What is the YouTube channel banner size?

The YouTube channel art (banner) is 2560×1440 pixels. However, the safe zone that displays on all devices is only 1546×423 pixels centered in the image. Keep all text and logos within this safe zone.

What is the recommended YouTube thumbnail size?

YouTube thumbnails should be 1280×720 pixels (16:9 ratio) with a maximum file size of 2MB. This is one of the most important images for click-through rate on your channel.

What size is a YouTube channel icon?

YouTube channel icons are displayed at 800×800 pixels. The icon appears as a circle in most YouTube interfaces.

Are my images uploaded to a server?

No. All processing happens entirely in your browser using the Canvas API. Your images never leave your device.

What is the YouTube Shorts cover size?

YouTube Shorts covers use a 1080×1920 pixel canvas (9:16 vertical ratio). This is the same format as TikTok and Instagram Reels — keep your key visuals centered to avoid UI overlay areas.

Can I use a transparent PNG for my YouTube channel icon?

Yes, YouTube supports PNG with transparency for channel icons. A transparent background lets your icon blend naturally with both light and dark YouTube themes.

YouTube Image Resizer — Resize Photos for YouTube

Why Use This Tool?

YouTube is a highly visual platform where thumbnails directly drive click-through rates and banners represent your channel brand. The banner size (2560×1440) is deceptively large — it's designed to span large TV screens but has a tiny safe zone for desktop and mobile. Getting this right is critical for professional-looking channels.

YouTube Image Size Guide (2026)

Image Type	Size (pixels)	Aspect Ratio	Notes
Channel Icon	800×800	1:1	Displayed as circle
Channel Banner	2560×1440	16:9	Safe zone: 1546×423 centered
Video Thumbnail	1280×720	16:9	Max 2MB, drives click-through
Shorts Cover	1080×1920	9:16	Vertical format

Privacy First — 100% Client-Side

Your images are processed entirely in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. Nothing is uploaded to any server. You can verify this by disconnecting from the internet after loading the page — the tool works offline.

Tip: The YouTube banner safe zone (1546×423 centered within 2560×1440) is the only area guaranteed to show on all devices — TV, desktop, tablet, and mobile. Keep all logos and text inside this area and use the outer region for decorative background only.

Tips for YouTube Images

Channel banner safe zone — only the center 1546×423 area is visible on all screens. Place your channel name, logo, and schedule here.
Thumbnails are your primary marketing asset. Use high contrast, readable text (even at small sizes), and a consistent visual style to build brand recognition.
Channel icons appear as circles — use a simple, recognizable logo that works at small sizes (as small as 30×30 in some views).
Shorts covers use the same 9:16 vertical format as Stories — keep key visuals in the center away from the edges.
Use JPG for photographic thumbnails to keep file size under the 2MB limit; use PNG for graphics with text overlays.