Your YouTube banner is the first thing visitors see on your channel, but it displays differently on TVs, desktops and phones. Put your name in the wrong spot and it vanishes on mobile.
Here are the exact dimensions and the safe-area rule that keeps your banner readable everywhere.
Key Takeaway: Design on 2560 x 1440, but put all text and logos inside the central 1546 x 423 area.
YouTube Banner Specs
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 2560 x 1440 px |
| Minimum size | 2048 x 1152 px |
| Safe area (always visible) | 1546 x 423 px, centered |
| Max file size | 6MB |
| Format | JPG or PNG |
| Profile picture | 800 x 800 px recommended |
Platforms change their specs from time to time, so confirm in the platform's upload screen if exact sizing matters.
How the Banner Crops on Each Device
On TV the whole 2560 x 1440 image shows. On desktop you see a wide strip, and on phones an even narrower one. The 1546 x 423 center area is the only part guaranteed to appear on all of them, so place your channel name, tagline and logo there and use the outer area for background art.
Pro Tip: Check the banner on mobile and desktop after uploading. YouTube lets you preview each device before you save.
Make a Sharp Banner
- Start from an image at least 2560 px wide. Small images get stretched and blur.
- Crop to 16:9 with the Crop tool and set the size with the Resize tool.
- Keep the file under 6MB. Compress with the compressor if needed.
- Need a video thumbnail too? See how to make a YouTube thumbnail.
Note: Recommended image sizes reflect published guidelines and common practice for YouTube at the time of writing. Platforms change their layouts and limits without notice, so check the current official help pages before you publish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a YouTube banner?
2560 x 1440 pixels is recommended, with a minimum of 2048 x 1152. The file must be under 6MB.
What is the YouTube banner safe area?
The central 1546 x 423 pixels. It is the part visible on every device, so keep text and logos inside it.
Why is my YouTube banner cropped?
Phones and desktops show only a strip of the image. Anything outside the safe area can be cut off, so move text toward the center.
What format should a YouTube banner be?
JPG or PNG. JPG is smaller for photos; PNG suits graphics with sharp text. Keep it under 6MB.
What size is a YouTube profile picture?
800 x 800 pixels is recommended. It is shown as a circle, so keep the subject centered.