Guide
How to Find a YouTube Channel ID (3 Easy Ways)
Three ways to find a YouTube channel ID: copy it from the About section, read it from the channel URL, or find it in the page source.
Read guideYouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions
The recommended YouTube thumbnail size, aspect ratio and the five sizes YouTube generates, plus design tips that hold up on small screens.
Key takeaways
- Upload thumbnails at 1280 × 720 pixels in a 16:9 shape.
- The minimum width is 640 pixels.
- YouTube generates up to five sizes from your upload.
- Keep text short and the bottom-right corner clear.
Recommended size
YouTube recommends a 1280 × 720 thumbnail with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum width of 640 pixels. Larger files are scaled down, and other shapes are cropped or padded.
Sizes YouTube generates
| Name | Size | File |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 1280 × 720 | maxresdefault.jpg |
| Standard | 640 × 480 | sddefault.jpg |
| High | 480 × 360 | hqdefault.jpg |
| Medium | 320 × 180 | mqdefault.jpg |
| Small | 120 × 90 | default.jpg |
Design tips
- Use a clear subject and strong contrast.
- Keep text to a few large words.
- Leave the bottom-right corner empty, where the video length appears.
- View the design at thumbnail size on a phone before uploading.
Common mistakes
- Tiny text that cannot be read in search results.
- Busy backgrounds that hide the subject.
- Uploading a small image that looks blurry when enlarged.
Get any video’s thumbnail
Use the Thumbnail Downloader to open any video’s thumbnail in all five sizes.
Try it yourself with the free YouTube Thumbnail Downloader.
Open the Thumbnail Downloader