YouTube banner size essentials — dimensions, format and latest tips

In the busy world of YouTube videos, your banner is like a big hello to everyone who visits your channel. A clear, well-designed banner helps your online brand. It speaks volumes before the play button is even pressed. The visual cue tells viewers, “You’re in the right place.”

A good YouTube channel banner tells your story at a glance and will make visitors want to see more of your content. Get the right YouTube banner size and format to ensure your banner looks equally great on computers and phones.

Read on to explore everything you need to know about YouTube channel art, YouTube banner size, dimensions, and the latest tips from Clipchamp.

Why YouTube banners matter for your YouTube channel

Have you ever stumbled upon a YouTube channel and instantly understood what it's all about just by glancing at the channel banner? The magic lies in the clear and unique art showcased at the top of the page. The best YouTubers have a knack for creating banners that are a visual handshake, offering a warm welcome to viewers while subtly sharing the essence of their brand.

Whether you're a gamer making videos to share the thrill of victory, a traveller showcasing the beauty of unseen places, or a lifestyle guru offering daily inspirations, your banner is the billboard that announces your channel’s theme to the world.

Ideal 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 for the optimal width and height of a YouTube banner.

Banner image guidelines for desktop

• Recommended YouTube banner size: 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 

Banner image guidelines for iPhone, iPad, and Android

• Banner in desktop display: 2560 × 423 pixels

• Banner in tablet display: 1855 × 423 pixels

• Banner in mobile display: 1546 × 423 pixels

• Banner in TV display: 2560 × 1440 pixels

• YouTube’s minimum size for the safe area of text and logos: 1235 x 423 pixels.

Note: Larger images may get cropped on particular views or devices.

YouTube banner format and file size

Choosing the right YouTube banner format and size ensures your banner looks crisp and professional while loading quickly on all devices. YouTube supports a variety of file formats for banners, including JPG, PNG, BMP, and non-animated GIF, but each format has its pros and cons. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

JPG (JPEG)

This is one of the most commonly used image file formats due to its ability to compress large files into smaller sizes. However, JPGs use lossy compression, which means some image quality is sacrificed to reduce file size. If your YouTube banner has a lot of colors or gradients, you may notice slight blurring or loss of detail. Use JPG for banners where file size needs to be minimized, and you don't mind a bit of quality loss.

PNG

PNG files support lossless compression, meaning they retain all the image detail and quality without any loss. They are ideal for YouTube banners that contain text, logos, or graphics with transparent backgrounds. PNG files tend to be larger than JPGs but provide superior image quality. PNG is the best choice if your banner relies on sharp text or detailed graphics.

BMP

BMP files are uncompressed and, therefore, can be quite large. They provide the highest image quality but are generally not recommended for web use due to their large file sizes, which can slow downloading times. Unless you have a specific need for the highest possible image quality and file size isn’t a concern, it’s best to avoid BMP for YouTube banners.

Non-animated GIF

While GIFs are more commonly known for animations, YouTube only supports non-animated GIFs for banners. Like BMP, non-animated GIFs are larger in size without significant quality benefits over PNG. These are generally not recommended unless you have a specific use case.

To ensure your banner looks its best and loads quickly, we recommend using PNG as your preferred YouTube banner format for high-quality images with text or graphics, and JPG for simpler images where file size is a priority.

All YouTube banners must be under 6 MB, so remember to check your file size before uploading. With Clipchamp, you can easily export your designs in the optimal format.

YouTube banner aspect ratio

YouTube banners have a standard aspect ratio of widescreen 16:9. To ensure that valuable information appears correctly across all devices, make sure to place it in the YouTube banner safe area.

The “safe zone” is the area in the center of your banner that is guaranteed to be visible across all devices (desktop, mobile, and TV). Keep important text and logos within this central space to ensure they aren’t cut off. However, testing your YouTube banner across different devices is equally important to see how it appears in real-world scenarios.

YouTube channel art with text and graphics

As creators, you can sprinkle viewer-friendly text, images, color schemes, emojis, and even clickable buttons on this virtual canvas, all while adhering to YouTube banner guidelines. While text elements are not mandatory in channel art, they can be a powerful tool to convey your channel's persona. Just watch out for the YouTube banner safe area.

