YouTube banner size and safe area
Build channel art that keeps the name, message and logo readable when YouTube crops the banner for different screens.
Dimensions and safe area
A YouTube channel banner is shown at different crops depending on the viewer's device. Put the channel name, logo and any short message in the central safe area. Use the surrounding canvas for backgrounds and other details that can disappear without changing the meaning.
Before publishing, check the preview YouTube shows during upload. Confirm that the important content remains visible in every preview rather than relying on the desktop crop alone.
- Keep essential text and logos together in the centre.
- Extend the background across the full artwork so wider crops do not expose empty edges.
- Use large, high-contrast text that remains clear when the banner is reduced.
How to lay out the banner
Start with the content that must survive every crop. A short channel name and one clear visual usually work better than several competing messages.
- Place the essentials firstKeep the logo, channel name and main message inside the central safe area.
- Build the background outwardContinue colour, texture or photography across the full canvas without adding vital details near the edges.
- Check every cropUse YouTube's upload preview to inspect how the banner appears across the device views it provides.
Checks before upload
Review the banner at a small display size. Look for text that becomes hard to read, a logo that blends into the background or a subject that is cut awkwardly by the central crop.
A viewer should still understand the banner when only the centre is visible.
YouTube can change its upload requirements and previews. Check the current guidance shown in YouTube Studio before exporting final campaign artwork.
Need a complete banner set?
Approve one master design, then receive the formats selected for your platforms.
YouTube banner questions
Why does my YouTube banner look cropped?
YouTube presents channel art at different crops on different screens. Keep essential content in the central safe area and treat the outer canvas as optional background.
Where should the channel name go?
Place it near the centre with enough clear space around it. Check that it remains readable in every crop shown during upload.
Should I put a long message on the banner?
A short message is easier to read when the banner is reduced. Move detailed information into the channel description or individual video artwork.