# YouTube Thumbnail Size and Specs 2026

Every upload spec at a glance, with sources.

URL: https://shortformkit.com/youtube-thumbnail-size/
Updated: 2026-10-12

**YouTube Thumbnail 2026: aspect ratio 16:9, 9:16, recommended 3840x2160, files up to 50 MB.**

## All specs

| Aspect ratio | 16:9, 9:16 |
|---|---|
| Recommended resolution | 3840x2160 |
| Minimum resolution | 640 px width (videos); 640 px height (Shorts) |
| Maximum file size | 50 MB |
| File types | JPG, PNG |

Notes (from the sources, in English): Recommended 3840x2160 for videos and 2160x3840 for Shorts. Size limit 50 MB on desktop, 2 MB on mobile (10 MB for podcasts). Podcast playlists use 1:1. Vertical videos with 16:9 custom thumbnails get an auto-generated 4:5 thumbnail on home, explore and subscriptions.

Work out bitrate and file size with the [file size calculator](https://shortformkit.com/video-file-size-calculator/). Check caption length with the [character counter](https://shortformkit.com/character-counter/).

## Changes in 2025 and 2026

- From 2025-03-31 Shorts views count every start or replay with no minimum watch time.
- Official Artist Channels: square or vertical videos up to 3 minutes uploaded on or after 2025-12-08 are classified as Shorts (standard channels since 2024-10-15).
- Custom thumbnail guidance now recommends 3840x2160 (2160x3840 for Shorts) with up to 50 MB on desktop (2 MB on mobile). Change date not stated.

## Sources

- [Add custom thumbnails on YouTube (YouTube Help)](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/72431?hl=en) (official)

Checked: 2026-10-13. Confidence: official. [All platforms in one table: social media video specs 2026](https://shortformkit.com/social-media-video-specs-2026/)

## Other YouTube formats

- [YouTube Long-form video](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-long-form-video-size/)
- [YouTube Shorts](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-shorts-size/)
- [YouTube Channel banner](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-channel-banner-size/)

## FAQ

**What size is a YouTube Thumbnail?**
The recommended size is 3840x2160 with an aspect ratio of 16:9, 9:16.

**What is the maximum file size for a YouTube Thumbnail?**
Up to 50 MB.


Source: Shortform Kit (https://shortformkit.com/youtube-thumbnail-size/). Free, no login.