YouTube banner size: 2560 × 1440 px (16:9), at least 2048 × 1152, max 6 MB, JPG, PNG, BMP or non-animated GIF. Keep text and logos inside the centre 1546 × 423 px.
Banner
2560 × 1440
Max 6 MB
Profile picture
800 × 800
Shown as a circle
Video thumbnail
1280 × 720
16:9, max 2 MB
Video watermark
150 × 150
Square, max 1 MB
| Area | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended upload | 2560 × 1440 | Full image, 16:9. TV shows all of it |
| Minimum upload | 2048 × 1152 | YouTube rejects smaller images |
| Desktop (max) | 2560 × 423 | Full-width strip across the middle |
| Tablet | 1855 × 423 | Centre strip |
| Mobile and text safe area | 1546 × 423 | Visible on every device |
Safe area layout
TV: full 2560 × 1440
Safe area 1546 × 423
Preview your banner on each device
Drop files here, or click to browse
Drop your banner image. It is checked and previewed in your browser, not uploaded.
How to use
01
Check the numbers
Read the answer box and the table: 2560 x 1440 upload, 2048 x 1152 minimum, 6 MB limit, plus the desktop, tablet and mobile crop strips. Each size has a Copy button.
02
Start from the template
Press Download template (PNG) for a 2560 x 1440 guide with the desktop, tablet and 1546 x 423 safe areas shaded. Place it as the bottom layer and design over it.
03
Preview your banner
Drop your banner into the upload box to see the desktop, tablet and mobile crops. If it is the wrong size or over 6 MB, use Resize to 2560 x 1440 under 6 MB to fix it.
Why YouTube Banner Size
- YouTube banner size at a glance: 2560 x 1440 upload, 1546 x 423 safe area, 6 MB limit.
- Upload your banner to see what TV, desktop, tablet and mobile will show.
- Download a 2560 x 1440 PNG template, or resize any image to a banner JPG under 6 MB.
What each device shows of a YouTube banner
YouTube keeps one uploaded image and shows a different slice of it on each screen. All crops are centred, so the middle of your design is the only part guaranteed to appear everywhere. Use the upload preview above to see these slices on your own banner. The desktop width depends on the browser window, so treat 2560 x 423 as the widest case rather than what every laptop shows.
| Device | Visible area (px) | What it means for your design |
|---|---|---|
| TV | 2560 x 1440 | The whole image, including the top and bottom |
| Desktop (widest) | 2560 x 423 | A full-width strip through the middle |
| Tablet | 1855 x 423 | The centre of that strip |
| Mobile | 1546 x 423 | The safe area only; text and logos go here |
Design tips for a banner that survives every crop
Most banner problems come from treating the 2560 x 1440 canvas as if it were all visible. These habits avoid the usual surprises.
- Put your channel name, tagline and logo inside the 1546 x 423 safe area and nowhere else.
- Use the area above and below the strip for background texture that looks fine when cut off.
- Keep text large. On a phone the safe area is only a few centimetres tall.
- Leave some space at the edges of the safe area too, as YouTube can overlay links and buttons near the banner.
- Check contrast in both light and dark YouTube themes, since the page around the banner changes colour.
- Export JPG under 6 MB, then preview it here before uploading.
Common questions
What is the YouTube banner size in pixels?
Upload 2560 x 1440 pixels, a 16:9 ratio. YouTube crops that one image differently for TVs, computers, tablets and phones, so starting at the full size gives every crop enough detail.
What is the safe area for a YouTube banner?
It is the centre 1546 x 423 pixels of the 2560 x 1440 image. That strip appears on every device, so all text and logos belong inside it. It starts 507 pixels in from the left and right edges and about 508 pixels down from the top.
What is the maximum file size for a YouTube banner?
6 MB. A 2560 x 1440 JPG at normal quality is usually well under that. If your file goes over, use Resize to 2560 x 1440 under 6 MB on this page: it saves a JPG and steps the quality down only as far as needed to get under the limit.
What is the minimum YouTube banner size?
2048 x 1152 pixels. YouTube will not accept anything smaller. Working at 2560 x 1440 is still the safer choice because TVs show the full image.
Why is my YouTube banner cut off on mobile?
Phones only show the central 1546 x 423 strip of the 2560 x 1440 image. Anything outside that strip appears on computers and TVs but vanishes on mobile. Move text and logos into the safe area and use the outer parts for background only.
What is the YouTube banner size in inches or cm?
Screens use pixels, so a banner has no fixed physical size. If a design app asks for inches, 2560 x 1440 pixels at 300 DPI is about 8.53 x 4.8 inches (21.7 x 12.2 cm), and at 72 DPI about 35.6 x 20 inches. YouTube ignores the DPI setting and only reads the pixel dimensions.
Which devices show the whole YouTube banner image?
Only TVs show the full 2560 x 1440 image. Computers show a strip up to 2560 x 423, tablets 1855 x 423, and phones the 1546 x 423 centre.
What file types can I upload as a YouTube banner?
YouTube accepts JPG, PNG, BMP and GIF files for channel banners, but not animated GIFs. JPG gives the smallest file for photos, and PNG keeps flat colours and small text crisp.
Can the YouTube banner size tool resize my image to 2560 x 1440?
Yes. Upload any image, then choose Crop to fill 16:9 and slide the horizontal and vertical position, or Fit whole image on a colour. Download 2560 x 1440 JPG saves a banner under 6 MB. Small images are enlarged, so they may look soft on TVs.
How do I set up a YouTube banner template in Photoshop or Figma?
Download the PNG template here and place it as the bottom layer of a 2560 x 1440 document. If you prefer guides, set them 507 pixels in from each side and 508 pixels in from the top and bottom. Hide the template layer before you export.