How to make a YouTube thumbnail
- Add a photo or a still from your video.
- Choose to fill the frame or show the whole photo.
- Select YouTube Thumbnail Maker and download it.
Examples
A 1920 × 1080 still from your video is already 16:9, so it's scaled to 1280 × 720 and nothing is cropped.
A 3024 × 4032 portrait phone photo: Fill keeps a 3024 × 1701 band from its middle. Show the whole photo places it at 540 × 720 in the center, with a blur of the same photo on both sides.
With the 3840 × 2160 option on, a detailed photo can pass 2 MB as a JPG. Its quality is then lowered a little until it fits, and the size stays 3840 × 2160.
About this tool
A custom thumbnail has to be 16:9 and at least 640 pixels wide. Add a still from your video or any photo, crop it to fill the frame or keep it whole on a blurred background, and download a JPG that's ready to upload. It's kept under 2 MB, the limit when you upload from a phone.
Common questions
What size should a YouTube thumbnail be?
YouTube's help asks for 16:9 and at least 640 pixels wide. It now recommends 3840 × 2160, and 1280 × 720 is the size it gave before. Both work, and this tool makes either one.
Is there a file size limit?
Yes. YouTube allows 2 MB when you upload from a phone and 50 MB from a computer. Thumbnails made here are kept under 2 MB, so they work either way.
Should I save it as JPG or PNG?
JPG keeps the file small, which suits photos. PNG keeps flat colors and text crisp, but a detailed PNG can pass 2 MB, and you'll see a note if it does.
Why does my thumbnail look soft?
The photo was smaller than the thumbnail, so it was enlarged. A still from a 1080p video, or any phone photo, is large enough for 1280 × 720.
Is it free to use?
Yes. There's no sign-up, and nothing is added to your file unless you ask for it.
What happens to my files?
Your files are only used to run the tool you chose, and they're deleted automatically after about 24 hours.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It all works in your browser, on any computer or phone.