What does the New York Times Square remind you of?
For me, it’s the dazzling array of billboards advertising anything from sporting events to high-budget Hollywood productions, from high-end fashion products to non-profit organizations.
It’s a world of brilliant colors, mind-blowing imagery, and awesome videos.
These billboards have only one purpose. To attract attention and make the viewers take action.
The YouTube Banner is your personal billboard that is placed at the top of your YouTube channel page.
The YouTube banner sets the tone for audience engagement with your channel.
Furthermore, it provides a glimpse of the channel’s theme and also stands out as the most memorable and recognizable element of the YouTube channel.
You and I, clearly agree that every YouTube channel needs a banner. How should the banner look?
There is no single answer. Hence, I’ll leave that to you. What is the ideal YouTube banner size?
This is something that I can help you with.
For the next 5 or 10 minutes (depending upon how fast you soak up the words) we’ll discuss the ideal YouTube banner size or dimensions in 2024.
The Ideal YouTube Banner Size
To design a perfect YouTube banner, a thorough understanding of YouTube banner guidelines is a must.
A clear understanding of the various banner sizes will help you strategically place the brand elements.
YouTube Banner Guidelines
My YouTube channel banner looks perfect on my laptop screen.
So, why should I follow YouTube banner guidelines? This thought might have crossed your mind once or twice.
YouTube wants your banner to look good not just on your computer.
It wants the banner to look just right on screens, whether it’s Android, iOS, smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or TV.
People will access your YouTube channel from different screen sizes, browsers, and devices.
Following the YouTube banner size guidelines will ensure your channel’s main page appears constant always.
Let’s learn the basic banner size requirements in the ascending order:
What is the recommended minimum YouTube banner image dimension?
It’s 2048 x 1152 pixels.
What is the minimum safe area in the YouTube banner image?
It’s 1546 x 423 pixels. Remember, that you need at least this much screen real estate to include text and logos.
The logo or any brand element within the safe area will be visible even on the smallest device screen.
What is the maximum recommended YouTube banner size?
It’s 2560 x 1440 pixels. This ideal size ensures you have enough space to use your creativity to design an eye-catching banner that the audience will identify and remember.
Additionally, small banners when displayed on large screens (for example: TV) will appear stretched and blurry.
Following the maximum recommended size ensures your banner looks best on all devices, from handheld smartphones to large TVs.
What is the maximum permissible banner file size?
Keep the banner file size small without losing the quality of the image.
The ideal file size, suggested by most experts is 6MB or less. You can use any format, but the ideal choice with efficient compression is JPEG.
Try different sizes of the same banner and check the quality and performance of each dimension and size before making the final decision.
If all these terms such as ‘maximum’ and ‘minimum’ is confusing. Then let me simplify and categorize the banner dimensions for you.
- Ideal banner size for mobile screen: 1546 x 423 pixels
- Ideal banner size for tablet screen: 1855 x 423 pixels
- Ideal banner size for laptop and desktop screen: 2560 x 423 pixels
- Ideal banner size for TV screen: 2560 x 1440 pixels
What Is the YouTube Banner Safe Area?
Talking about screen size, there is a world of difference between handheld smartphones and large-size TVs.
YouTube understands the vast difference in displays of various devices. Hence, it recommends a minimum safe area which is 1546 x 423 pixels.
Anything within the safe area will be visible to the viewers on all devices regardless of the screen size or shape.
Create a YouTube banner only after gaining a clear understanding of the banner safe area.
Why? YouTube is at liberty to crop your banner image to suit the different screen sizes.
For example, elements in the periphery areas of a YouTube banner displayed on a large TV will not be visible when viewed on a smartphone.
While creating a YouTube banner, make sure all the essential (and important) elements such as brand logo, brand information, etc. are placed within the safe area.
The banner safe area ensures your channel is favorably and flawlessly presented to the audience.
This discussion about the YouTube banner safe area reminds me of an incident that happened to Stephen Merchant, the co-writer and co-director of The Office.
The British comedy TV show won multiple Golden Globe Awards including the Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical.
During The Graham Norton Show, Stephen Merchant said he was excited to win the award and was eagerly expecting to see his photo appear in a national newspaper for the first time.
Unfortunately and to his horror, half of his face was cropped out from the picture in the newspaper.
A poorly clicked picture ruined Stephen Merchant’s happiest day.
Similarly, a poorly created YouTube banner that doesn’t follow the safe area guidelines can ruin your chance of attracting viewers and subscribers.
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Best YouTube Banner Examples
Viewers watch one of your videos and they love it.
They want to check your other videos or they are curious about the brains behind the channel.
The YouTube banner may not be their first impression, but it can certainly leave a lasting impression on them.
The use of generic photos or stock images will never get you the desired results.
Stick to the guidelines but get your creative juice flowing.
Don’t know where to start? You can take inspiration from YouTube channels that have cracked the success code.
Here are some noteworthy YouTube banner examples:
Learn with Shopify
If you’re creating your first YouTube banner, here is a lesson in simplicity.
The ‘Learn with Shopify’ gets straight to the point – a direct message that highlights the essence of the channel.
The banner focuses on the message and not on the design.
The plain black background helps the viewers focus on the text.
The banner speaks directly to the audience whether it’s a newbie or experienced ecommerce entrepreneur.
The big bold channel name and persuasive subheading convey that the visitor has come to the right place to learn and grow their online business.
Insider Food
Simple, neat, and colorful pictures of mouthwatering food.
The Insider Food banner stops the viewers in their tracks.
Sometimes a collage of food images can appear as a total mess.
But the Insider Food banner appears simple and neat.
The five food images are separated with white stripes that match their logo design.
The channel name – Insider Food – is placed at the center and written in a large font reinforcing the brand identity.
