how to make youtube cover

Make YouTube Banner

Solidify your branding and build your YouTube community

Drive more people to that red “Subscribe” button or that “Follow” button on other social media networks when you design your own channel art and show the platforms people can find you on. Just like a YouTube intro, your YouTube banner art is the first impression viewers (and hopefully soon, subscribers) get when they visit your channel.

With over 100 different content creation features and a vast library of copyright-free images, videos, and GIFs, Kapwing gives you full creative control to make your own YouTube banner. Don’t lose any potential subscribers or followers on other platforms. Make a solid impression on YouTube now.

How to Make a Banner for YouTube

• Open Kapwing Open Kapwing.com to start making your YouTube banner image. Resize your canvas to the recommended YouTube banner size: 2560px by 1440px.
• Design your custom YouTube banner Add stylized text, your brand colors, drop shadows, and countless other effects to your canvas. Use the social media text presets to write your usernames so people can find you on their favorite platforms.
• Export and upload to YouTube Export your project as a JPEG and download a file. Upload directly to your YouTube channel and watch your community across channels build up.

Level up your YouTube channel with banner art

Set yourself apart from other YouTubers and make your YouTube channel art memorable. Use Kapwing’s YouTube banner maker to make your own YouTube banner image and guide your subscribers (or new viewers) to your community on other social media networks like Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Patreon.

With over hundreds of templates and a huge library of videos, images, and GIFs at your fingertips, Kapwing equips you with exactly the tools and features you need to create compelling YouTube channel art. Use a template or the canvas resizer in the editor to fit the recommended YouTube banner size, which is 2560px wide by 1440px height.

Design the perfect YouTube banner to give you brand consistency and build your community up. Don’t just focus on one platform. Lead your viewers to your other channels and social media networks to give them something they want that’ll have them keep coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I resize a picture to fit a YouTube banner?

What should i put on my youtube banner, how do i download a youtube channel art template, what's different about kapwing.

Kapwing is free to use for teams of any size. We also offer paid plans with additional features, storage, and support.

Create banners for YouTube for free in minutes.

Make custom YouTube channel banners in a flash using our editor with free images, templates, icons, and design assets.

YouTube Banners

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Make your YouTube banner for free on the Adobe Express app.

Make banners for youtube with free templates from adobe express..

Create an on-brand YouTube banner that showcases what your channel content is all about in minutes. Upload your logo and brand colors to your banner design so visitors can recognize who you are at a glance. Drag-and-drop unique Adobe Stock icons, graphics, and other-eye catching visuals to your banner design to quickly grab attention and keep viewers on your channel. Use the Adobe Express YouTube banner generator to combine attention-grabbing imagery with your own brand elements. Check out our range of customizable templates and start creating your free YouTube banner today.

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( Full, Std, sixcols )

(number of templates to load each pagination. Min. 5)

Most Viewed

Rare & Original

Newest to Oldest

Oldest to Newest

(true, false, all) true or false will limit to premium only or free only.

Create a YouTube banner to add some instant personality alongside your video library. Give visitors an insight into your channel’s content and splash some eye-catching visuals at the top of the page. Use the Adobe Express YouTube banner generator to combine attention-grabbing imagery with your own brand essentials, whatever your design skill level. Start today with our free YouTube banner design tool and check out our range of completely customizable templates.

Discover even more.

YouTube Thumbnail

YouTube Video

Social Graphic

Infographic

How to make your own banner for YouTube.

Customize unique banner designs for YouTube.

Start your banner design from scratch, build off a pre-existing template, or turn your channel’s logo and branding into a banner all on its own. Explore the libraries of free images, icons, and design assets available to you right in the editor. Update your banner over time to reflect seasonal changes, channel updates, or even just a fresh new look. There are endless creative opportunities at your fingertips.

Let your channel stand out with our free YouTube banner creator.

Our professional tools make it easy to design something that will capture your audience’s attention. Highlight the area around your Subscribe button to make it easy for your viewers to subscribe. Add your social handles to connect across platforms. Tease upcoming content in your banner and update your design with schedule changes. No matter your design experience, you can create a stunning, on-brand banner that showcases what your channel is all about in minutes.

Instantly create stunning YouTube banners for free.

A well-designed YouTube banner has the power to capture your audience’s attention and encourage them to check out your channel and become subscribers. Customizing your YouTube banner also lets you give them a good idea of what your channel is all about. Make a YouTube banner design that makes a good first impression and helps you stand out. With the Adobe Express YouTube banner maker, you can create a YouTube banner for free in just a few taps.

Get your YouTube banner proportions right every time.

Your YouTube banner should reflect your brand and personality. Use the Adobe Express YouTube banner maker for free to make striking banners that appeal to your audience. To create a YouTube banner that makes a lasting impression, choose banner dimensions that will work well on different screen sizes. Highlight your channel’s content themes, include your upload schedule, use a scroll-stopping background, and avoid making your YouTube banner design too complex. With the Adobe Express banner maker for YouTube, making amazing YouTube banners is a breeze.

