How to test a YouTube thumbnail before publishing
Most people see your thumbnail on a phone and at a small size. Check that it works before uploading the video.
The most common mistake
Thumbnails are designed full screen, but they're seen very small: on mobile, among many other videos and at a fraction of their size. Text becomes unreadable and details disappear. Testing it at its real size is the quickest way to notice.
Recommended size and weight
- Size: 1280 × 720 pixels.
- Aspect ratio: 16:9.
- File size: up to 2 MB.
- Format: JPG or PNG.
If your image doesn't meet these, you can fit it with the resizer and reduce its weight with the compressor.
Checklist
- Short text. Three or four words, large and with good contrast.
- A single idea. A face, an object or a clear scene.
- Clear bottom-right corner. The video length appears there.
- Contrast. Test it in the light and dark themes, because the background changes.
- Consistency with the title. Image and title should complement each other, not repeat the same thing.
The title counts too
A very long title gets cut in the video list. At around 60 characters it usually shows in full in most views, although YouTube allows up to 100. Put the important part first.
How to use the tester
Upload your thumbnail, type the title, channel and length, and see how it looks on the home page, on mobile and in suggested videos. The tool warns you if the aspect ratio, resolution, file size or title may cause problems.
See how your thumbnail will look before publishing.
Thumbnail tester