Babish Culinary Universe
If subtle branding is an art, then you won’t find a better artist than the one who designed the YouTube banner for Babish Culinary Universe.
The banner is an unadulterated visual delight yet soothing, inviting, and engaging.
Even without the channel’s name on the banner, you can understand what it is about just by seeing the ‘whisk’ that replaces ‘I’ in Babish.
Plus, adding the blurry image of the host in the background is pure genius.
Gunnarolla
Here is a banner image that’s worth a million words. Seeing the banner it becomes quite clear the kind of quirky, entertaining videos awaiting the viewers.
Similar to ‘Insider Food’, the Gunnarolla YouTube banner is a collection of images of the host having absolute fun traveling and tasting delicious food.
The banner fully captures the gist of the YouTube channel – globe-trotting, side-splitting videos on anything and everything related to food and travel.
GoPro Camera
While there are countless options for indoor filming, GoPro is the best for capturing action and adventure moments.
The GoPro brand has become synonymous with adventure.
Therefore, there is no need to include photos of adventure sports on the GoPro YouTube banner.
The banner showcases their highly successful GoPro 12 Black, with a splatter of color beads in the background.
The banner signifies GoPro has outdone itself and its latest achievement is leaps and bounds better than the previous models.
How to Add/Change Your YouTube Banner?
The banner is the first to greet the visitors coming to your YouTube channel page.
It adds personality to your channel and is a crucial part of the branding effort.
If you don’t have a banner, then it’s time to add one.
Then again, if you have one, that too for a long time, it’s time to update with a new banner image.
Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to add/change your YouTube banner image:
Step 1: Open YouTube and Sign In to your account.
Step 2: On the top right corner, click the profile image to open the drop-down menu, and press the YouTube Studio link.
Step 3: To the left of the ‘Channel Dashboard’ interface, scroll the menu options until you reach ‘Customization’. Click the link to open the ‘Channel Customization’ page.
Step 4: On the ‘Channel Customization’ page choose ‘Branding’. Next, under the ‘Banner Image’ option, press ‘Upload’ to select and upload the banner image from your computer. Finally, click ‘Publish’ for the world to see your banner image.
Step 5: If you want to change an existing banner, then press the ‘Change’ option to upload your new YouTube banner image.
Useful Design Tips for Your YouTube Banner
To create this section, we tap into our vast experience, scores of interviews with experts, and several days of research. Here are some best practices for creating your YouTube banner:
Create a YouTube banner that is clear and Impactful
Your YouTube banner should be a blend of five ingredients: a clear message, compelling design, visual hierarchy, and brand consistency.
The banner is the first element that viewers see on visiting your YouTube channel.
You have only a few seconds to capture the audience’s attention. Make this opportunity count. How?
Create a compelling design. The banner need not be too colorful and flashy.
Create a clean and simple design that’s easily recognizable.
Always place the crucial brand elements at the center – inside the safe area.
You do this for two reasons: (a) the brand elements will be visible on all devices, and (b) the center (safe area) will receive more attention than other parts of the banner.
Additionally, don’t deviate from your overall brand style guide.
Humanize the banner image
You must have heard the saying, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’. Do you know what is also true?
A YouTube banner featuring a face is worth a thousand subscribers.
The world is full of gorgeous places and breathtaking colors.
But, none is more arresting and impactful than a human face.
I believe it’s in our biological makeup. People are attracted to faces and then there is an immediate urge to connect.
Furthermore, if you’re the host or protagonist of the YouTube channel, then it’s imperative to add your face to the banner. This will help humanize your channel.
Lastly, it’s easier for the audience to recognize a face than logos or other brand elements.
Add a compelling call to action on the banner
The YouTube channel banner is prime real estate.
Put it to good use by adding a call to action (CTA).
You can use the CTA to increase subscribers, share more information about the channel or yourself, or guide them to your website.
Your target audience visiting your channel and staring at the banner serves no purpose.
Your YouTube banner should induce action.
A compelling call to action that gives a clear direction to the viewers is sure to receive more clicks.
When creating a call to action, make sure it stands out.
You can use the size, color, and placement of the CTA to attract the attention of the viewers.
Keep your banner current and up-to-date
The banner is the best place to advertise the new and exciting happenings on your YouTube channel.
You can use the banner to inform the viewers about the new product launch, your latest project, your biggest achievement, your recent award, and even the change of your logo.
Additionally, use a byline in the banner to announce when and how often you publish videos.
Don’t just use YouTube banners to create a first impression, use them to advertise and promote.
How? Update your banner for special events, holidays, etc. Like articles and videos, banners that are updated regularly have a greater impact on the audience.
Pay attention to the text in the banner
If you’re new to banner art and design, keep it simple by focusing on the text to attract viewers.
This is a tip not just for beginners, but for everyone.
You can use a piece of graphic art, your brand or business logo, stock-free images, or even a frame from your video.
Additionally, include text that hooks viewers and informs them what the channel is about.
Also, pay attention to the font, color, and size of the text.
Make sure the text color and font align with your brand identity across platforms.
Finally, include buttons (or links) to your other social media accounts.
This will help you engage, nurture, and build relationships with the audience outside of YouTube.
Final Thoughts
The YouTube banner is your ticket to the viewer’s heart. It’s the first and best opportunity to make the audience fall in love with your channel.
Use the information and tips to make this opening count.
Remember, even an eye-catching banner that isn’t scaled right won’t work.
It can even be construed as a lack of professionalism and dedication in running a YouTube channel.
Design creative banners and adopt the right size to maximize your YouTube channel’s success.
Cristian Stanciu is a freelance video editor, owner, and post-production coordinator of Veedyou Media – a company offering video editing services to videographers, marketing agencies, video production studios, or brands all over the globe.