Create easier with the Adobe Express YouTube banner maker.

Whatever it is you dream of, the Adobe Express online editor helps you make YouTube banners quickly and easily. Choose any YouTube banner template that resonates with you and begin customizing. Create an impactful YouTube banner in minutes that is tailored to your needs with thousands of free graphics, shapes, borders, icons, and color palette combinations you can add to your project. Plan to share your YouTube banner on socials? Add your brand assets like logos, color schemes, and one-click animated effects to easily capture your audience's attention. Before you wrap up your YouTube banner, co-edit your project with others in real time using an editable share link.

Easily create a YouTube banner with Adobe Express.

Frequently asked questions..

How to Make a YouTube Banner

In a hurry? Make a banner fast with a PicMonkey YouTube banner template .

Call it a YouTube banner , YouTube cover, or YouTube channel art; either way, we’re talking about that big, branded image that hangs top-of-screen on your YouTube channel. YouTube has 14.3 billion visits per month, so it's safe to say having the right banner is crucial for proper branding and engagement.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to make a YouTube banner using a blank canvas or one of our designer-crafted YouTube templates . We'll also share the correct YouTube banner size and tips for creating something that's both on-brand and visually enticing. Let's get to it!

Why use a YouTube banner?

If you're among the 14.3 bil YouTubers out there (we sure are), you've likely engaged with YouTube banners without even knowing it. Between a snappy, well-marketed, well-branded account and one that looks untouched, which are you gonna subscribe to? Exactly.

Now, flip the script. As a content marketer on YouTube, you always want to consider the consumer perspective. What's colorful, catchy, and draws people in? What photos and text represent who you are? What would you want to see as a YouTube visitor? Similar to Facebook cover photos and Twitter header images, YouTube banners reflect what you offer.

Whether you're looking to make all of your marketing channels cohesive, or just need to up your YouTube game, we're here to help. If YouTube's your starting place, know that learning how to make a banner for YouTube can benefit your overall marketing acuity.

Without further ado, here's how to make a YouTube banner in four quick steps.

How to make a YouTube banner in 4 quick steps: Start a new project in PicMonkey . Open a ready-made YouTube Banner template  or a pre-sized blank canvas if you'd prefer to start from scratch. Customize your design with photos , graphics , text , and more. Click Share on the top toolbar to export your banner directly to YouTube. Or download to save on your computer.

More, you say? Sure thing — here are all the juicy details about making amazing YouTube banners and more!

How to create a YouTube banner using a blank canvas

Ready to roll? Start with a blank canvas in PicMonkey.

If you're ready to jump right into the design action, then starting with a blank canvas is the way to go. Just open the blanks section in PicMonkey (pictured above) and select "YouTube channel art" to get to work.

Add your own images & text

You'll want to add some visual goods to a blank canvas. You can easily upload photos and fonts to PicMonkey, or browse our extensive stock photography library . You'll find hundreds of fonts at your disposal too, so no need to worry about running out of design options.

Pro tip: To get all your design elements to line up perfectly, select the Settings icon (the cog) at the bottom of the canvas. Choose the Alignment palette and you can then set your preferred specs.

Customize with easy-to-use tools

Once your main assets are in place, you can use PicMonkey's tools to customize your look even further! Try out things like trendy effects , inspiring color gradients , and wowza textures. If you become a PicMonkey Pro subscriber, you also get our magical Background Remover ; pair that with our Outline tool for a wildly popular YouTube look.

Share directly to YouTube

When you start editing in PicMonkey, your image gets saved instantly to Hub , PicMonkey’s integrated storage. Images stashed in Hub can be re-edited at any time — days, months, years can go by and you’ll still be able to open that image and change the text and graphics . This is very handy for keeping a unified brand look — keep your background and logo the same, but change up the text, for instance.

When you're done with your YouTube banner and ready to upload to YouTube, just click Share on the top toolbar — you can export your banner directly to YouTube from PicMonkey! Or download and save to your computer.

Quick specs and recs

YouTube channel art: 2560 x 1440 px

Minimum requirement: 16:9 aspect ratio AND 2048 x 1152 px

Image size and resolution best practices

Read more here : Sharing to YouTube as a Thumbnail or Banner

How to create a YouTube banner using a template

Customize this template in PicMonkey.

If you want a sleek, stylish look with less work than starting from scratch, explore how to create a YouTube banner with a readymade design template. Cruise our YouTube banner templates and find one that speaks to you. Each of the template’s layers are editable, so you can change the words, font, add graphics, swap in your own pics, add your logo , apply textures—whatever you wanna do to make it yours.

We have YouTube banner templates at-the-ready for pretty much any channel; here are a couple to get ya started.

YouTube banner template for travel channel

A stellar choice for outdoor, adventure-based, or travel channels. Replace the image with a photo of your own, or use this mountainous landscape as any suitable primer for a channel full of breathtaking content. Explore font types and experiment with text masks , 3D layering , and curved text for added wow factor.

