Free tool
YouTube thumbnail size, checker and resizer
YouTube recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels for a thumbnail, at least 640 wide, 16:9, as JPG or PNG, up to 2 MB from a phone or 50 MB from a computer. Choose your image to check it, see it at the sizes viewers do, and resize it to 3840 × 2160 or 1280 × 720 in one click.
Last updated 28 October 2026
Your thumbnail image
The words on it
Type the words you plan to put on the thumbnail.
YouTube's requirements
| Recommended size | 3840 × 2160 pixels |
| Minimum | 640 pixels wide |
| Shape | 16:9 |
| Formats | JPG or PNG |
| File size | 2 MB from the phone app, 50 MB from a computer |
| Who can upload one | Verified accounts |
From YouTube Help, read 28 October 2026. The word checks are habits many channels follow, not YouTube rules. This is Alpy's site; corrections to hello@tryalpy.com.
Questions
- What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
- YouTube recommends 3840 × 2160 pixels, at least 640 pixels wide, in a 16:9 shape, as JPG or PNG. The file can be up to 2 MB from the phone app and 50 MB from a computer.
- Is 1280 × 720 still fine?
- Yes: it is above the 640-pixel minimum and 16:9. YouTube now recommends 3840 × 2160, which stays sharp on large screens.
- Why can't I upload a custom thumbnail?
- YouTube only lets verified accounts upload their own thumbnails. Verify the account in YouTube Studio, then the option appears.
- How many words should a thumbnail have?
- There is no rule from YouTube. Many channels use one to four large words, because thumbnails are often seen at a few centimetres wide on a phone, and say something the title does not.
A thumbnail with every video
Alpy turns your script into an illustrated faceless YouTube video and makes its thumbnail too: full color, your character, a short bold headline, at 16:9. Setting up a video is free, and you see the price before you pay.
Make a video from your script →Writing the script first? Use the script template.