The YouTube banner size to use is 2,560 × 1,440 px, at a 16:9 aspect ratio. That is the recommended size, especially for TV. The smallest YouTube accepts is 2,048 × 1,152 px. Keep the file at 6 MB or smaller, and place text and logos inside 1,235 × 338 px.
This page covers the size of a YouTube banner, what the minimum means, where to keep your text, and how to resize an image with the free tool above.
Which YouTube banner size should you use?
There is one banner per channel, so the choice is simpler than on platforms with several formats. The question is really recommended size versus minimum size.
| Option | Size | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended (especially for TV) | 2,560 × 1,440 px | 16:9 |
| Minimum upload | 2,048 × 1,152 px | 16:9 |
If you are asking what size for a YouTube banner, start with 2,560 × 1,440 px. It gives you the most detail, and it holds up on large screens such as TVs. Use the minimum only if your source image is smaller and you cannot rebuild it larger.
Both sizes share the same ratio, so you can design at the larger size and still export a smaller version that keeps the same proportions.
One banner for every device
YouTube uses the same banner on computer, mobile and TV, but it displays differently on each device. That is why a banner that looks balanced in your editor can lose its edges on a phone.
How YouTube displays and crops your banner
Because the banner is the same file everywhere, YouTube shows only part of it on some devices. The current Help page no longer lists pixel sizes for the TV, desktop or mobile display areas, so this page does not give per-device numbers. What the official text does give is a safe area, and that is the part to design around.
Treat everything outside the safe area as background that may be cut. Extend your colors, textures or artwork into those outer areas, so nothing looks empty when more of the banner shows, such as on a TV.
Safe zone: where to keep text and logos
The safe area for text and logos is 1,235 × 338 px, a ratio of 3.65:1. YouTube states it relative to the 2,048 × 1,152 px minimum canvas, so it is measured on that smaller canvas rather than on the recommended one.
YouTube gives the size of this area but not its exact position. Keep your channel name, tagline and logo near the middle of the banner and check the preview on a phone and a computer after uploading.
The official text gives only the size of the safe area. It does not state where it sits horizontally, so do not assume a position beyond the top and bottom margins above. Keep your key elements compact and leave generous room around them.
Practical layout tips
- Put the most important words in one short line.
- Keep logos away from the edges of the safe area.
- Fill the outer area with simple background art that still works if it is cropped.
- Check the result on a phone and a computer after uploading, since menus and previews can differ by app version.
How to resize an image to the YouTube banner size
Use the free resizer on this page. It runs in your browser. If you want other platforms too, the Social Media Image Resizer works the same way.
- Open the resizer on this page and add your image.
- Choose the YouTube channel banner preset, or enter 2,560 × 1,440 px as a custom size.
- Keep the 16:9 ratio locked so the image is not stretched.
- Move and scale the image so your text and logo sit inside the safe area.
- Export the file and check that it is 6 MB or smaller.
- Upload it in YouTube Studio under your channel customization settings. Menu names can differ by app version.
If your original is smaller than 2,048 × 1,152 px, scaling it up will make it soft. It is better to recreate the artwork at a larger size.
Common mistakes
- Putting text too close to the edges. The banner displays differently on computer, mobile and TV, so keep text in the safe area.
- Uploading below the minimum. The minimum upload is 2,048 × 1,152 px.
- Ignoring the file limit. Keep the file at 6 MB or smaller.
- Adding embellishments. YouTube asks for no extra file embellishments such as shadows, borders or frames.
- Stretching the image. Changing the ratio away from 16:9 distorts your artwork. Crop instead.
- Assuming file types. The banner section of the Help page lists no file types, so do not rely on a list that belongs to the profile picture.
- Mixing it up with thumbnails. Thumbnails have their own sizes. See YouTube thumbnail size for those.
Related sizes
Building channel art for other networks? Check the Facebook cover photo size, the LinkedIn banner size and the X (Twitter) header size so your branding stays consistent.