YouTube banner template for "foodie" channel

Foodies, assemble! If your channel is culinary-inspired, check out this food-friendly template. Swap our photo for a culinary masterpiece of your own. Keep food images vibrant; it'll add to the tastefulness!

YouTube banner template for DIY projects channel

Graphics come in handy when designing YouTube banners for DIY-inspired channels, or really anything crafty, homemade, personal, etc. Something else that sticks out in this template is its quirky color scheme. Try out different color combinations to find something that's both visually attractive and on-brand.

YouTube banner template for yoga channel

If your business is you , why not put yourself on the banner? Nothing wrong with that. It helps create a personal vibe. If that's what you want viewers to feel from your channel (or if you're a yoga or wellness-inspired brand), then start with this template. Swap out your own photo ( with its background removed ) so that you can be the star of the show.

YouTube banner template for lifestyle channel

If you're a lifestyle brand with a channel that's all about modern elegance, this template is the perfect starting point for your latest YouTube banner design. Curved text, a striking cityscape, and refined black and white coloring give it a sophisticated look. Of course, you're welcome to swap out the photo for one of your own, and you'll definitely want to replace the text with your own brand's font type.

Place important info within the YouTube banner safe area

The YouTube banner that you create will be seen differently depending on the device—it’ll show full screen on a TV monitor, but as a skinny banner at the top of your channel on both a desktop or a mobile device. That’s why positioning your logo or pertinent info within “the safe area” of your banner image is essential.

The safe area is a space within your banner where your content/image will appear correctly without getting clipped or smushed, no matter what browser or device it’s shown in. In other words, it's the most central part of the banner. Here are the safe area specs:

Minimum : 1546 X 423 px. This is the ultimate, super-safe zone, where text and logos are guaranteed not to be cut off when displayed on different devices.

Maximum : 2560 X 423 px. Your safe zone will be visible, and the visibility of the areas on either side of the safe zone will depend on the browser and device.

 Check out this handy visual to see exactly where the sweet spot is: 

The safe area sweet spot is roughly the middle third, horizontally speaking.

You can make slight adjustments to the crop when you upload your banner in YouTube, but you can’t reposition the selection. Your uploaded YouTube banner must be smaller than 4MB. You can check the file size when you are exporting from PicMonkey.

How to publish your banner on YouTube

If you opt to download your YouTube banner design to your desktop first , here's how to then publish it on YouTube:

Log into your account on youtube.com and click My channel from the top-right menu.

At the top of the screen, choose Add channel art if adding new. If replacing, hover over the existing channel art until you see the pencil icon, click it and choose Edit channel art.

Select your new banner. YouTube will present a preview of how it will look on different devices.

If your banner looks the way you want it to, click Select . Otherwise, click Adjust the crop to crop your banner in YouTube, then click Select .

Your banner will load with a Saved! message on top of it. Now it’s ready for its debut!

For more information, visit YouTube's Help Center .

Create a YouTube profile picture a.k.a. YouTube channel icon

The YouTube channel icon is that circle below and to the left of your banner. You can use your profile pic or your logo — consider it another opportunity to cohesively brand yourself and make your channel look spiffy.

The best size for a YouTube channel icon is 800 x 800 pixels, which you can whip up in PicMonkey using a blank canvas . It will render at 98 x 98 pixels once uploaded to YouTube. On a desktop, your channel icon will appear as a circle underneath your banner. On Android and iOS devices, it will appear as a circle overlapping the banner’s lower left-hand corner.

Create YouTube channel art in the PicMonkey mobile app

In the PicMonkey app , begin your design with a YouTube cover blank canvas, then customize your way with pics, text and effects.

Creating a banner, channel icon, or a YouTube thumbnail in the PicMonkey mobile app is super simple to do. You can start with an image and use the Crop tool to get the exact size you need, or grab a pre-sized blank canvas (just like on desktop!).

FAQs about making YouTube banners

More questions? We have answers.

Q: Is it worth it to make YouTube content?

A: YouTube is second only to Facebook in active users and, as video becomes ever more popular in digital marketing, the platform will only grow more. Plus, YouTube is quickly becoming the go-to search engine for younger demographics .

Q: What does a professional YouTube page look like?

A: The banner/cover art and the video thumbnails all match in some way—font or color or design or all of the above. Good-looking channels that are easy to navigate means more click-throughs. The most important factor that determines your video’s visibility is click-through rate . YouTube wants to surface videos that people are clicking on because their ads will get more visibility, and then so will your video. Everybody wins!

Q: YouTube banners are the same thing as YouTube channel art, right?

A: Yep. YouTube banners = YouTube channel art = YouTube covers. Creating cohesive channel art distinguishes you as a serious video creator, and viewers are more likely to watch your content.

Q: What should I include in my YouTube banner design?

