YouTube Banner Checker
Upload your channel banner to check it against YouTube's requirements and see which part of it is visible on TVs, computers, tablets and phones — before you publish it.
Checked on your device — nothing is uploaded
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Checks
The shaded areas are only visible on TVs. Keep text, faces and logos inside the green safe area so they show on every device.
How it's cropped
YouTube banner requirements
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 2048 × 1152 px (16:9) |
| Common design size | 2560 × 1440 px — gives extra sharpness on TVs |
| Safe area for text and logos | 1235 × 338 px at the minimum size (about 1546 × 423 px on a 2560 × 1440 canvas), centered |
| Maximum file size | 6 MB |
Source: YouTube Help, "Manage your channel banner". Device crops other than the safe area are approximations and can change when YouTube updates its layout.
Why banners get cut off
YouTube uses one image for every screen. TVs show the whole 16:9 banner, desktops show a wide horizontal strip through the middle, and phones show only the center of that strip. Anything important outside the center safe area — a channel name near the edge, a face at the top — disappears on at least one device.
Tips for a better banner
- Say what the channel is about in a few words inside the safe area, plus your upload schedule if you have one.
- Use the full canvas for background only: textures, colors or scenery that still look fine when cropped.
- Match your thumbnails — the same colors and font make the channel feel consistent. See our typography and color guides.
- Check the mobile view first: most channel visits happen on phones.
More detail in our YouTube banner size guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is my banner uploaded anywhere?
No. The image is read and drawn in your browser only.
Should I use 2048 × 1152 or 2560 × 1440?
Both work. 2048 × 1152 is YouTube's minimum; many designers use 2560 × 1440 for extra sharpness on large screens. Keep the same 16:9 ratio either way.
Why does YouTube say my image is too small?
Both dimensions must reach the minimum. An image that's 2048 px wide but not 1152 px tall (because it isn't 16:9) will be rejected.