YouTube Thumbnail Sizes and Resolutions
YouTube keeps several copies of each thumbnail at different sizes. Which ones exist depends on the video. This page explains each, what to use it for, and what to upload if you are the creator.
Sizes YouTube serves
| Name | File | Typical size | Shape | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | maxresdefault.jpg | 1280×720 | 16:9 | Only when the original is large enough |
| Standard definition | sddefault.jpg | 640×480 | 4:3 | May include black bars |
| High quality | hqdefault.jpg | 480×360 | 4:3 | May include black bars; widely available |
| Medium quality | mqdefault.jpg | 320×180 | 16:9 | Clean frame, small |
| Default | default.jpg | 120×90 | 4:3 | Tiny list preview |
These are typical sizes, not guarantees. The thumbnail downloader measures the actual file for each video.
Aspect ratio and black bars
Three of the five files are 4:3. A 16:9 video placed in a 4:3 frame gets bars on the top and bottom. Pick maximum resolution or medium quality when you want a clean 16:9 image.
What to upload as a creator
YouTube’s guidance has recommended 1280×720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum width of 640 pixels, in JPG, GIF or PNG. Limits can change, so confirm in YouTube Help or YouTube Studio before you upload. Design with a safe margin because the video duration label sits in a bottom corner.
HD versus 4K
1280×720 is 720p HD. Full HD is 1920×1080 and 4K is 3840×2160. Standard YouTube thumbnail files do not reach those levels, so be wary of tools that claim otherwise. See HD and 4K thumbnails for details.
Which size is best for…
- Blog or presentation: maximum resolution.
- Quick reference or moodboard: high quality or medium.
- Preview grid: medium or default.
Next: how to download YouTube thumbnails and how thumbnail URLs are built.