Upload a thumbnail to check it against YouTube’s size, shape and file-size rules and see how it looks small, with the timestamp covering the corner. Your image stays in your browser: it is never uploaded.
YouTube thumbnail requirements
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 1280 x 720 pixels |
| Minimum width | 640 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| File size | Under 2 MB |
| Formats | JPG, PNG or GIF |
What makes a thumbnail work
- Use three words or fewer, in large, high-contrast text.
- Keep one clear focal point, such as a face or a single object.
- Leave the bottom-right corner clear for the video length stamp.
- Test it small: most views come from small thumbnails on phones.
For more, read how to boost YouTube clicks with better thumbnails. Then check your title so the two work together.
Free AI tools for the rest of your video
- TitleCraft – free AI YouTube title generator
- DescriptionCraft – free YouTube description generator
- TagCraft – free YouTube tag generator
Frequently asked questions
What size should a YouTube thumbnail be?
1280 x 720 pixels (16:9), under 2 MB, as JPG, PNG or GIF.
Is my image uploaded?
No. The checker reads the file in your browser and it never leaves your computer.
Why does the preview show a timestamp?
YouTube places the video length in the bottom-right corner, so keep text and faces out of that area.