YouTube thumbnail image size
Last checked: October 2026.
Verified against official docs
YouTube video thumbnails are not Open Graph link previews. This page covers the custom thumbnail canvas for a video (16:9). Based on common YouTube thumbnail practice; confirm the official pixel and file limits in sourceUrl when filled. Keep faces and titles inside a comfortable inner margin so UI chrome does not cover them.
Recommended YouTube size
| Platform | Image type | Recommended size | Aspect ratio | Min size | Max file size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTubeVerified against official docs | Video thumbnail | 1280 × 720 px | 16:9 | 640 px width | 2 MB (10 MB for podcasts) |
Official page to re-check:https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72431
How YouTube crops your thumbnail
Thumbnails are 16:9. Text near the outer edges can sit under duration badges or player chrome on some surfaces.
A square or tall marketing asset will be cropped or letterboxed. Export a dedicated 16:9 file.
Replacing a thumbnail in YouTube Studio can take time to propagate across surfaces. Recheck on mobile and desktop.
Three common YouTube mistakes
Uploading a 1200×630 OG card as a video thumbnail
OG cards are ~1.91:1. YouTube thumbnails are 16:9. Export the correct ratio for each use.
Tiny type meant for desktop only
Most viewers see a small grid thumbnail. Use a short, high-contrast title.
Confusing watch-page OG with the custom thumbnail
The video’s share card and the Studio thumbnail are related but configured in different places. Fix both if the wrong image appears.
OG images for YouTube watch pages
When someone shares a watch URL, platforms may fetch YouTube’s own Open Graph tags. For your own site that embeds or links to a video, still set your page’s og:image separately.
Create landscape title cards in the [OG Image Generator](/og-image-generator/) for website shares; use a 16:9 export for Studio thumbnails.
Create a landscape share image
Opens the generator with the YouTube size preset selected. Image export stays in your browser.