Resize
Resize for youtube thumbnail (1280×720)
Create a 1280 × 720 thumbnail with a 16:9 center crop. Check the output size before uploading; this preset does not enforce a file-size limit.
Drop images here
or click to browse · JPG, PNG, WebP · multiple files supported
Images are processed on your device and never uploaded.
Options & settings
Works in your browser. No account needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1280 × 720 YouTube's required thumbnail size?
No. It is this tool's convenient 16:9 preset. YouTube's current help recommends a larger 3840 × 2160 image for standard videos, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. You can change Width and Height in Options when you have a sufficiently large source. Enlarging a small source cannot restore missing detail.
Does this tool guarantee a file under 2 MB?
No. This preset controls pixel dimensions and compression, not an exact byte limit. The result shows its size. YouTube currently lists a 2 MB limit for mobile video-thumbnail uploads and 50 MB on desktop; check the current rules for your upload method. If your result is too large, choose JPG and stronger compression, then inspect it again.
What happens to a portrait or square picture?
Cover mode crops equal amounts from opposite edges to fill the 16:9 frame. Move important details toward the center in a photo editor first, or select Fit in Options to keep the whole image. Fit can produce different pixel dimensions because it preserves the source proportions.
Which format should I use?
YouTube lists JPG and PNG. JPG is often suitable for photos; PNG can suit sharp graphics. Compare the actual size and preview rather than assuming either format always produces the smaller file. This tool also offers WebP for other destinations, but choose a format your upload form accepts.
About this tool
A thumbnail has two separate constraints: the shape of the image and the size of the file. A 1280 × 720 image has a 16:9 shape, but its byte size still depends on the image content, format and compression. Changing dimensions alone cannot promise a particular upload size.
This preset applies a center crop. For example, fitting a 1600 × 1200 photo into 1280 × 720 keeps a 1600 × 900 region and removes 150 source pixels from both the top and bottom. A face near the upper edge may be cut off, so check the preview rather than judging only the output dimensions.
Keep a copy of the original, inspect the exported image at full size for compression damage, then view it small to judge readability. Larger type and a clear subject often survive reduction better than fine detail. If you need the larger dimensions in YouTube's current guidance, enter them in Options and start from a source with enough pixels.
Processing happens in this browser and does not upload your source image. The page reports output dimensions and file size, but it cannot inspect your channel permissions or guarantee YouTube will accept an upload. Platform requirements can change; consult YouTube's thumbnail help for your device and content type.
Platform reference: YouTube thumbnail requirements. Check the rules for your upload device.
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