Adjust YouTube thumbnail dimensions and file size
Choose 1 still image and adjust it to 16:9 for a regular YouTube video thumbnail. Choose 1280 × 720px or 3840 × 2160px and the upload device, check the crop position or padding, and save as JPEG or PNG. File size limits are below 2MB for smartphone uploads and below 50MB for computer uploads.
What you can do
Match the device you will upload from
Choose below 2 MB for smartphone uploads or below 50 MB for computer uploads. This setting is separate from the device you are using to open Toollet.
Check the size and crop
Choose between 1280 × 720 and 3840 × 2160. Move the image to crop it, or keep the entire image with padding.
How to use
Choose a still image
Choose 1 image for your thumbnail.
Choose the upload device and size
Select the device you will upload to YouTube from, then adjust the size and crop position if needed.
Check the result and save
Check that text and subjects are not cut off, save the image, and set it on YouTube.
Useful when
Create a cover that conveys your video's content
Fit photographic material or an existing cover image into 16:9 for a regular video.
Avoid file size errors when uploading
Create an image that meets the respective file size limit for smartphone or computer uploads.
What to check when creating a thumbnail
Smaller size and recommended size
The default is 1280 × 720. YouTube's current recommendation is 3840 × 2160, which you can select in the size field. Enlarging a small source image does not add detail.
Regular videos and Shorts serve different purposes
This page is for 16:9 images for regular videos. Use it separately from portrait or square images for Shorts and podcasts.
Frequently asked questions
Why is smartphone upload selected even on a computer?
The default is below 2 MB for smartphone uploads. Change it according to the device you will use to upload to YouTube.
Can I use the image without cropping it?
Select “Keep entire image” to fit the image into 16:9 without cropping. Any remaining areas are filled with padding in the background color.
Can I add text or shapes?
This page adjusts size, cropping, and file size. Prepare the original image with text or other elements before loading it.
File handling
- Input
- 1 still image. Animations are excluded.
- Default settings
- 1280 × 720 px / Crop / JPEG.
- File size
- Below 2 MB for smartphone uploads; below 50 MB for computer uploads.