Video Uploads
When creating your video, please keep to a file size maximum of 1GB. Also, we would highly recommend exporting to MP4 H.264 format (which is an industry standard). This will ensure that the most number of people will be able to view your video in the best possible quality.
Thumbnail Image size and resolution
Your custom thumbnail image should be as large as possible, as the image will also be used as the preview image in the embedded player. We recommend your custom thumbnails:
- Have a resolution of 1280x720 (with a minimum width of 640 pixels).
- Be uploaded in image formats such as .JPG, .GIF, .BMP or .PNG.
- Remain under the 2 MB limit.
- Try to use a 16:9 aspect ratio as it's the most used in YouTube players and previews.
Thumbnail policies
All custom thumbnail images must follow our Community Guidelines. Thumbnails that are sexually suggestive, violent or graphic may cause your video to be age restricted. Age-restricted partner videos will not have advertising served against them and will not appear on browse pages.
The ability to upload custom thumbnails may be revoked for creators who consistently use thumbnails that don't follow our guidelines. If your thumbnail privileges have been revoked, we will not be able to restore this privilege.