YouTube thumbnail size in the browser
YouTube’s recommended thumbnail size is 1280×720. PixShrink’s YouTube preset exports that frame locally. If the encoded file is over 2 MB, quality is lowered in small steps to try to land under that hint — it will still download if the file stays larger.
Nothing is uploaded. You can start from JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, or HEIC. Crop is the default when the photo is not 16:9 — drag the preview to reframe.
How to make a YouTube thumbnail
Step 1
Open PixShrink
Use the compressor on the home page. No account.
Step 2
Select YouTube 1280×720
That preset sets the exact size. JPEG is the most compatible output; WebP or AVIF can be smaller if YouTube accepts them for your workflow.
Step 3
Drop the artwork
A 16:9 source maps cleanly. Other aspect ratios use cover crop unless you choose Fit & pad. Drag the crop preview to pick the region.
Step 4
Check the size, then download
If the row mentions a quality nudge, the tool tried to stay under 2 MB. If it is still over, try a lower quality or WebP. Save the file and upload it to YouTube yourself.
2 MB is a target, not a wall
YouTube documents a 2 MB thumbnail limit. PixShrink treats that as a goal: it may reduce quality slightly, then still offers the file if it cannot get there. You are not blocked from downloading.
Safe area
Keep titles and faces away from the very edges. Drag the crop preview so important parts stay inside the 1280×720 frame.
FAQ
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