Resize Image for YouTube Thumbnail
Set your picture to the 16:9 size YouTube recommends for thumbnails. Free and private, in your browser.
Drop your images here
or pick them from your device
JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP or AVIF
How to use it
- 1
Add your picture.
- 2
Keep the size at 3840 by 2160 pixels, or tap HD for 1280 by 720.
- 3
If your picture is not 16:9, choose Crop to fit so it fills the whole thumbnail.
- 4
Save as JPG for a smaller file, then press Download image and upload it in YouTube Studio.
About this tool
YouTube's help page recommends custom thumbnails of 3840 by 2160 pixels for videos, in a 16:9 shape, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. Many older guides still say 1280 by 720, which is also 16:9 and above the minimum width. This page sets your picture to 3840 by 2160 and crops the edges so it fills the frame. Always check YouTube Help for the latest rules.
Questions people ask
Should I use 1280 by 720 or 3840 by 2160?+
YouTube's help page currently recommends 3840 by 2160. A 1280 by 720 picture is still 16:9 and above the 640 pixel minimum width, so it still works.
What file types can I use?+
YouTube's help page names JPG and PNG. JPG usually makes a smaller file.
Is there a file size limit?+
YouTube's help page lists 2 MB when you upload from mobile and 50 MB from a computer. If your file is too big, shrink it with our compress tool.