A: Brand-centric design elements, like:

Cohesive colors and fonts

Your brand's tagline or slogan (keep it short)

High-quality image(s)

A call-to-action

Remember to stay within the "safe area" of your design. Note that you also have the option to link to your social media accounts and website in your banner — these icons will appear in the bottom right corner.

Q: How do I make a good YouTube banner?

Keep it clean and focused on who you are and what you do. You don't want a design that's too cluttered or visually confusing. Aim for something that'll give viewers a glimpse into your channel and encourage them to stick around for your content.

Congrats! You've learned how to create a YouTube banner that's sure to boost your click rate, drive traffic, and boost your brand.

You can make so many cool things for all your social channels in PicMonkey! Check out: YouTube thumbnail maker , Facebook banner maker , Facebook ad maker , Twitter header maker , and Instagram story maker

Browse more templates for social media:

This article was written by PicMonkey Staff, a multicellular organism of hive-minded sub-parts who just wanna get you the ideas and information you crave, so you can make powerful images that level up your business.

Related Articles

YouTube banner size

Youtube banner safe area, how to upload your banner to youtube.

• YouTube banner templates 

How to size and upload a YouTube banner to give your channel custom art

• You can create and upload a YouTube banner as a header to your branded or personal YouTube channel.
• The recommended YouTube banner size is 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.
• When uploading a banner, there are guides to help you position it so viewers can read text on it.

If you're starting a YouTube channel , adding a banner is an important part of setting it up. After all, it's the first image that people will see when they view your channel. And when done well, it can help you gain subscribers and succeed on the platform.

Here's what you should know about the recommended YouTube banner size, how to best position text on the image, and how to upload an image to your channel. 

Your banner needs to be specific pixel dimensions to format correctly on YouTube:

• Recommended banner size: 2,560 x 1,440 pixels
• Minimum banner size: 2,048 x 1,152 pixels
• Maximum banner width: 2,560 x 423 pixels
• Maximum file size: 6MB

The dimensions listed above are a measure of the width and height of the image, in pixels. These are meant to give your channel page the best look, whether the viewer is on desktop, mobile, or TV.

You should also know about the text and logo "safe area," which measures 1,546 x 423 pixels. The safe area is what people will see on all devices, so that's where you want to confine your text and logos to on the image. For the best result, that information should be centered on your image, both vertically and horizontally.

1. Go to the YouTube website and sign in to your account, if needed.

2. Click on your profile   thumbnail in the top-right corner of the screen, then select Your channel.

3. If you don't have a banner already, select Customize Channel . Or if you have a current banner, click into it and upload a new image, then skip to step six.

4. After the Customize Channel option, select Branding .

5. Under Banner Image , click Upload .

6. Select your image from the pop-up and hit Open .

7. Adjust the image as necessary, using the guides, and when ready click Done .

8. Select Publish .

YouTube banner templates 

You may want to make a YouTube banner from a template, where you can choose a graphic and customize it yourself.

Sites like Canva and Adobe offer a wide range of YouTube banner templates that you can download, re-size, and design to make your own. 

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Main content

YouTube Banners

Create a youtube banner in minutes. try it for free, making a youtube banner is easy with brandcrowd.

Create a professional YouTube Banner in minutes with our free YouTube Banner maker. BrandCrowd's YouTube Banner maker is easy to use and allows you full customization to get the design you want!

1. Find a YouTube Banner template

To get started with BrandCrowd's YouTube Banner maker simply enter your business name and we'll show you related designs, instantly. Browse thousands of YouTube Banner templates and find a design that's perfect for your business. You can also enter keywords to help find a YouTube Banner you really love.

2. Customize your YouTube Banner

Now that you've found a great YouTube Banner, changing the colors, fonts and layout takes just a few clicks. You can move the logo icon, elements, and text. Adjusting the layout of the YouTube Banner template is simple. You can add individuality by adding gradient colors, more shapes, or even some curved text - it's easy to create your perfect YouTube Banner.

3. Download your YouTube Banner!

Easy, right? Crafting your YouTube Banner was too easy! Now it's time to download. Downloading your YouTube Banner design on BrandCrowd is instant with all your files available in your account. Your YouTube Banner comes with the following:

High-resolution files (PNG and JPG) - perfect for sharing

Vector files (SVG, EPS and PDF) - perfect for print

Get started with BrandCrowd's YouTube Banner maker

Enter your business name and we'll start creating YouTube Banners in seconds...

What you get with BrandCrowd's YouTube Banner maker

Thousands of youtube banner templates.

Choose from thousands of YouTube Banner templates , customised with your logo colors to match your brand.

Premium YouTube Banner Designs

Every YouTube Banner in our library is created by professional designers from around the world.

All The Files You Need

Get high-res files & vector files (SVG, EPS and PDF) ready for sharing or printing.

Color and Layout Variations

Choose from several layout options and use any color for your YouTube Banner.

Social Media Templates

Create branded social media designs to match your YouTube Banner. Social posts & stories customized with your brand colors.

Brand Identity Templates

Get access to letterheads and email signatures matched to your brand colors to complete your brand identity.

