YouTube uses one banner image across screens as different as a 4K television and a phone, so getting the size and safe area right is the difference between a clean header and one with your logo cropped off. This tool returns the exact upload dimensions, cross-device safe area, file-size cap, and format for each YouTube channel asset.
How it works
The channel banner is uploaded at 2560 by 1440 pixels in 16:9, but YouTube crops it per device. Television shows the full width, desktop shows a wide letterbox slice, and mobile shows only a narrow centre strip. The one region that survives every crop is the central 1546 by 423 pixel safe area, so all text and logos must sit inside it.
Profile pictures are square 800 by 800 uploads displayed inside a circle and scaled down dramatically in feeds and comments, which is why a centred, high-contrast subject matters. The optional video watermark is a tiny 150 by 150 transparent PNG that overlays your player as a persistent subscribe cue.
Tips and notes
- Design the banner on a 2560 by 1440 canvas but draw a 1546 by 423 guide box in the centre and never let key elements leave it.
- Export the profile picture at full 800 by 800 even though it displays small — YouTube downscales, and starting higher keeps edges crisp.
- Keep the watermark a simple monochrome logo; detail is lost at 150 by 150.
- Stay under each file-size cap (6 MB banner, 4 MB icon, 1 MB watermark) to avoid upload rejection.