YouTube Thumbnail Size in 2025 — Exact Dimensions & Tips

Want your YouTube video to stand out? Your thumbnail is the first thing viewers notice — and if the size or quality is off, they might scroll right past.

Recommended Thumbnail Size

  • 1280×720 pixels
  • Minimum width: 640 pixels
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • File formats: JPG, PNG, or WEBP
  • Max file size: 2MB

This format ensures your image will look good on desktops, mobile devices, and embedded players.

Best Practices

  • Use bold colors and contrast to make your thumbnail pop
  • Add text (big, short, and readable on mobile)
  • Make sure the image tells a story about the video
  • Avoid clutter and too much detail

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong aspect ratio (stretched or cropped)
  • Low resolution or blurry images
  • Text that's too small or unreadable
  • Thumbnails that don’t match the video content

Quick Tip: Test Your Thumbnail

View your thumbnail at small sizes (like 120×90 px) to make sure it still looks clear.

Conclusion

A great thumbnail can increase your click-through rate dramatically. Follow the size guidelines, keep it simple and engaging — and you’ll stand out on YouTube in 2025.