Unlimited Customization

Edit the layout, colors and font on your YouTube Banner. With unlimited edits you can create as many variations as you want.

24/7 support from our team of design experts, means you're always looked after. Help with customization, download and print.

Royalty Free Logos

Get a worldwide, irrevocable license to use your logo for any commercial and non-commercial purpose.

More than just a YouTube Banner maker

Tell your story with personalised youtube banners.

Complete your brand identity with a personalized YouTube Banner design. A great YouTube Banner helps you create a recognizable brand and grow your network. Don't just inform people of who you are and how they can reach you, but tell your story too - create a high-impact YouTube Banner using the BrandCrowd YouTube Banner maker.

Create the perfect YouTube Banner

Getting a stunning YouTube Banner doesn't have to be a pain. In fact, you can create the perfect design in minutes. All you have to do is use the BrandCrowd YouTube Banner maker to find the perfect design for your business - simply start personalizing the fonts, colors and layout until you've got what you want. Express your brand identity with a YouTube Banner today.

Get more than just a YouTube Banner design

Looking to complete your marketing collateral checklist? BrandCrowd gives you more than just awesome YouTube Banners. With easy-to-use design tools, you can ensure your brand consistently looks its best across the web, social and print. Try our social media and print design tools today - you'll find everything you need to launch your business at BrandCrowd.

How to create a memorable YouTube Banner

Not sure where to start? Need some help creating a great YouTube Banner? Here's a few bitesized tips from the pros:

YouTube Banner colors

Did you know there's a whole world of color theory and psychology? As a business owner it pays to choose the right colors for your YouTube Banner. Whether you want to convey sophistication or you want your brand to appear cheeky, you need to get the color choice right. Colors are the key to nailing your brand message. Find out more

YouTube Banner fonts

Your YouTube Banner won't stand a chance if the font falls flat. Your font selection helps convey meaning and brand personality. Clean, bold typography can help to re-inforce a trustworthy message, whereas a softer font can mean something less serious. Choosing the right font is vital to getting a great YouTube Banner. Find out more

Get Inspiration for your YouTube Banner

There's a lot of options when creating a YouTube Banner - choosing the right orientation, finish, style and colors depends on the message you want your YouTube Banner to convey - these are critical choices in the YouTube Banner design process. Get inspiration below. Find out more

Make your perfect YouTube Banner

Why should you use BrandCrowd to create your YouTube Banner?

Unique YouTube Banner designs

Unlike other makers that use stock icons, our designs have all been handcrafted by a community of top designers. Get a stunning YouTube Banner - always!

Free to use

BrandCrowd's YouTube Banner Maker is free to try. Browse thousands of different YouTube Banners, edit and save as many as you like.

It's fast - create a YouTube Banner in 2 minutes

Pick a design you like and start editing it. In minutes you can make a YouTube Banner you will love.

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How do I make a YouTube Banner with BrandCrowd?

Creating the perfect YouTube Banner is easy with BrandCrowd. Follow these steps an you'll have a design ready to share with the world in no time.

1. Start searching:

To find YouTube Banner templates related to your business enter your business name - we'll show you designs relevant to your business. You can browse the YouTube Banners and choose one you like.

2. Refine your search:

Can't see the right YouTube Banner? No problem, you can refine your search by entering related keywords.

3. Edit your YouTube Banner:

One you've found a YouTube Banner design, you can customize all the colors, fonts and even the layout. You can add more flair with shapes and gradient colors.

4. Download your YouTube Banner:

When you're finished editing, you can download your YouTube Banner, instantly. You'll get all the files you need.

Frequently asked questions

Creating that perfect YouTube Banner with BrandCrowd is easy - but just in case, here's some FAQs to help you get started.

What is the BrandCrowd YouTube Banner maker?

Can i create a more than one youtube banner, can i edit my youtube banner after i've downloaded, does my youtube banner come with a logo, generate youtube banner designs for any industry.

Choose an industry or keyword below and we'll start creating YouTube Banners in seconds...

Popular Keywords

Top industries.

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Add Pro Touch to Your Youtube

Use photovisi collage maker to create a unique youtube homepage banner. our youtube banner app will automatically size your collage to the right format., popular youtube banner designs.

The best way to create your YouTube Channel Cover Photo in seconds. Pick one of our best designs to get started:

YouTube Channel Cover

YouTube Channel Banner

Select Theme and Pick Your Photos

Our template library has hundreds of YouTube channel themes to help you get started. Choose a theme, add photos, and begin custom designing your banner.

Make It Unique. We Take Care of the Rest

With our collage sandbox, you're sure to come out with a unique design that reflects your YouTube page's goals and themes. Stylize your banner by adding graphics, sizing your photos, and selecting a background.

Download Your Banner, Ready to Load

When you're done, our banner app will automatically size your image to fit the YouTube homepage banner window. Just download and install.

Easy Photo Collages With Photovisi

Photovisi is the simplest collage maker on the market. With our collection of social media apps, you can put the power of our design tool to work for you on all the major social media platforms.

