Why does YouTube recommend 1280×720?

It's YouTube's minimum recommended thumbnail resolution — anything smaller can look blurry once YouTube scales it up for different placements (search results, suggested videos, mobile).

How strict is the 16:9 check?

A small tolerance is allowed for rounding, but a noticeably non-16:9 image (e.g. a square photo) will fail the aspect-ratio check — crop it to 16:9 first.

Does this tool upload my thumbnail anywhere?

No — dimensions and file size are read locally in your browser.

YouTube Thumbnail Checker

Check a thumbnail image against YouTube’s recommended 1280×720, 16:9, under-2MB spec.

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Choose a thumbnail image

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How it works

1
Choose your thumbnail image

Its dimensions and file size are read automatically.
2
Checked against YouTube's spec

1280×720 minimum, 16:9 aspect ratio, under 2MB.
3
Read the verdict

Each requirement is shown as pass or fail.

FAQ

Why does YouTube recommend 1280×720?: It's YouTube's minimum recommended thumbnail resolution — anything smaller can look blurry once YouTube scales it up for different placements (search results, suggested videos, mobile).
How strict is the 16:9 check?: A small tolerance is allowed for rounding, but a noticeably non-16:9 image (e.g. a square photo) will fail the aspect-ratio check — crop it to 16:9 first.
Does this tool upload my thumbnail anywhere?: No — dimensions and file size are read locally in your browser.