Updated Apr 2026
YouTube Profile Picture Size & Image Dimensions 2026
The YouTube profile picture size is 800 × 800 px, uploaded square and displayed as a circle at 98 × 98 px on the channel page. Channel banners are 2560 × 1440 px and thumbnails 1280 × 720 px. Below: every YouTube image dimension for 2026, including Shorts, Community posts, and end screens. Comparing platforms? See profile picture sizes for every platform.
Quick Reference
| Image Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Banner | 2560 × 1440 px |
16:9 | 6 MB |
| Video Thumbnail | 1280 × 720 px |
16:9 | 2 MB |
| Profile Picture | 800 × 800 px |
1:1 (Square) | 4 MB |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080 × 1920 px |
9:16 | Varies (video) |
| Community Post (Square) | 1000 × 1000 px |
1:1 | — |
| Community Post (Portrait) | 1080 × 1350 px |
4:5 | — |
Detailed Specifications
Channel Banner (Channel Art)
Upload Size
2560 × 1440 px
Safe Area (All Devices)
1546 × 423 px
TV Display
2560 × 1440 px
Desktop Display
2560 × 423 px
Mobile Display
1546 × 423 px
Max File Size
6 MB
Pro Tips:
- Critical: Keep logos, text, and key visuals within the 1546×423 safe area (centered)
- Upload 2560×1440 for TV screens, but only center area displays on desktop/mobile
- Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, GIF (non-animated)
- Design horizontally — vertical elements get cropped on desktop
Video Thumbnail
Recommended Size
1280 × 720 px
Minimum Width
640 px
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Max File Size
2 MB
Formats
JPG, GIF, PNG
Pro Tips:
- 1280×720 is optimal — displays sharp on all devices including 4K TVs
- Use bold text (min 30pt) and high contrast for readability at small sizes
- Include faces (increases click-through rate by 50%+)
- Avoid clickbait — YouTube penalizes misleading thumbnails
- Keep under 100 KB for faster loading (use JPG at 80-90% quality)
Profile Picture (Channel Icon)
Upload Size
800 × 800 px
Display Size
98 × 98 px
Aspect Ratio
1:1 (Square)
Max File Size
4 MB
Pro Tips:
- Displays as circular crop — center your subject
- Upload minimum 800×800 for crisp quality on all screens
- Use simple logo or face — small details won't be visible
- Profile picture appears next to every video/comment — make it recognizable
YouTube Shorts
Resolution
1080 × 1920 px
Aspect Ratio
9:16 (Vertical)
Max Duration
60 seconds
File Type
MP4, MOV
Pro Tips:
- Vertical 9:16 fills the mobile screen (like TikTok, Instagram Reels)
- Keep important content in center — UI overlays top/bottom
- Add subtitles — 60%+ watch without sound
- Shorts are auto-looped — ensure smooth loop for re-watch
Community Post Images
Square Format
1000 × 1000 px
Portrait Format
1080 × 1350 px
Aspect Ratio (Square)
1:1
Aspect Ratio (Portrait)
4:5
Pro Tips:
- Square (1:1) is safest for consistent display
- Portrait (4:5) takes up more space on mobile feeds
- Use Community posts for polls, updates, and engagement between videos
End Screen Elements
Minimum Size
300 × 300 px
Placement
Last 5-20 seconds
Element Types
Video, Playlist, Subscribe, Channel, Link
Pro Tips:
- Add end screens to last 5-20 seconds of every video
- Promote your best-performing videos or playlists
- Include subscribe button — converts 10%+ viewers to subscribers
- Leave space in final seconds for end screen elements (avoid text/faces in bottom half)