Also create social media covers for:

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• Twitter header »
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• YouTube Channel banner »
• Google Plus cover »

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Creating a YouTube cover photo: Dimensions, uploading instructions, and design tips

YouTube was founded in 2005 and became a Google subsidiary in 2006. It is the world's most popular video-sharing platform. More and more companies and individuals are using YouTube as a communication channel and part of their social media marketing to benefit from its remarkable reach. Every day, YouTube receives more than 30 million visitors and more than 300 hours of video content are uploaded to YouTube every minute. We will explain how to create and upload the best possible YouTube cover photo, what the right photo size is, and share our expert design tips.

What is a YouTube cover photo?

Dimensions and formats in detail, dealing with text and image formatting, uploading a youtube cover photo: a step-by-step guide, here is what you should consider when designing your youtube cover photo, checklist for your youtube cover photo, more tips for a successful youtube channel.

A YouTube cover photo is the rectangular banner that appears at the top of your YouTube channel . The image is an important element in the design of your YouTube presence, because it is one of the first things that visitors to your channel see. So you should choose this photo carefully and make sure it is high quality. The right dimensions and formatting play a crucial role in ensuring that your YouTube cover photo looks right on all end devices, be it a smart TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone.

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YouTube cover photo: General information about the right dimensions and displays

Your YouTube cover photo will be displayed in different sizes and aspect ratios depending on the end device (i.e. smart TV, computer, tablet, and smartphone). However, you only need to upload one image. It is automatically adapted to the visitor's device when they visit your channel.

The minimum dimension for upload is 2048 x 1152 px . Banner images are displayed largest on smart TVs. If a visitor views your YouTube channel on a smartphone, for example, the banner image is automatically scaled down to fit this screen view. So you should keep in mind that your YouTube cover photo will be resized when adapting to different devices, and in the process, parts of the image, especially the edges, will no longer be visible. Therefore, make sure that your banner image’s main information is always visible in all the different display sizes and that there’s no awkward-looking image cropping.

Here are the display sizes on each device and the area where text should be for it to always remain visible:

• The minimum dimension for upload is 2048 x 1152 px with an aspect ratio of 16:9.
• The ideal dimension for upload is 2560 x 1440 px and corresponds to how it is displayed on a smart TV.
• The safe area for text and logos is 1235 x 338 px.

Your YouTube cover photo will be displayed on the respective end devices in the following maximum sizes:

• Smart TV: 2560 x 1440 px
• Computer: 2560 x 423 px (up to 507 px may also be visible on the right and left sides)
• Tablet: 1855 x 423 px
• Smartphone: depends on device type, we will use 1546 x 423 px for reference

Important: The file size must not exceed 6 MB . Accepted file types are JPG, GIF, BMP, and PNG.

Do you have a logo, lettering, or text in your banner? Then you need to check that this information is in the safe area. Only this core area is fully visible on all end devices.

You can use photo-editing software that is online or on your computer, such as the Windows Photos app, to crop your YouTube cover photo to fit the correct image dimensions. The free template by Google can help you customise your image. You need to reduce the size of files that are too large before uploading them. Read how to do this in our guide to image compression .

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Once you have created a suitable banner image for YouTube, you can easily upload it to your channel . Here is how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Open YouTube and log in using the ‘Sign in’ button.

Step 2: Click on your profile picture and go to ‘Your channel’ in the drop-down menu. Your channel overview should now open up automatically.

Step 3: Click the ‘Customise Channel’ button in the channel overview.

Step 4: Click on the ‘Branding’ tab in the ‘Channel customisation’ overview.

Step 5: Click ‘Upload’ under the ‘Banner image’ option and select your image file.

Step 6: You can adjust the image to see how it will be displayed in the preview and see which parts of the image are viewable on smart TVs, computers, and all other end devices. Then click on ‘Done’.

Step 7: Finally, click ‘Publish’. Check how your YouTube cover photo looks on all devices insofar as possible.

YouTube cover photo: Design tips

With daily access and visitor numbers in the millions, YouTube offers excellent reach if you have a channel there. However, you will have a whole lot of competition to compete against on the platform. If you want your channel to be a success or even make money with YouTube , you need something that sets you apart from the rest. Your entire appearance should therefore be appealing and professional . Your YouTube banner photo is prominently positioned on your channel page and plays a crucial role in the overall impression you give visitors.

First of all, your banner image’s design and visual language should match your offer. You should also keep in mind that many, if not most, of your visitors will view your YouTube channel using a smartphone. So make sure that your banner image works well on small screens and that any text or details are also easy to read on mobile devices . Favour a simple and uncluttered image design over detailed, complex images.

You can include links to other social media accounts in the bottom right corner. If possible, place the name of your YouTube channel or a logo in the safe area in the middle of the image.

