YouTube Thumbnail Size Tips 2022

The thumbnail size for YouTube is a small yet integral part of a YouTube content creator’s bag of tricks that entice people to view their video content. If anything, as long as gaining new viewers and subscribers is concerned, the YouTube thumbnail is probably a content creator’s most powerful asset.

Whether you like it or not, YouTube users first see your content’s thumbnail and decide whether they are clicking through to watch your videos. This is how important thumbnails are in driving views to your YouTube channel.

If you have been wondering why your YouTube videos are not doing as well as you hope, then maybe it is time you take another look at your thumbnail game. Are your thumbnails clear and engaging? Are your thumbnails even sized correctly? – These are just a couple of questions that you should ask yourself.

In this article, we explore all updated information about YouTube thumbnails to give your YouTube channel the much-needed boost it might need in keeping up with the demands of a profitable, contemporary YouTube channel that anyone would want to subscribe to.

Verify Your YouTube Account to Unlock Custom Thumbnails

You will not be able to customize thumbnails to your liking without verifying your channel with YouTube. Do these steps first to get your YouTube account verified:

1. Log in to your YT Studio.
2. Choose a video that you previously uploaded.
3. Click the pen icon located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
4. Click on ‘Custom thumbnail’ underneath your video.
5. YouTube will say you have to verify your YouTube account to put in a custom thumbnail.
6. Click ‘Learn more’.
7. Click on ‘account is verified’.
8. YouTube will ask you to choose your country’s location and how YouTube will send your account’s verification code.
9. Select: ‘text me the verification code’.
10. Type in your mobile phone number in the text box provided, and click ‘Submit’.
11. Receive your 6-digit verification code.
12. Input the 6-digit code to verify. Then, click ‘Submit’.
13. A message will appear congratulating you that your YouTube account has now been verified.

What Size Is a YouTube Thumbnail

Before we get into the details of what YouTube users will deem as a clickable, attractive YouTube thumbnail, we must tackle the basics first.   

Thumbnail dimensions, size, aspect ratio, and format are simple technical aspects you should get right every time you post a video on your YouTube channel. Not complying with the specific dimensions of thumbnail blocks any chance your target audience will get to view your content.

Get these specifications right on your YouTube thumbnail size, and you will at least be sure potential viewers understand what your YouTube video is all about in one glance:

• Minimum width – The recommended minimum width of a YouTube thumbnail is 640 pixels. If your thumbnail width is less than 640 pixels, YouTube will not allow you to post it as a video thumbnail.
•  Aspect ratio – Images you use as YouTube thumbnails must have an aspect ratio of 16:9. This number means your image is 16 units long and nine wide, which is what YouTube uses to play previews. 

If your aspect ratio is not 16:9, your videos will not have previews, and you miss out on the potential views your videos should be getting. Photoshop YouTube thumbnail size details to meet YouTube’s exact thumbnail specs, and you’re good to go.

• Max file size – YouTube will not allow you to upload a pic that has a file size larger than 2 Mb. You can go smaller, but we recommend using the 2 Mb for maximum clarity.

Some Tips on How to Add a Custom YouTube Thumbnail to Your Video

Here are some tips on making great-looking YouTube thumbnails that will ensure your YouTube videos will get the click-throughs and views you are counting on. Follow these tips for a more professional-looking YouTube channel:

• Use accepted file formats – Accepted file formats for your video thumbnails are PNG, GIF, JPG, and BMP. Any picture file not formatted in the said formats will not be accepted by YouTube as thumbnails.
• Use description text on your thumbnails – Have an intriguing description text on your thumbnail that describes your video well. You want viewers to be compelled to click through even before reading your YouTube video title.
•  Put your face on it – Make your face a more familiar image to subliminally familiarize yourself to viewers and subscribers. Collage your face in your thumbnails. Make sure you strike a pose that is relevant to your YouTube video’s subject.

• Leave no white space – Use up every pixel of your YouTube thumbnail.
• Strictly follow the YouTube Community Guidelines –
  • Do not use explicit and pornographic images.
  • Never upload violent and shocking images. 
  • Do not steal other people’s pictures and violate copyright laws

YouTube Thumbnail Ideas

We have compiled a few ideas that you can easily incorporate into making your YouTube thumbnails more compelling.  

Use good contrast visuals

Use color combinations that stand out well against each other. Prioritize visuals that are easy on the eyes. Avoid using complex visuals that are not readily understandable at a glance.

Keep fonts and design language consistent

Pick only one or two color themes. Compose your thumbnail pictures with only one design style. Use only one font type.

Let your thumbnails reflect your YouTube channel’s brand with a consistent look and feel and be more recognizable to everyone on YouTube.

Consider what imagery your target audience wants to see

Your potential subscribers prefer what they love. And if you use imagery that they are naturally attracted to, you assure your YouTube channel evokes the curiosity of people you want as followers.

Try to be different

A lot of YouTubers have similarly styled thumbnails. Stand out from the crowd and use a thumbnail style and composition that is your own. 

Take your time in developing this style, but once you have a solid grasp of your look and feel, stick with it. Remember that your goal is to be readily recognizable to your audience at just a glance.

Thumbnails are Your Headlines

Being a YouTuber is a creative endeavor. Apply the same level of creativity to your thumbnails as you do with making content and reap the benefits of connecting with your target audience. Thumbnails are your headlines to potential viewers. Convert these potential viewers to subscribers and grow your YouTube channel to the next level.