Crop Image for YouTube Thumbnail
16:9 ratio, 1280×720 - crop is ratio-locked for you, free and entirely in your browser.
YouTube thumbnails render at 16:9, and the platform's own guideline is 1280×720 pixels with a 2MB ceiling. A precise 16:9 crop means no unexpected edge-trimming in search results, suggested-video rails, or embeds. Crop tight on faces and bold shapes - thumbnails are usually judged at under 200px wide.
Drop an image here
or click to browse. Accepts any image format.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size YouTube accepts for thumbnails?
YouTube requires at least 640px wide but recommends 1280×720. Below that, thumbnails look soft on TVs and desktop, where they display much larger.
Why does my thumbnail look cropped on some devices?
If the source isn't exactly 16:9, YouTube crops or pads it depending on placement. Uploading a true 16:9 image, like this preset produces, keeps every surface consistent.
Other crop presets
Instagram Post (1:1)
Crop photos to Instagram's square 1:1 post format (1080×1080). Ratio-locked cropping, free and entirely in your browser.
Instagram Story (9:16)
Crop photos to Instagram Story's full-screen 9:16 format (1080×1920). Ratio-locked cropping, free and processed in your browser.
Crop Image
Freeform crop and every preset ratio in one tool