Designing a YouTube Channel Banner feels like solving a puzzle. That’s because YouTube uses a single image to serve three very different screens: TV, Desktop, and Mobile.
You are required to upload a massive 2560×1440 pixel image. However, if you spread your text across that entire canvas, 90% of your viewers won’t see it.
The Official Specs
- Dimensions: 2560 pixels (width) by 1440 pixels (height).
- Minimum Dimensions: 2048 x 1152 pixels.
- File Size: 6MB or smaller.
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9.
The “Safe Zone” Rule (Critical!)
This is where most creators fail. YouTube crops the image differently depending on the device:
- TV Users: See the full 2560×1440 image.
- Desktop Users: See a thin strip across the middle (2560×423).
- Mobile Users: See an even smaller “Safe Zone” in the absolute center (1546×423).
The Strategy:
You must place your logo, channel name, and schedule inside the 1546×423 Safe Zone in the very middle of the image. Treat the rest of the 2560×1440 canvas as “background decoration” that only TV viewers will see.
Why 2560×1440?
Even though most people watch on mobile, YouTube requires this high-resolution file to ensure your channel looks crisp on 4K Televisions. Always upload the full resolution, but design for the smallest screen.