Here’s the truth:
Eye catching YouTube channel art that is the right size is a big deal.
Below, we share the recommended YouTube channel art size for your banner, thumbnails, and channel icon.
Plus – keep reading for some expert tips that most people miss if you want to know how to make a channel that looks great and is optimized to get you more views.
YouTube Channel Art Size Guide
Banner Art Size & Dimensions
Your banner art will look different on different devices. Design your logo with this in mind!
We recommend using an easy tool like Snappa which comes with handy templates. You can try if for free here:
Minimum dimensions: 2048 x 1152 pixels
YouTube recommended: 2560 x 1440 pixels
File size: 4MB or smaller. Use an online tool to compress your image if need be.
Remember that your banner will show up on different devices.
This image shows what will appear and where.
Here is who the difference devices will look:
When you need to add channel art the process is very simple: just go to your Channel page, and click the “Add Channel Art” icon on the empty banner:
Channel Icon Size & Dimensions
Recommended icon size: 800 X 800 px
Your channel icon is basically your profile picture for YouTube.
In fact to update it, you will need to change your associated Google+ profile pic.
Don’t forget growing your YouTube channel is about more than just channel art dimensions!
You need to have art and icons that will put your best foot forward.
When it comes to your channel icon remember this:
It will be visible with every single one of your videos.
It is the one piece of art that will be present every time someone interacts with your channel, so make it good! If you are going to use your own photography, then it is best to invest in a true vlogging camera, or action cam.
Take a look at this example from Casey Neistat, a vlogger with over 7 million subscribers.
He keeps it simple and it works great.
It would be a mistake to try and capture an entire scene, or him standing beside a waterfall in the picture. We wouldn’t be able to see it!
He is the only thing in the image, and it is easy to recognize him.
Casey uses this icon or similar images across his social media channel for consistent branding.
This can be huge as people start to follow you across multiple platforms!
1) Focus on only one image
2) Make it recognizable
3) Use is on other Social Media channels
Video Thumbnail Size & Strategy
Recommended size: 1280 x 720 px
Minimum width: 640 px
Let’s face it.
Most of your views are going to come from a YouTube search result, or a recommended video.
That means that viewers are going to have a lot of options to pick from.
So how do you stand out?
With a catchy title and an eye catching video thumbnail.
Let’s take a look at an example from popular YouTuber Zoella.
This is a great example of the type of YouTube video thumbnail that gets clicks!
For one, it is clear and crisp – it looks like she used a good YouTube camera which suggests that the video will also look professional.
She also uses bright colors that will stand out which is a big help.
Her title is clear, and is against a light and bright backdrop so that it pops out.
Lastly she is using a pro move that is proven to get more clicks.
She has a close up shot of her face in the thumbnail – and is conveying some specific emotion.
Whether it is laughter, confusion, fear, or otherwise, it helps if you are showing some emotion and personality in the thumbnail to engage your viewers right from the start!
1) Use contrasting colors
2) If you are in the picture, convey some sort of emotion
3) Make sure the text is clear and easy to read
Stay tuned for more YouTube channel art tips, where we will be covering how to get more subscribers just by using a few pro hacks for your YouTube channel.
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