Common size

1280 × 720, with a 16:9 ratio.

Why thumbnail view matters so much

Most people do not see the full-size image. They see a very small preview. If the text is thin, the edges are noisy, or the subject is too loose, the first impression falls apart.

More practical export advice

  • Keep the main subject focused instead of spreading too much information across the frame.
  • Avoid placing text too close to the edges.
  • Check the horizontal crop before exporting to make sure the key scene survives.

Open the YouTube thumbnail crop and compress tool