Upload a YouTube banner of at least 2048×1152 pixels at 16:9; 2560×1440 is recommended, especially for TV. Keep text and logos inside the centre safe area — 1235×338 pixels at the minimum size — because phones and computers crop the rest. The file must be 6 MB or smaller.
| Banner — recommended | 2560 × 1440 px |
|---|---|
| Banner — minimum | 2048 × 1152 px (16:9) |
| Text-safe area (at minimum size) | 1235 × 338 px |
| Banner file size | 6 MB or smaller |
| Profile picture — shown at | 98 × 98 px |
| Profile picture — formats | JPG, GIF, BMP, PNG (no animation) |
| Profile picture — file size | 15 MB or smaller |
Source: YouTube Help · 2026-10-04
Why the safe area matters
TVs show the whole 16:9 banner, but computers show a wide strip and phones an even narrower one. Anything outside the centre strip — about 1235×338 at 2048×1152, or 1544×423 at 2560×1440 — can be cut off.
Resize a banner in one step
Choose the “Channel banner” preset in the resizer: it outputs 2560×1440 under 6 MB and outlines the text-safe area so you can check your layout.
Profile picture
YouTube shows the profile picture as a 98×98 circle. Use a square image with the subject centred; the resizer’s 800×800 preset keeps it sharp on high-density screens.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a YouTube banner?
2560×1440 pixels is recommended; the minimum is 2048×1152 at 16:9. The file must be 6 MB or smaller.
What is the YouTube banner safe area?
At the 2048×1152 minimum it is 1235×338 pixels in the centre. Keep all text and logos there so they show on phones and computers.
Why does my banner look cropped on mobile?
Phones show only the centre strip of the banner. Move important text and logos into the safe area.
What size is a YouTube profile picture?
YouTube displays it at 98×98 pixels. Upload a square JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG of 15 MB or less; 800×800 keeps it sharp.