YouTube Thumbnail Maker
Make a 1280 × 720 image with your own title and photo. YouTube recommends 1280 × 720 at 16:9 with a file under 2 MB.
Preview at 1280 × 720.
Auto picks the biggest size that fits. Choose a number for exact control, from 12 to 600 px.
Your photo stays on this device. It is never uploaded.
A short video ad plays first, and your download starts as soon as it ends. That is how this tool stays free.
YouTube Thumbnail size
| Size | 1280 × 720 px (16:9) |
|---|---|
| Exported file | 2560 × 1440 px |
| File types | PNG or JPG |
| Good to know | YouTube recommends 1280 × 720 at 16:9 with a file under 2 MB. |
| File size | Under 2 MB |
Platforms change their requirements now and then, so check the upload screen for current limits.
How to make a youtube thumbnail
- Type a short title. The text resizes itself to fit the 1280 × 720 shape.
- Choose a background and text color. Pick Round photo on the right to keep the left side free.
- Turn on Show safe zone guide to check that nothing important sits too close to the edges.
- Keep the format on JPG and the file is lowered in quality automatically if it needs to fit the size limit, then click Download banner. A short video ad plays first, then your file downloads.
- Upload it in YouTube Studio when you upload or edit a video.
Design tips for a 1280×720 image
- Use big, high-contrast text. A wide image is often shown small, and thin letters become hard to read.
- Keep the main message in the middle third in case an app crops the sides.
- Need a different size? Use the Banner size menu above to switch to another preset or type your own width and height.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a youtube thumbnail?
YouTube recommends 1280 × 720 at 16:9 with a file under 2 MB. This page creates 1280 × 720 pixels and exports 2560 × 1440.
Is there a watermark?
No. The file you download is exactly what you see in the preview.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The banner is drawn in your browser, so your text and photo never leave your device.