RindrawYouTube thumbnail size
YouTube now recommends thumbnails of 3840 × 2160 pixels, 16:9. Anything at least 640 pixels wide is accepted.
Checked October 29, 2026.
- 3840 × 2160
| Recommended | 3840 × 2160 px |
|---|---|
| Shape | 16:9 |
| Smallest | 640 px wide |
| Formats | JPG or PNG |
| File size | 50 MB from a computer, 2 MB from a phone |
| Shorts | 2160 × 3840 px, 9:16 |
1280 × 720 still works
For years YouTube asked for 1280 × 720, and you'll still see that size quoted. It's above the 640 minimum, so it uploads fine; 3840 × 2160 is what YouTube asks for now, and it stays sharp on a TV.
Drawn to be seen small
A thumbnail is seen a few centimeters wide beside other videos. One face or object, a few big words at most, and strong contrast read at that size. The video's length sits in the bottom right corner, so keep that corner clear.
Setting it up in Rindraw
New Drawing › 4K is 3840 × 2160: it's built in. For Shorts, choose Custom Canvas and enter 2160 × 3840 pixels.
Export as JPEG to keep it small, or PNG for flat colors. From a phone, keep it under 2 MB.
Questions
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
3840 × 2160 pixels is recommended, 16:9, at least 640 wide, JPG or PNG up to 50 MB (2 MB from a phone).
Is 1280 × 720 still OK for a YouTube thumbnail?
Yes. It's above the 640-pixel minimum, but YouTube recommends 3840 × 2160.
Sources
- YouTube Help, Add video thumbnails: 3840 × 2160 recommended, at least 640 wide, 16:9, JPG or PNG, up to 50 MB (2 MB from a phone).
Other sizes
- YouTube banner2560 × 1440
- Instagram post1080 × 1350
- Podcast cover art3000 × 3000
- Every sizePrint, comics and online, in one table
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