB desktop limit for video, Shorts, and podcast thumbnails. On mobile, the video-thumbnail limit is 2 MB. Check the official help page because these limits can change.
What aspect ratio should a YouTube thumbnail be?
Use 16:9 for standard videos and 9:16 for uploaded Shorts thumbnails. YouTube notes that vertical videos may receive an auto-generated 4:5 treatment on some mobile discovery surfaces.
Does thumbnail size affect click-through rate?
Resolution alone does not guarantee clicks. Meet the current technical requirements, then test whether the image accurately communicates the video's value to the intended audience.