template
YouTube Channel Banner Template
Copy the YouTube channel banner template: 2560 × 1440 px recommended size, 2048 × 1152 px minimum and 1235 × 338 px safe area.
Last checked: 2026-05-03
How we calculate this
Methodology and source handling
We start with the platform placement, confirm the recommended pixel canvas and aspect ratio from the listed sources, then document safe-area and export guidance for the template.
Quick answer
Copy-ready answer
Create a YouTube channel banner at 2560 × 1440 px. The minimum upload size is 2048 × 1152 px. Keep text and logos inside the centered 1235 × 338 px safe area, because the same banner is cropped differently across devices.
Safe area
Design inside the crop-safe area
Use this guide to keep text, logos, faces, products, and calls to action away from crop-risk edges.
Dimensions and specs
| Recommended canvas | 2560 × 1440 px | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum upload | 2048 × 1152 px | |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | |
| Safe area for text and logos | 1235 × 338 px | |
| Max file size | 6 MB | |
| Best use | Channel branding across TV, desktop and mobile |
Formula
How to calculate this size
Export at the recommended pixel canvas before upload or handoff.
Reduce width and height by their greatest common divisor.
Use fit for no crop, fill or center crop for exact coverage, or pad when borders are acceptable.
Export checklist
Before you upload
Create the artboard at the template dimensions before placing content.
Keep critical details inside the safe zone and treat the outer edge as crop or bleed risk.
Resize a finished image locally when the destination needs a PNG, JPG, or WebP export.
Common mistakes
Avoid these template setup mistakes
Keep the most important content inside the guide area so responsive crops, bleed trimming, or platform overlays do not hide it.
Scaling the template into a different shape can stretch artwork or crop text; compare sizes before adapting.
Keep the editable SVG or source layout, export PNG/JPG for upload, and use PDF when you need a handoff or print guide.
Templates
Download starter files
Use the SVG, PNG, or PDF starter as a visible guide for the full canvas, safe area, bleed, and crop-risk edges.
Calculator
Check aspect ratio and screen pixels
Use the prefilled target, swap orientation if needed, and copy the reduced ratio before preparing screenshots or previews.
Compare
Compare YouTube Channel Banner Template
Open a curated comparison or send both sizes into the compare tool with a fragment URL.
Platform notes
Requirements and crop behavior
Workflow
Setup steps
Canva
Create a custom design at 2560 × 1440 px. Add a centered rectangle sized 1235 × 338 px as a temporary guide. Place the logo and text inside that rectangle. Delete or hide the guide before export.
Photoshop
Create a 2560 × 1440 px canvas. Add guides that mark the centered safe area. Keep the background full-bleed across the whole canvas, but keep all important text and branding inside the safe area.
Figma
Create a 2560 × 1440 px frame. Add a centered component named safe-area-youtube-channel-banner sized 1235 × 338 px. Lock it as a guide layer so future updates stay safe.
Template
Template zones
| Zone | Size | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full canvas | 2560 × 1440 px | Background artwork that can crop on different devices |
| Minimum canvas | 2048 × 1152 px | Smallest upload size YouTube lists |
| Safe area | 1235 × 338 px | Logo, channel name, tagline and important text |
| Edge area | Outer canvas | Decorative imagery only |
Center the 1235 × 338 safe area inside the full canvas. Do not place the channel name, schedule, URL or sponsor logo outside that area unless it is acceptable for those details to disappear on some screens.
Guidance
Design tips
A YouTube banner is closer to responsive web art than a fixed poster. The outer image should look good when cropped. Use textures, gradients, patterns or wide photography in the outer area. Keep precise typography, social handles and logos in the central safe area.
Template
Safe-area, bleed, and crop notes
Use the downloadable guide as the full canvas. Keep critical content inside the safe area, extend backgrounds to bleed or crop-risk edges when needed, and export only after checking the destination page.
| Download | Best use |
|---|---|
| SVG | Editable vector starter file for layout tools. |
| PNG | Quick raster preview or upload starting point. |
| Shareable layout guide for print, handoff, or review. |
Related
Related pages and tools
Same branch
Nearby pages
FAQ
Common questions
What is the best YouTube banner size?
Use 2560 × 1440 px for the recommended YouTube channel banner canvas.
What is the YouTube banner safe area?
The safe area for text and logos is 1235 × 338 px, centered in the banner.
Why does my YouTube banner crop differently?
YouTube uses the same banner across TV, desktop, tablet and mobile. Each view can crop the outer canvas differently.
What should go outside the safe area?
Only decorative background imagery should go outside the safe area. Do not place essential text or logos there.
References
Sources and references
Original draft source confidence: official_platform_spec.
YouTube Help lists the minimum banner dimensions, safe area, recommended dimensions and file-size limit for channel branding. Keep this page’s verification date current because platform branding requirements can change.
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YouTube Help: Manage your channel branding
Reviewed for this PixelMeasures article cluster.
Last checked: 2026-05-03