YouTube banner sizes complete guide 2024

2023 is coming to an end, but there’s still time to catapult your YouTube channel!  And not to put the cart before the horse, you must first put all your efforts into reinforcing a crucial element, the YouTube banner. 

Imagine you’re walking into a trendy café with eye-catching decor – that’s exactly what your YouTube banner does for your channel! It’s the first impression, the virtual curb appeal, and it sets the stage for what’s inside. And you definitely don’t want your banner to be an incomplete puzzle, do you?

In this YouTube banner guide, we’ll spill the beans on the latest banner sizes, dimensions, and pro tips to make your channel pop! So grab your creative cap and let’s get ready to turn heads and win hearts on YouTube. 

Why a YouTube banner is important for your channel

Picture this: you’re walking down a busy street, and you spot a vibrant, eye-catching storefront. What’s the first thing that comes to mind? It’s the same on YouTube! Your YouTube banner image is your channel’s storefront, and its importance is no less than a neon “Open” sign.

So, why is a YouTube banner crucial for your channel? Well, it’s all about branding. Your banner sets the stage for your content, giving viewers a sneak peek into your channel’s personality. It’s your chance to make a lasting impression and build a recognizable identity.

Not only that, but it’s your promotional wingman too! Use it to highlight your most recent videos, forthcoming events, or just to convey what your channel is all about. It’s your channel’s canvas, and with the right brushstrokes, you can turn viewers into subscribers. You know what they say: a picture is worth a thousand views!

YouTube banner size and dimensions 2024 guidelines

Now it’s time to unravel the magic numbers that’ll make your YouTube banner look just right in 2024. No more guessing games about what size is a YouTube banner, because we’ve got the scoop straight from the official information published on Google Help Center:

  • The maximum dimension for upload is 2560 × 1440 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio. That’s like having a widescreen canvas to paint your channel’s masterpiece on!
  • Don’t worry if your artwork isn’t that big yet — the minimum dimension for upload is 2048 × 1152 pixels, keeping the 16:9 aspect ratio intact.
  • When it comes to text and logos, every YouTube banner counts with a safe area measuring 1235 × 338 pixels. Maintain your key elements in this VIP zone to ensure they shine on all screens.
  • Your YouTube banner size should fit perfectly for all devices, especially on larger screens. However, keep in mind that it may be slightly cropped on certain views and smaller devices.
  • And here’s a golden rule: simplicity is key! Skip fancy shadows, borders, and frames for a clean and professional look.
  • Lastly, keep your file size under 6 MB for a speedy upload.

These guidelines ensure that your YouTube banner size looks spiffy on all devices, for desktop or mobile. This is how you have the perfect canvas to showcase your channel’s awesomeness in style!

- Maximum YouTube Banner dimension 2560 x 1440 px - Minimum dimension 2048 x 1152 px - Safe area for logos and text 1235 x 338 px

Get inspired with free YouTube banner templates

Our amazing YouTube channel banner templates have been specially crafted to fit your unique channel. Want to check some? Let the inspiration flow and create a banner that shouts, “This is the channel you’ve been searching for!”

Gaming YouTube banner template

Modern and futuristic-designed gaming YouTube banners with a dark color palette.

Find more Gaming Youtube Banner Templates

Fashion YouTube banner template

Fahsion YouTube templates with a modern design and 100% free to edit online.

Find more Fashion Youtube Banner Templates

Music YouTube channel art template

Music YouTube banners with a modern design and ready to edit online.

Find more Music Youtube Banner Templates

A captivating banner is just the beginning of your YouTube success story. Dive deeper into our vibrant YouTube banners collection, and leave your viewers waiting for more! 

How to upload your new YouTube channel art

Now that you have your brand-new design, you can’t wait to hang it on your YouTube channel wall! And as in Wepik we are in everything, we provided you these step-by-step instructions on how to effectively frame your new YouTube channel art and attract more followers. Let’s get started!

  1. First, sign in to your YouTube account. You’ll want to make sure you’re logged in before diving into the creative fun.
  2. Next, click on your profile thumbnail in the top right corner, then select “Your channel.” 
  3. Here’s where the magic happens: click anywhere on the banner area, and you’ll be whisked away to a land of channel customization. If you don’t have a banner yet, you’ll see the inviting “Upload” option. If you’re giving your banner a facelift, you can choose to “Change” or “Remove” it.
  4. Click “Upload” or “Change,” and select your image file. Remember those size requirements we mentioned earlier! You’ll get a nifty preview to see how your YouTube banner art will strut its stuff on different devices. Tweak the crop if needed.
  5. Once you’re happy with the look, click “Done” and admire your handiwork.
  6. Last but not least, don’t forget to hit “Publish” in the top right corner to save your splendid changes. Ta-da! Your channel is dressed to the nines and ready for the spotlight.

Graphic tutorial that shows how to upload a YouTube banner to a channel.

Your YouTube channel is now a canvas of creativity. But the fun doesn’t stop here! For endless inspiration and design adventures, hop on over to Wepik. We’ve got a treasure trove of YouTube banner templates waiting just for you. Let’s paint the town YouTube!