• The YouTube channel cover photo works on all screen sizes, from smart TV to smartphone.
• The theme of your channel and important info are instantly recognisable.
• The design and colour choice match your overall look.
• Any text is easy to read on all screens, including smartphones, and stands out clearly against the background.
• Your profile picture does not cover important information in the mobile view of your banner image.
• Important upload dates and the channel name are added to the banner image when appropriate.
• You own the rights to use the image as a YouTube cover photo.

You can significantly influence the ranking of your YouTube channel if you follow some basic search engine optimisation (SEO) rules. Our SEO tips for YouTube can help you out. Are you active on Facebook and Instagram, too? Then it makes sense for a brand’s presence to use matching or coordinated banners across their various social media channels. Check out our overview for the right image sizes for Facebook and image sizes for Instagram .

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YouTube Banner Size and Dimensions Guide 2024

Written by Melissa DuShane

Last updated on 10th January 2024

YouTube banner size

The current YouTube’s banner size guidelines are as follows:

• YouTube’s Recommended Banner Size is 2560 x 1440 pixels
• Minimum image dimensions: 2048 x 1152 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 16:9
• Minimum image safe area for text and logos: 1235 x 338 pixels
• File size limit: 6MB

Article Contents

YouTube channel art size guidelines

Now, let’s dig into the finer points of YouTube channel art size guidelines. First of all, why so many sizes? In a nutshell, it comes down to how your YouTube banner art will display on the many different sized devices people use, from Android to iPhones all the way up to TV screens.

You want your YouTube banner to look great whether it’s displayed on the largest-size screen at the full 2560 pixels width down to the smallest-size phone screen – or any size in between. Otherwise, you’re potentially losing views of your videos and new subscribers.

Here’s a visual guide to YouTube banner dimensions to help put those numbers in perspective:

As you can see, there’s a pretty huge range of sizes you’ve got to plan for to make sure your YouTube banner art displays optimally on all screen sizes. What looks spectacular on a large screen may be rendered senseless on a smartphone screen. Let’s take a look at a few examples in action:

Depending on your image, it can be tricky to get it right on every size screen. But there’s one key that will help make sure your viewers always see your YouTube banner in the right light, and that’s by knowing your “safe area.”

Know your YouTube banner safe area

To ensure your YouTube banner is viewed optimally, you’ll want to understand your “safe area.” If you’re hearing them for the first time, your “safe area” is the minimum area you need to ensure your banner displays correctly.

Make sure any part of your image that’s essential to your YouTube banner is completely within the safe area of 1235 x 338 pixels. You don’t want anything that looks awkward as this could turn potential viewers off your YouTube channel.

Clever YouTube banner examples

Now that you’ve got the dimensions, file sizes and all-around guidelines for your YouTube banners, it’s time to start thinking about design. To help inspire you, we’ve put together a few of our all-time favourite YouTube banner examples. These are some of the most creative and effective banners we’ve ever seen!

Food Insider

For Food Insider’s YouTube page , they’ve designed a banner showing a series of delicious slices of food from their YouTube stories. The banner has five mouthwatering glimpses of food separated by clean white stripes that match their logo. It’s a nice reminder that your YouTube channel art is part of your brand. Stay true to your brand guidelines, even on social networks.

We’re one of the world’s leading animated explainer video companies , and we wanted the videos on our channel to speak for themselves. As such we’ve gone with a basic banner that shows our logo and our brand colours, with links to some of our other social channels embedded in the bottom right. It’s a colour palette and design theme that matches up well with our website .

Gunnarolla is a globe-trotting producer who makes entertaining short films and music that shows off his unique (and humorous) perspective on the world. For his YouTube channel banner, Gunnarolla has gone for a very similar layout to Food Insider, with his logo in the centre and the addition of his posting schedule below.

Remember, he’s not working with global name recognition the way some of the larger brands on our list have, (like our next mention Google). Gunnarolla wisely spells out what he’s about for his audience.

You recognise those colours, right? With such a recognisable brand and colour palette, Google can play it looser and more image-centric than less recognisable brands who need to spell out what they do.

This beautifully executed piece of YouTube banner art does all it needs to do. The Google logo is nowhere to be seen but it’s still immediately recognisable as Google.

Refinery29’s YouTube channel art ranks among the most ingenious we’ve ever seen. Instead of repeating their logo again, which is also part of the home page, they went in a completely different direction. They wrote out their company name “Refinery 29” in block lettering, which is comprised of images from their website and video content. The effect is like being able to peek through a window to look inside what’s going on at the Refinery 29 YouTube channel, but only being able to catch tantalising glimpses. Guess we’ll just have to watch and find out!

GoPro cameras are known as the choice of outdoor sports enthusiasts. GoPro’s YouTube channel features a banner with the ultimate panoramic shot of a surfer catching a giant wave. They go 100% aspirational. No overlay. No multiple images sandwiched together to give different views. Just one, long gorgeous GoPro shot. The branding over the image is minimal, which lets this spectacular shot shine without distraction.

Want even more inspiration? Take a look at 36 YouTube banner ideas .

