Your thumbnail and title decide whether people click your video. A clear, eye-catching thumbnail can significantly increase views.
Size and format
- 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9).
- JPG or PNG, under YouTube’s file size limit.
- Custom thumbnails may require a verified channel.
See sizes in our image sizes guide.
Design tips
- A face with emotion often attracts attention.
- Few words: 3–5 large words that add to the title, not repeat it.
- High contrast: text readable on a phone; check with our colour contrast checker.
- One clear subject: the product, result or person.
- Consistent style: similar colours and fonts across videos.
Check at small size
Most people see thumbnails on a phone. Shrink your design to check it still reads.
Avoid
- Clickbait that does not match the video; it hurts watch time and trust.
- Cluttered designs with many elements.
- Text in the bottom-right corner, where the video length appears.
Test
YouTube offers thumbnail testing for some channels. Otherwise, try a new thumbnail on an underperforming video and compare.
Want the full picture? This article is part of Social media marketing: the complete guide, our in-depth guide with everything in one place.
