Free resource
YouTube image sizes
Updated July 2026YouTube thumbnails display at 1280×720 (16:9) — the size YouTube itself recommends. The channel banner is 2560×1440 with a much smaller safe area on TV than mobile, and profile pictures render from an 800×800 source.
Recommended YouTube post sizes
| Format | Aspect ratio | Pixels |
|---|---|---|
| LandscapePrimary post size | 16:9 | 1280×720 |
YouTube caption limit: 5,000 characters.
Other YouTube formats
| Format | Aspect ratio | Pixels |
|---|---|---|
| Channel banner | 16:9 | 2560×1440 |
| Profile picture | 1:1 | 800×800 |
See every crop before it goes live
SocialRoute previews your visual at each selected platform's exact dimensions and warns you about mismatched ratios before anything publishes — the same specs listed on this page, applied automatically.
Or check one of your own images right now with the free crop checker →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best image size for YouTube?
For feed posts, upload 1280×720 (16:9) — the format YouTube renders without cropping. SocialRoute previews your visual at exactly these dimensions before you publish.
What happens if my image is the wrong ratio?
The platform center-crops your image to its nearest supported ratio, which can cut off faces or text. SocialRoute flags mismatched ratios and shows the exact crop for every platform you've selected, before you publish.
Can I use the same image on every platform?
You can, but each platform crops differently — a square that looks great on Instagram loses its edges on X. SocialRoute takes one visual and previews it at every selected platform's native dimensions so you catch bad crops early.