YouTube banner size requirements
| Recommended size | 2560 × 1440 px (16:9) |
|---|---|
| Minimum upload size | 2048 × 1152 px |
| Safe area at 2560 × 1440 | 1546 × 423 px, centred |
| Safe area at minimum size | 1235 × 338 px, centred |
| Maximum file size | 6 MB |
YouTube shows one banner file everywhere but crops it differently on each device. TVs show the full 16:9 image. Desktops show a wide horizontal strip through the middle. Phones show an even narrower strip — the safe area. That’s why your channel name, logo and tagline must live inside the centred safe area.
How to design a banner that works on every screen
- Start at 2560 × 1440. Designing at the full size keeps the image sharp on large TVs.
- Put essentials in the centre band. Your channel name, a short tagline and your upload schedule should all fit inside 1546 × 423.
- Use the outer area for atmosphere. Backgrounds, textures and decorative elements can extend to the edges; they’ll show on desktop and TV.
- Avoid the bottom-left corner on desktop. Your profile picture and channel info can sit near the banner, depending on the layout.
- Export as JPG under 6 MB. If your file is too large, run it through our resizer with a custom 2560 × 1440 size and a 6 MB limit.
Common banner mistakes
- Text placed near the top or bottom — it disappears on desktop and mobile.
- Uploading a small image and letting YouTube upscale it, which makes it blurry on TVs.
- Logos at the far left or right — they’re cut off on phones.
- Too much text. A banner should say who you are and why to subscribe in a glance.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
What size should a YouTube banner be?
2560 × 1440 pixels, 16:9, under 6 MB. The minimum accepted size is 2048 × 1152.
What is the YouTube banner safe area?
At the recommended 2560 × 1440 size it’s the centred 1546 × 423 area. At the 2048 × 1152 minimum, it’s 1235 × 338. Content there is visible on every device.
Why is my banner cropped on mobile?
Phones only show the centre strip of the banner. Move important text and logos into the safe area.
Why is my YouTube banner blurry?
The image is likely smaller than 2560 × 1440, or it was heavily compressed. Export at full size as a high-quality JPG under 6 MB.