YouTube Banner Size
One number matters most: upload at 2560 × 1440, but design for the 1546 × 423 safe area that every device shows.
Recommended upload size (16:9)
2560 × 1440 px
Minimum 2048 × 1152 px, maximum file size 6 MB. Keep all text and logos inside the central 1546 × 423 px safe area — that's the only region visible on every device.
| Placement | Size (px) | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full upload (TV display) | 2560 × 1440 | 16:9 | Whole image shows on smart TVs |
| Desktop crop | 2560 × 423 | ~6:1 | Wide strip shown on computers |
| Mobile / safe area | 1546 × 423 | ~3.7:1 | The only always-visible region — put text here |
| Minimum upload | 2048 × 1152 | 16:9 | Smaller uploads are rejected |
| Max file size | 6 MB | — | JPG, PNG, BMP, or non-animated GIF |
How to design one banner for every device
YouTube shows radically different crops of the same upload: TVs get the full 16:9 canvas, desktops a wide strip, and phones only the central 1546 × 423 area. The working method is layered design — treat the full 2560 × 1440 frame as decorative background (colors, texture, imagery that can be cropped anywhere), and place everything that must be read — channel name, tagline, upload schedule, social handles — strictly inside the central safe strip.
Common banner mistakes
- Text near the edges — invisible on mobile, where most views happen.
- Uploading a 2560 × 423 desktop-shaped image — TVs will stretch or letterbox it.
- Heavy detail in the safe area corners, where profile picture and link overlays sit.
- Files over 6 MB — compress the JPG or flatten the PNG before uploading.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct YouTube banner size?+
Upload at 2560 × 1440 pixels (16:9). YouTube requires at least 2048 × 1152, and the file must be 6 MB or smaller. The critical part is the safe area: only the central 1546 × 423 pixels are visible on every device.
What is the YouTube banner safe area?+
The central 1546 × 423 px strip of your 2560 × 1440 upload. Phones show only this strip; TVs show the full image; desktops show something in between (2560 × 423). Put your channel name, tagline, and schedule inside the safe area or they'll be cut off on mobile.
Why does my banner look cropped on mobile?+
Mobile crops the banner to the central strip. If text or faces sit outside the 1546 × 423 safe zone, they disappear on phones — which is where most YouTube browsing happens. Redesign with everything important centered.
What file formats does YouTube accept for banners?+
JPG, PNG, BMP, or non-animated GIF, up to 6 MB. PNG keeps text crisp; a well-compressed JPG is fine for photographic banners.
Can I use the same art for TV, desktop, and mobile?+
Yes — that's the point of the 2560 × 1440 canvas. Design one image: decorative background filling the full frame for TVs, all essential content inside the central 1546 × 423 strip for phones.
Is there a free tool to make a correctly sized banner?+
Yes — our free YouTube banner maker includes the safe-zone guide overlay, so you can design directly against the crop lines and export at 2560 × 1440.
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