YouTube banner template

If you need to make a banner for your channel, using a template can make things so much easier. Thankfully, there are a number of graphic design tools that offer a huge amount of free templates – check out this roundup of the best YouTube banner makers .

How to upload YouTube channel art

Now that you’ve seen some of our favourite YouTube banner art, let’s go through the process for uploading your YouTube banner step-by-step.

Here’s how to add new or existing images to your YouTube channel banner.

1. Sign in to your YouTube account.

2. Click on the thumbnail in the top right, then click “Your channel”.

3. Click anywhere on the banner area. This will take you to the below screen where you can upload, change or remove your profile picture, video watermark, or – the one we want – banner image. If you don’t have a banner yet, you’ll see the option to ‘Upload’ one…

If you already have a banner and you’re just giving it a refresh, then you’ll see the option to ‘Change’ or ‘Remove’ it.

4. Click ‘Upload’ or ‘Change’ and upload your selected image file, taking into account the size requirements we mentioned above. A preview will appear showing you the way your selected YouTube banner art will display across different devices. At this point, you can adjust the crop to change the way an image displays.

5. Click “Done” when you’re happy with your image!

6. Don’t forget to hit ‘Publish’ in the top right of the Channel Customisation screen to save your changes!

What happened to YouTube banner links?

YouTube used to give you the option to enable up to five links to your social media accounts through your banner. It looked like this:

However, you may have noticed from other creators’ channels – or your own – that this isn’t the case anymore. Instead, YouTube allows channels to upload more links (up to 14) to different platforms and these are included directly under the channel description:

The first link gets shown in its entirety and the rest can be viewed on your ‘about page’, so it’s worth putting your most important link at the top of the list!

To add links to your channel, simply head to Customise channel and then click Basic info:

From here, you’ll see the option to add links.

Final thoughts

We hope these examples have inspired you to see your own channel banner in a whole new light. Still hungry for more tips to power up your YouTube game? Then check out our extensive range of YouTube-focused articles, including:

21 YouTube Video Ideas for Businesses

How To Get Verified on YouTube

The Best Fonts for YouTube Thumbnails

How the YouTube Algorithm Works

The 11 Best YouTube Keyword Tools

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world." So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse

When will solar eclipse reach your town? These maps show path's timing, how long it lasts.

Hundreds of cities in 13 u.s. states fall directly on the april 8 eclipse's path of totality as the moon blocks the sun's disc and ushers in darkness. these interactive maps offer a closer look..

Come Monday, millions of Americans from Texas to Maine will stop what they're doing to step outside and spend a few minutes gazing skyward .

Few celestial events have the power to capture our collective attention the way this upcoming total solar eclipse has managed to do. And for those making time to witness it, two questions are bound to be on their mind : Will totality reach my area and if so, how long will the resulting darkness last?

Most people across the country are bound to experience the eclipse in some form, but only 13 states fall directly on the path of totality, where the moon will appear large enough to shield all but the sun's outermost layer, the corona.

As you make your eclipse-viewing plans, these interactive maps should help you chart the time and duration for when totality will occur in cities along the path.

Solar eclipse experiment: Here's why NASA is launching 3 sounding rockets into space during the total solar eclipse

Total solar eclipse path of totality map

The 115-mile-wide path of totality will pass from southwest to northeast over portions of Mexico the United States and Canada.

Mexico's Pacific coast will be the first location in continental North America to experience totality, which will occur at about 11:07 a.m. PDT,  according to NASA .

As the moon's shadow travels northeast, totality in the U.S. will begin at 1:27 p.m. CDT in Eagle Pass, Texas. From there, the path will cut diagonally across the country before ending around 3:35 p.m. EDT in Lee, Maine.

Remember: If you plan to witness the eclipse, proper eyewear is a must until the eclipse reaches totality, then it can be viewed with the naked eye.

Here's a map of some of the larger cities in each of the 13 states on the path to show how the duration of totality will vary:

Cities, states on the path of totality

All told, nearly 500 cities in 13 U.S. states are located on the eclipse's path of totality. Here are some of the major cities in each of the 13 states:

• Dallas and San Antonio, Texas
• Idabel, Oklahoma
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Paducah, Kentucky
• Indianapolis and Evansville, Indiana
• Carbondale, Illinois
• Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio
• Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
• Caribou, Maine
• Erie, Pennsylvania

This interactive map provides a closer look at cities along the path, when totality will arrive there and how long totality will last:

Eclipse watch parties, festivals

Such a rare event is sure to attract skygazing tourists unlucky enough to live outside the path of totality. Fortunately, many cities that will experience the total eclipse are planning plenty of festivities for tourists and locals alike.

This map , courtesy of Kristian Campana at festivalguidesandreviews.com , includes locations of watch parties, music festivals and more all tied to the eclipse's arrival:

2024 total solar eclipse interactive map with zip code search

Perhaps the easiest way to see how the eclipse will impact your city or town, is to put your zip code into USA TODAY's interactive eclipse map .

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]