On this page
- Why YouTube banners matter for your YouTube channel
- How to use YouTube banners to build your brand
- YouTube banner size and dimensions
- YouTube banner format and file size
- YouTube banner aspect ratio
- YouTube channel art with text and graphics
- How to upload a YouTube banner to your YouTube channel
- Add an aesthetic YouTube banner to your channel
Want to catch the attention of subscribers and viewers on YouTube? Make a memorable first impression on YouTube with an aesthetic YouTube channel banner. Thumbnails and YouTube banners are usually the first things that catch your eye, so creating a clear representation of your personality, channel content, and niche is essential.
Read on to explore everything you need to know about YouTube channel art, YouTube banner size, dimensions, and the latest must-know tips from Clipchamp.
Why YouTube banners matter for your YouTube channel
Popular YouTubers all have one thing in common, a consistent and recognizable YouTube aesthetic. YouTube banners and channel art express your brand's personality, channel content, who your target niche is, and where to find other social media platforms. Whether it’s a lifestyle, travel, gaming, review, prank, or artist YouTube channel, banners can give an insight to viewers about who you are just by using colors, text, images, and style.
How to use YouTube banners to build your brand
YouTube banners express creators' personalities, link to your social media as well as share important channel information like:
Announcements
Channel news
Subscriber milestones
Channel updates
New video upload days
Spotlight on a specific video
Community events
Live stream updates
Upcoming meet and greets
YouTube banner size and dimensions
When creating a YouTube banner, keep in mind the banner will display differently on the YouTube mobile app and desktop. Follow the dimension recommendations below to ensure your YouTube banner displays correctly over all devices.
Banner image guidelines for desktop
Recommended YouTube banner size is 2560 x 1440 pixels
YouTube’s minimum accepted dimensions: 2048 x 1152 pixels with 16:9 aspect ratio
YouTube’s minimum image safe area for text and logos: 1546 x 338 pixels
YouTube’s maximum accepted image width: 2560 x 423 pixels
Banner image guidelines for iPhone, iPad, and Android
YouTube’s minimum accepted dimension: 2048 x 1152 pixels with 16:9 aspect ratio
YouTube’s minimum size for the safe area of text and logos: 1235 x 338 pixels.
Larger images may get cropped on particular views or devices.
YouTube banner format and file size
Accepted file formats for YouTube banners are JPG, PNG, BMP, and non-animated GIF. All YouTube banners must be up to 6MB file size.
YouTube banner aspect ratio
YouTube banners have a standard aspect ratio of widescreen 16:9. Make sure to place valuable information in the YouTube banner safe area to appear correctly across all devices.
YouTube channel art with text and graphics
There are no limitations when customizing channel art, just make sure to stay within YouTube banner guidelines. Creators can add viewer-friendly text, images, color schemes, emojis, and buttons. If text elements are important on your channel banner, be sure to place them within the safe zone. Creators don’t have to add text to YouTube banners, but here are some suggestions:
Channel name
Channel genre and niche
Social media handles
Subscribe button
Quotes
Video upload schedule days
Product release dates
How to upload a YouTube banner to your YouTube channel
Upload a YouTube banner image from your desktop
Sign in to YouTube Studio
Click the Customization tab, then Branding
Click the Change button and select an image. To make changes, select a preview and change the crop, then click Done
Click Publish
Upload a YouTube banner image from your iPad, iPhone, or Android
On your YouTube app, tap on your profile picture
Tap the Your channel tab
Tap Edit channel, then tap your banner image on the right
Upload a banner from your camera roll or take a new photo
Click Save
Frequently asked questions
How often should I change my YouTube Banner?
There are no limitations on how often to change your YouTube channel banner. If you have changed your YouTube channel’s aesthetic, feel free to create new channel art to fit your new style. Update images or text as much as you like, for example, if you’re releasing new merch, add the release date.
What will happen if my banner isn’t within the YouTube banner size guidelines?
You can still upload YouTube banners exceeding the recommended YouTube banner size guidelines, but they may be awkwardly cropped and not appear clearly.
How do I add social media buttons to my YouTube banner?
Easily add your social media handles to your YouTube banner in YouTube Studio.
Go to YouTube Studio on desktop
Click on the Customization tab
Under Basic info, scroll down to the Links section
Click on Add link
Add an aesthetic YouTube banner to your channel
Add an aesthetic YouTube banner to your channel to create memorable YouTube branding. If you’re a new creator, you might be interested in learning more about YouTube end screen designs, YouTube intro videos, and even how to get inspiration from your competitors.
When you’re ready to start editing professional YouTube videos, try Clipchamp’s free online video editor.
