Optimize Images & Videos for YouTube - Size Guide 2026
Upload studio-quality videos and thumbnails to YouTube.
YouTube Image Sizes
| Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Max Size | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail | 1280 x 720 | 16:9 | 2 MB | JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP |
| Channel Banner | 2560 x 1440 | 16:9 | 6 MB | JPG, PNG |
| Channel Profile Picture | 800 x 800 | 1:1 | 4 MB | JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP |
| Community Post Image | 1200 x 675 | 16:9 | 16 MB | JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP |
YouTube Video Specs
| Type | Resolution | Max Duration | Max File Size | Bitrate | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Video (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 | 12 hours | 256 GB | 8 Mbps (SDR), 10 Mbps (HDR) | MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, MKV |
| Standard Video (4K) | 3840 x 2160 | 12 hours | 256 GB | 35-45 Mbps (SDR), 44-56 Mbps (HDR) | MP4, MOV, MKV |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080 x 1920 | 3 minutes | 256 GB | 4-6 Mbps | MP4, MOV |
Recommended Compression Settings for YouTube
Image Compression
- Quality Level
- 90-95% for thumbnails
- Best Format
- JPG for thumbnails (keep under 2 MB), PNG for channel art
Video Compression
- Codec
- H.264 for compatibility, VP9 for quality, AV1 for best compression
- Video Bitrate
- 8 Mbps (1080p SDR), 35-45 Mbps (4K SDR)
- Audio Bitrate
- 384 kbps AAC or 512 kbps for surround
Quick Tips for YouTube
Upload at the highest resolution you can (4K if possible). YouTube re-encodes everything — a 4K upload produces a sharper 1080p stream than a 1080p upload.
Thumbnails must be exactly 1280 x 720 and under 2 MB. Use vibrant colors, large readable text, and high contrast for maximum click-through rate.
Use H.264 with High Profile for the fastest processing. VP9 and AV1 can produce better quality but take longer to process on YouTube.
For Shorts, export at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) and keep videos under 3 minutes. Shorts uploaded at lower resolutions look noticeably worse.
Set audio to 48 kHz sample rate and at least 256 kbps AAC. YouTube does not re-encode audio above 384 kbps, so that is the ceiling.
Free Tools to Optimize for YouTube
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Compress VideoFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best resolution for YouTube videos in 2026?
Upload at 1920 x 1080 (1080p) minimum. If your camera supports it, upload at 3840 x 2160 (4K) — YouTube re-encodes all videos, and a 4K source produces a sharper 1080p stream. Use 16:9 aspect ratio for standard videos.
What is the ideal YouTube thumbnail size?
YouTube thumbnails should be exactly 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) and under 2 MB. Use JPG format for the smallest file size. High contrast and readable text at small sizes will improve your click-through rate.
What codec should I use for YouTube?
H.264 with High Profile is the safest choice — it processes fastest and is widely compatible. VP9 offers better quality at lower bitrates. AV1 provides the best compression but requires more encoding time. YouTube will re-encode to VP9 and AV1 regardless of your upload codec.
What is the maximum file size for YouTube?
YouTube allows uploads up to 256 GB or 12 hours in length, whichever is less. Most creators should aim for under 10 GB per video. For long or 4K content, consider using YouTube upload resumable protocol to avoid failed uploads.
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