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Resize an image for a YouTube thumbnail

Resize and compress for any platform

YouTube wants thumbnails at 1280 by 720 pixels, in 16:9, and under 2 MB. Get any of those wrong and it either rejects the upload or stretches your artwork. Set the dimensions here, squeeze the file under the limit if it is too heavy, and upload something that stays sharp when it is shrunk to a tiny sidebar tile.

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How to use it
  1. 01Drop in your thumbnail artwork.
  2. 02Set the size to 1280 by 720.
  3. 03Use the target file size option to stay under 2 MB.
  4. 04Download and upload it to your video.
Questions
Is my unreleased thumbnail uploaded anywhere?
No. It is resized locally, which matters if the artwork gives away a video you have not published yet.
What are YouTube's thumbnail rules?
1280 by 720 pixels, 16:9 aspect ratio, JPG or PNG, and a maximum of 2 MB. The minimum accepted width is 640 pixels, but smaller than 1280 looks soft.
My file is over 2 MB — what now?
Use the target size option and it will search for the highest JPG quality that fits under your limit, rather than making you guess at a slider.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, though thumbnail design usually happens on a desktop. The resize itself is identical either way.
Any cost or account?
None. Unlimited thumbnails, no branding added.
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