YouTube Thumbnail Preview and Checker
Upload your thumbnail and title to see how they look in YouTube's home feed, search results and mobile, next to other videos. Check the size and the safe area for text.
How to preview your thumbnail
- Upload your thumbnail image. It stays on your device.
- Type the video title, channel name and duration.
- Look at it next to other videos in the preview grid. Does it stand out? Can you read the text at this size?
- Fix any warnings about size or file size, then upload it in YouTube Studio.
YouTube thumbnail requirements
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Recommended size | 1280 x 720 px |
| Minimum width | 640 px |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| File size | Under 2 MB |
| Formats | JPG, PNG or GIF (not animated) |
What makes a thumbnail get clicked
- Two to four big words that add to the title, not repeat it.
- A clear face or subject with a readable expression.
- Strong contrast so it stands out on both light and dark mode.
- One focal point. Busy thumbnails become unreadable on small phones.
- Honesty. Misleading thumbnails get clicks but lose viewers fast.
Get thumbnail text ideas from the YouTube title generator and resize images with the image resizer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this thumbnail preview free?
Yes. It is free with no sign-up, and your image never leaves your device.
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
1280 x 720 pixels, a 16:9 ratio, under 2 MB.
Why can't I upload a custom thumbnail?
You may need to verify your YouTube account by phone and have the right feature access in YouTube Studio settings.
Where should I avoid putting text?
Avoid the bottom-right corner, where YouTube shows the video length, and keep key elements away from the edges.