YouTube Thumbnail Size Guide (Videos & Shorts)
Thumbnail size plays a major role in how professional your video appears. Incorrect dimensions can cause blur, cropping, and lower click-through rates (CTR). This guide explains the ideal thumbnail sizes for YouTube videos and Shorts in 2025.
Recommended Thumbnail Size (Standard Videos)
- 1280 × 720 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Minimum width: 640px
- Maximum file size: 2 MB
- Formats: JPG, PNG, WEBP
YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Size
- 1080 × 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
Vertical thumbnails improve branding and recognition in Shorts feeds.
Common Mistakes
- Low-resolution images
- Wrong aspect ratio
- Unreadable small text
- Poor contrast
Thumbnail Size & CTR
Correct sizing ensures clarity and professionalism. Blurry thumbnails reduce trust and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
1280 × 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
What size should Shorts thumbnails be?
1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16).
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Always follow YouTube’s official recommendations.