YouTube Banner Size Guide
Everything you need to know about YouTube banner dimensions, the safe area, file requirements, and how your channel art displays across desktop, mobile, tablet, and TV.
Last updated: March 12, 2026
What Is the Ideal YouTube Banner Size?
The ideal YouTube banner size is 2560×1440 pixels. The safe area for text and logos is 1546×423 pixels in the center.
YouTube requires a single banner image that it crops and resizes for every viewing surface. The full 2560×1440 canvas is only displayed on televisions. On desktop, tablet, and mobile, progressively smaller horizontal strips are shown — with mobile showing only the center 1546×423 “safe area.”
Because of this cropping behavior, designing at the recommended 2560×1440 resolution and centering your most important content within the safe area ensures your banner looks great on every device.
YouTube Banner Requirements
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2560×1440 px (minimum) | Full canvas for TV display |
| Safe Area | 1546×423 px | Visible on all devices |
| File Size | Under 6 MB | YouTube rejects larger files |
| Formats | JPG, PNG, WebP | JPG and PNG most common |
| Minimum Width | 2048 px | Below this YouTube rejects upload |
Banner Display by Device
YouTube crops your banner image differently depending on the viewer’s device. Here is exactly how much of your banner each device shows:
| Device | Visible Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TV | 2560×1440 | Full image displayed |
| Desktop | 2560×423 | Horizontal strip |
| Tablet | 1855×423 | Slightly narrower than desktop |
| Mobile | 1546×423 | Safe area only — everything else cropped |
Check Your Banner Size
Upload your banner and verify it meets YouTube's requirements for all devices.
Check Your Banner SizeUnderstanding the Safe Area
YouTube crops banners differently on every device. The safe area is the 1546×423 pixel region at the center of your 2560×1440 image — the only part guaranteed to be visible everywhere, including mobile phones.
Anything outside the safe area may be hidden on smaller screens. This means text, logos, social media handles, upload schedules, and any other key visual information should sit comfortably within this zone. Use the outer area for background imagery, gradients, or decorative elements that enhance the banner on larger displays but are not essential.
A common mistake is placing important content near the banner edges. On desktop, the left and right edges are visible, but on tablet and mobile they get cropped. Always double-check your design by mentally overlaying the safe area boundaries.
Banner Design Tips
Design for the safe area first
Place all essential elements — text, logos, call-to-actions — within the 1546×423 center zone. Extend decorative elements outward for desktop and TV.
Use high contrast
YouTube displays banners against a dark or light background depending on the viewer's theme. Ensure your text and key visuals stand out in both modes.
Keep text minimal
Banners are viewed at a range of sizes. Limit text to your channel name, tagline, or upload schedule. Avoid long sentences that become unreadable on smaller screens.
Test on mobile
Over 70% of YouTube views come from mobile devices. Preview your banner on a phone before uploading to catch any cropping issues early.