Creating a YouTube banner might seem like a small task, but it plays a huge role in shaping your channel’s identity. A well-sized, correctly formatted banner can instantly capture a viewer’s attention, convey professionalism, and set the tone for your entire brand. But getting that perfect fit isn’t as easy as uploading an image and calling it a day. YouTube has specific dimensions and guidelines that, if not followed, can make your banner look cut off, blurry, or just awkward on certain devices.
In this guide, we’ll break down the correct YouTube banner sizes, explore why they matter, and walk you through tips to make sure your channel art looks great no matter where it’s viewed. We’ll also cover how banners display across various devices, give design tips to make your banner stand out, and answer some common questions along the way.
Let’s make sure your banner represents your channel the way it should.
Ideal YouTube Banner Dimensions and Safe Zones
If you’ve ever uploaded a YouTube banner only to see it look strange on a phone, desktop, or TV, you’re not alone. YouTube uses a responsive design that changes how your banner appears depending on the device, so using the correct size and layout is key.
Recommended YouTube Banner Dimensions
Here are the official size guidelines for your YouTube channel art:
| Element | Size/Dimensions |
| Recommended Banner Size | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| Minimum Banner Size | 2048 x 1152 pixels |
| Maximum File Size | 6 MB |
| Safe Area for Text/Logos | 1546 x 423 pixels (centered) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Supported File Formats | JPG, PNG, BMP, or GIF (no animation) |
What is the Safe Area?
The safe area is the part of your banner that will always be visible across all devices. This is a centered section of 1546 x 423 pixels. If you put your channel name, logo, or any important visual element outside this safe zone, there’s a high chance it might get cropped on some screens.
Why it matters:
Different devices show different portions of your banner:
- On mobile, only the safe zone is shown.
- On desktop, a little more of the sides may appear.
- On TV screens, the full banner may be visible.
This means you should design your banner with the safe area as your priority, and let any background artwork or filler extend into the larger canvas.
How YouTube Banners Display on Different Devices
Your banner needs to look good whether someone is watching from their smartphone during a commute or sitting on a couch watching from a smart TV. Let’s talk about how YouTube handles banners across various platforms.
Mobile
- Only the center safe area (1546 x 423 px) is displayed.
- This is the most limiting view.
- Most users check channels from their phones, so make this area your design focus.
Tablet
- Slightly wider view than mobile but still trims some of the edges.
- Avoid placing text or logos outside the safe zone even for tablet users.
Desktop
- Depending on the screen size and browser window, more of the sides of your banner may be shown.
- Desktop banners usually display around 2560 x 423 px but still prioritize the safe zone.
TV
- On a television, the entire 2560 x 1440 px image is shown.
- This gives you a lot of room for background design elements, textures, or additional branding.
Key tip: Always preview your banner before publishing. Use YouTube’s preview tool during the upload process to see how it looks across different devices.
Design Tips for a Professional YouTube Banner
Creating a banner is more than just knowing the dimensions. It’s about making it visually appealing, readable, and in line with your channel’s brand. Here are some simple tips to help you do that effectively.
- Keep it clean and simple
Don’t clutter your banner with too many elements. Stick to a clear message, logo, or tagline. - Focus on the safe area
Make sure your channel name, logo, and any call-to-action text (like upload schedules or taglines) are placed within the 1546 x 423 px center zone. - Use brand colors and fonts
If you have a logo or color scheme, use those in your banner to keep your branding consistent. - Choose high-quality images
A blurry banner can be a big turn-off. Always use high-resolution graphics that are properly optimized. - Add social media links below the banner
You can’t embed clickable icons into the banner itself, but you can place links just below it in your channel settings. - Test your design on different screens
What looks good on a desktop might get cut off on mobile. Preview it before finalizing. - Avoid too much text
Use just a few words or a short phrase. Too much writing can be hard to read on smaller screens. - Try a template
Many design tools offer templates tailored to YouTube’s banner guidelines. They help you stay within the safe zone and look professional.
Popular design tools for banners include:
- Canva
- Adobe Express
- Fotor
- Snappa
These platforms often have built-in YouTube banner templates that follow current specs.
Frequently Asked Questions About YouTube Banner Sizes
What is the best size for a YouTube banner in 2025?
The best size remains 2560 x 1440 pixels, with a centered safe area of 1546 x 423 pixels.
Why does my YouTube banner look cropped on mobile?
Because mobile devices only display the center safe zone. If your text or logo is outside of this, it won’t be visible on phones.
Can I upload a banner larger than 2560 x 1440?
YouTube may compress or reject images larger than the recommended size. It’s best to stick to 2560 x 1440 and under 6 MB in file size.
What happens if my file is too large?
YouTube will not allow uploads over 6 MB. Compress your image using tools like TinyPNG or export it with lower quality to reduce file size.
What format should my banner be in?
JPG and PNG are the most commonly used. PNG is preferred if your banner has transparency or sharp text.
Can I use animated GIFs in a banner?
No, YouTube does not support animated banners. Stick to static image formats like JPG or PNG.
How do I make sure my banner looks good on all devices?
Use the YouTube banner preview tool during upload and make sure all vital content is inside the safe area of 1546 x 423 pixels.
Is there a free tool to make YouTube banners?
Yes, Canva and Adobe Express offer free templates and tools specifically designed for YouTube channel art.
Can I change my YouTube banner from mobile?
Yes, but it’s easier and more precise when done from a desktop. The mobile app has limited editing features for banner uploads.
Conclusion: Get Your YouTube Banner Right From the Start
Your YouTube banner isn’t just a background image—it’s your brand’s first impression. Whether you’re a gaming creator, educator, vlogger, or business, the right banner size can make or break that first connection with a new viewer.
By sticking to the recommended dimensions (2560 x 1440 px), keeping key elements in the safe zone (1546 x 423 px), and paying attention to how banners show up on different devices, you’ll ensure that your channel looks polished and professional.
Design tools like Canva or Adobe Express can save you time and effort, especially with templates already aligned to YouTube’s specs. And always remember—less is more. Clean, clear, and centered is the way to go.
So if you’re about to create or update your YouTube banner, take the time to do it right. Preview it, tweak it, and make sure it speaks to who you are and what your channel stands for. Your audience will appreciate the effort, and your channel will look better because of it.
Want your channel to stand out? Start with a banner that tells your story before your videos even begin.