YouTube Banner Dimensions
The YouTube banner (channel art) size is 2560 × 1440 pixels at a 16:9 aspect ratio. The unusual thing about this banner: it crops to a completely different ratio depending on the device.
Display Sizes by Device
| Device | Visible Area | What's shown |
|---|---|---|
| TV | 2560 × 1440 px | Full image — only place where the entire banner displays |
| Desktop | 2560 × 423 px | Center horizontal strip, full width |
| Tablet | 1855 × 423 px | Center 73% of width |
| Mobile | 1546 × 423 px | Center 60% of width |
The 1546 × 423 Safe Zone
Only the center 1546 × 423 pixels is visible on every device. This is non-negotiable — anything outside that box is invisible on mobile. Place inside this safe zone:
- Channel name
- Tagline / value proposition
- Schedule (e.g. "New videos every Tuesday")
- Key brand elements
Use the area outside the safe zone for ambient design — gradients, patterns, secondary visuals — that adds value on larger displays without breaking the mobile view.
Profile Icon Overlap
On desktop, your channel icon (~98 × 98 px) overlaps the lower-left of the banner. Avoid placing logos, faces, or text in that lower-left area — the icon will sit on top of it.
File Format & Compression
- Format: PNG (sharper text) or JPG (smaller file)
- Max file size: 6 MB
- Color mode: sRGB
- Min resolution: 2048 × 1152 px
What to Put on Your YouTube Banner
The banner is your channel's elevator pitch. High-impact uses of the safe zone:
- Channel name + 1-line tagline: "ProductivityWithSarah · 5-minute lessons for builders"
- Upload schedule: "New videos every Tuesday"
- Social proof: subscriber count milestones, "Featured by [publication]"
- Niche signal: makes it instantly clear what the channel is about
Limit text to 8-12 words total. Use display-size text (96+ px in your design file).
Tips for a High-Quality YouTube Banner
- Upload at the full 2560 × 1440 — don't shortcut to the safe zone size
- Keep critical content in the center 1546 × 423 safe zone
- Avoid the lower-left where the channel icon overlaps on desktop
- Use display-size text: 96+ px in your design file
- Limit text to 8-12 words
- Save in sRGB at under 6 MB
- Need to design one? Use our YouTube Banner Maker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the YouTube banner size?
The YouTube banner (channel art) size is 2560 × 1440 pixels. Even though only the center 1546 × 423 pixels is visible on mobile, you upload the full 2560 × 1440 because the larger area shows on TV displays.
What is the safe zone for a YouTube banner?
The safe zone — visible on every device including mobile — is 1546 × 423 pixels in the center of the banner. Always place your channel name, tagline, and key visuals inside this box.
Why does my YouTube banner get cropped on mobile?
Mobile only shows the center 1546 × 423 pixels of your 2560 × 1440 banner — about 60% of the width and 30% of the height. Anything outside that center safe zone is invisible on phones.
What is the maximum file size for a YouTube banner?
YouTube limits banner files to 6 MB. JPG usually fits well within that. PNG with sharp text may exceed 6 MB at 2560 × 1440 — compress or switch to JPG if needed.
What file format should I use for a YouTube banner?
Use PNG for banners with logos, taglines, or sharp text — PNG keeps text crisp. Use JPG for banners that are mostly photo or scenery to keep file size small. Save in sRGB color mode at under 6 MB.
What is the minimum size for a YouTube banner?
The minimum size is 2048 × 1152 pixels. Anything smaller gets rejected. Always upload at the full 2560 × 1440 px for best quality on TV displays.
Can I use a video as a YouTube banner?
No. YouTube banners are static images only. Some YouTube layouts feature a "channel trailer" video that auto-plays for visitors who haven't subscribed — that lives below the banner, not in place of it.
How does the subscribe button overlap the YouTube banner?
The subscribe button appears below the banner, not on top of it. However, on desktop, your channel icon (98 × 98 px) overlaps the lower-left of the banner. Avoid placing important content in that lower-left area.