Channel growth & SEO
YouTube Banner Size: Dimensions, Safe Area and Design Tips
One image has to work on a TV, a laptop and a phone. That's why YouTube banners have a large canvas but a small safe area. Here are the exact numbers and a simple way to design around them.
On this page
Key takeaways
- Minimum upload: 2048 × 1152 px (16:9), up to 6 MB. Many designers use 2560 × 1440.
- Keep text and logos inside the centered safe area: 1235 × 338 px at the minimum size (≈1546 × 423 on a 2560 canvas).
- TVs show the whole image; desktops a wide middle strip; phones only the center.
YouTube banner dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 2048 × 1152 px |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Safe area (text and logos) | 1235 × 338 px at 2048 × 1152 — centered |
| Common design canvas | 2560 × 1440 px (safe area ≈ 1546 × 423 px) |
| Maximum file size | 6 MB |
Source: YouTube Help, "Manage your channel banner".
How the banner is cropped on each device
- TV: shows the full 16:9 image — the only place the top and bottom of your banner appear.
- Desktop: shows a wide horizontal strip through the middle. On very wide screens, more of the width is visible.
- Tablet: a narrower slice of that strip.
- Mobile: roughly the safe area only.
Upload your design to the banner checker to see exactly how it's cropped, or download its free 2560 × 1440 template with the zones marked.
How to design a banner that works everywhere
- Start with the safe area. Put your channel name, a short description of what you make, and (optionally) your upload schedule inside it.
- Treat the rest as background. Colors, gradients, textures or scenery that still look good when cropped at any width.
- Keep faces and key objects near the center, never at the top or bottom edge.
- Use large, simple type — on phones the whole banner is only a few centimeters tall. The principles in our thumbnail typography guide apply here too.
- Match your thumbnails with the same colors and font so your channel page feels consistent.
- Export at 16:9, under 6 MB, as JPG or PNG.
What to put on a channel banner
- What the channel is about, in a few words ("Budget travel in Asia", "Beginner woodworking projects").
- When you upload, if you keep a schedule.
- A visual that fits the niche — your face, your workspace, your subject.
Leave out long lists of social handles: YouTube shows your links separately in the channel header.
Common problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| "Image is too small" | Both dimensions must be at least 2048 × 1152. Check the image is exactly 16:9. |
| Text cut off on phones | Move it inside the centered safe area. |
| Blurry banner on TV | Export at 2560 × 1440 with good JPG quality, or PNG for graphics. |
| Upload fails | Reduce the file under 6 MB. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best YouTube banner size?
2560 × 1440 px is a safe choice for design, as long as the important content stays inside the central safe area. The minimum YouTube accepts is 2048 × 1152 px.
Is the banner the same as channel art?
Yes — "channel art", "banner" and "channel banner" refer to the same image at the top of your channel page.
Can I change my banner on my phone?
Yes, from the YouTube app or YouTube Studio. The same size rules apply.
Sources
- YouTube Help — Manage your channel banner
Keep reading
Channel growth & SEOHow to start a YouTube channelFrom picking a focus to your first ten videos — setup, verification, branding and the path to monetization.Read guide 
Thumbnail designColor theory for thumbnailsValue, hue and saturation explained for thumbnails that stand out in light and dark mode.Read guide