Here are some suggestions (please don't use them all on one banner!):

• 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 

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio 

2. Click the customization tab, then the branding

3. Click the change button and select an image. To make changes, select a preview and change the crop, then click on done

4. Click on the publish button

Upload a YouTube banner image from your iPad, iPhone, or Android

1. On your YouTube app, tap on your profile picture 

2. Tap the your channel tab

3. Tap the edit channel button, then tap your banner image on the right

4. Upload a banner from your camera roll or take a new photo

5. Tap on the save button to finish

3 epic YouTube banner examples

1. Xbox

"Xbox" uses its banner to promote new gaming releases. What makes it stand out is:

• High-quality artwork grabs attention

• Prominent game title and recognizable gaming theme

• Bold “Play Now” button encourages engagement

• Balanced layout with dynamic characters and scenery

2. High on Life

The "High On Life" banner amplifies the lifestyle channel's vibe. What makes it stand out is:

• Bold, large, and easy-to-read text which makes the message instantly visible

• The serene beach scene background adds to the positive message and theme

• The turquoise text in high contrast stands out against the light background, enhancing visibility

• The minimalistic design avoids clutter, keeping the focus on the core message

3. Unbox Therapy

The "Unbox Therapy" banner reinforces the channel's brand identity. What makes it stand out is:

• Prominent, distressed font makes the name instantly recognizable

• The packing peanuts reinforce the unboxing theme

• White and orange text on a dark background ensures readability

• Simple, minimalist design directs attention to the channel name

YouTube banner best practices

Creating visually appealing banners for YouTube channels isn't just about following technical guidelines. It’s also about representing your channel’s identity in a way that resonates with your audience. Here are some best practices to consider:

• Keep it simple: A cluttered banner can be overwhelming and hard to read. Stick to minimal text and clear, high-quality images that convey your channel’s message at a glance.

• Complement your YouTube channel brand and icon: Your YouTube banner should work in harmony with your brand and channel icon so ensure it reflects the same colors, fonts, and style across your other social media profiles, videos, and website. This brand consistency helps build a solid and recognizable visual identity, making it easier for viewers to connect with your channel. You can consider using color psychology to influence viewer perception—such as blue for trust or red for excitement—and choose fonts that reflect your channel's professional or casual tone.

• Include key information: Make your banner informative by including crucial details like your upload schedule, tagline, or a short content description. For instance, adding text like “New Videos Every Wednesday” or “Your Go-To Channel for DIY Crafts” gives viewers an immediate idea of what to expect from your channel. This is especially helpful for first-time visitors who are deciding whether to subscribe. Keep this information concise and well-positioned within the safe area.

• Add a CTA (call-to-action): A concise call to action could encourage viewers to subscribe, visit your website, or follow you on other social platforms. This could be as simple as “Subscribe for weekly videos!” or “Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content!”

How to use your YouTube banner for brand building

YouTube channel headers are the canvas on which creators paint their brand's personality, create bridges to their social realms, and share essential channel tidbits. It's more than just a decorative header; it's a dynamic billboard where you can communicate and connect with your audience. Here’s how you can leverage your aesthetic YouTube banner art to build your brand and keep your viewers in the loop:

1. Announcements: Share exciting news like channel collaborations or partnerships. It’s a great spot to highlight temporary or special events.

2. Channel news: Got a new series coming up? Or a change in your video posting schedule? The banner is your news ticker.

3. Subscriber milestones: Celebrate your growth by sharing subscriber milestones. It’s a thank-you note to your audience for their support.

4. Channel updates: Any tweaks or overhauls to your channel’s theme? Keep your audience updated with a banner shout-out.

5. New video upload days: Have a regular posting schedule? Display your upload days so your audience knows when to tune in.

6. Spotlight on a specific video: Direct attention to a must-watch video or a playlist that encapsulates your brand.

7. Community events: Promote upcoming community events, like Q&A sessions or live chats, to foster engagement and build a tight-knit community.

8. Live stream updates: Got a live stream coming up? A banner update is a visual RSVP invitation.

9. Upcoming meet and greets: Meeting your audience in person? Announce meet-and-greet events on your banner to drum up excitement.

Your banner is a prime real estate for nurturing a vibrant community around your brand. With a dash of creativity and strategic updates, it can become a powerful tool in your YouTube channel's toolkit.

So, as you venture into the realm of YouTube, remember that your banner is more than just a decorative header. It’s the visual essence of your channel, the first impression, and as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make it count by considering the design and optimal width and height of your YouTube banner to ensure maximum impact.

If you’re a new creator, you might be interested in learning more about YouTube intro videos, and how to get inspiration from your competitors.

Create professional YouTube videos today with Clipchamp for free or download the Clipchamp Windows app.