Your thumbnail is the first thing viewers see, so creating the best thumbnail for YouTube right is going to make your content pop-out to users. Using the wrong thumbnail size could make it appear blurry or cut off, a sure fire way to get your videos overlooked on YouTube.

Let's cover the exact YouTube thumbnail dimensions, file formats, and best practices to help your thumbnails look sharp on every screen.

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions and Parameters

If your image isn’t naturally fit to become a YouTube thumbnail, try our 

. It instantly formats your thumbnail to the ideal size for YouTube (1280 x 720), making it look sharp and professional.

But size is just one step toward creating the best YouTube thumbnail. You’ll need to consider a few more factors to make your video look professional across all platforms.

Aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between width and height. The 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard for most visual media, including YouTube and YouTube thumbnails. Using this aspect ratio means your image is 16 units wide for every 9 units tall.

While YouTube long form videos are 16:9, YouTube Shorts are 9:16.

This ratio matches YouTube’s video player and prevents your thumbnail from being cropped, stretched, or distorted.

Your YouTube thumbnail is often the first impression viewers get of your content, showing up in multiple high-traffic areas, including:

YouTube Search Results — Thumbnails appear alongside titles when users search for videos.

YouTube Homepage & Recommended Feed — Your thumbnail competes for attention in the suggestions feed and home screen.

Channel Page — Thumbnails line your video library, impacting how your channel looks to potential subscribers.

Subscriptions Feed — Subscribers see your thumbnail in their feed when you upload new content.

Social Media — When your video is shared outside YouTube, your thumbnail often displays as the preview image.

External Sites — When your video is embedded, your thumbnail will be displayed until the viewer clicks play. And embeds can be any custom size.

Your thumbnail is going to be seen in both large and small formats, and getting the size just right keeps the design uncluttered.

How to Upload or Change a YouTube Thumbnail

How Do I Make My Thumbnail Look Sharp on All Devices?

Your thumbnail needs to look great on everything from mobile phones to Smart TVs. Here’s how to keep it sharp and clickable everywhere:

Use high-resolution images at the recommended 1280 x 720 pixels.

Stick to supported formats. The ideal choices are:

JPG - which is the typical choice as it has a good quality and, since it’s generally smaller, has a faster loading time

PNG - which is good for higher quality images

Avoid uploading thumbnails smaller than 640 pixels wide.

Test how your thumbnail looks at small sizes because most viewers see it in a tiny preview.

Why Do Simple YouTube Thumbnails Perform Better?

Your thumbnail will appear in crowded spaces like search results, suggested videos, and social feeds, often as a tiny image competing for attention. That’s why clear, uncluttered design makes all the difference.

Quick tips to make your YouTube thumbnails stand out:

Limit text to 3-5 words max, bold and readable on mobile.

Use high contrast colors to help your thumbnail pop.

Focus on one clear subject—don’t overload the image.

Stay consistent with your style to build brand recognition.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to replicate some popular thumbnail designs from your favorite creators, you can do so with 


What About YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Dimensions?

YouTube Shorts videos use a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, typically 1080 x 1920 pixels. But when uploading a custom thumbnail from a desktop, YouTube applies the standard 1280 x 720 pixel, 16:9 thumbnail.

Currently you cannot upload custom thumbnails for Shorts from a desktop.

YouTube may auto-generate Shorts thumbnails.

In the mobile app, when you edit a Shorts video, you will have the option to pick and edit a thumbnail.

Adding a custom YouTube Shorts thumbnail can be a bit tricky, but we tell you how to do it in 

The right YouTube thumbnail size makes your videos look professional and helps attract more clicks. Stick to the recommended specs, 

 and use tools like vidIQ to streamline the process.

Gold play button with vidIQ logo inside broken golden ruler circle on coral background

Yes, most AI thumbnail makers, including tools like 

, are designed to follow YouTube’s recommended specs by default. They help you create thumbnails at 

Use 1280x720 (16:9), keep it under 2MB, big readable text (3–5 words), high contrast, one clear subject, avoid tiny text, test 2 versions and swap fast.

The Best YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions for 2026

 and the exponential rise of AI on YouTube. We’re

 which YouTube trends will shape the heart of content creation. We’re 

 for creators to develop new passions. And most of all, we’re eager to break down every YouTube trend so you can grow your channels in 2026!

Before the end of the year, our team of creators sat down together to discuss the emerging trends set to redefine the platform. According to them, 

2026 represents a genuine inflection point.

 The platform is evolving from a video-first website into a full-fledged ecosystem where AI assists every stage of production, monetization extends far beyond traditional ads, and viewer satisfaction trumps all else. And with the introduction of communication tools like 

, 2026 is the year YouTube will complete its transformation into a comprehensive creator ecosystem.

So, are you ready to explore the future of YouTube? Pay attention to these nine trends, as they might affect your views, watch time, subscribers, and revenue.

robots with the updated youtube ai policy

Artificial intelligence had a breakout year and is still going strong. Tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Midjourney, and vidIQ's

 help creatives make content faster. Because of that, we’re seeing the rise of 

. Creators are outsourcing their content creation using AI software (or hiring humans) to design thumbnails, script videos, edit footage, and create voiceovers quickly. Some creators make a lot of money doing this — six figures, even.

AI has also found its use in other stages of YouTube creation. YouTube introduced Ask Studio, an AI creative partner that provides personalized summaries of video performance. 

Unfortunately, many people use AI in damaging ways, like impersonating celebrities and spreading misinformation. 

 to protect creators against these possible woes by:

Requiring creators to say when they’ve used AI in their content.

Penalizing non-disclosure by potentially removing content.

Allowing creators to request the removal of AI-generated content that impersonates them or infringes on their privacy.

However, YouTube is enthusiastic about the inclusion of AI in video content. With the new auto-dubbing feature, creators can reach a much larger global audience by translating their videos seamlessly into other languages with a single click! AI-assisted editing reduces production time, while advanced analytics guide content optimization.

More and more, creators are ditching highly-produced videos in favor of authentic, unfiltered content. Take a look around YouTube: The thumbnails are getting simpler, and fancy edits are quietly disappearing. Even the storylines themselves have a relaxed, meandering pace, because now, it’s about creating intimacy with viewers.

 has been at the forefront of this trend, but he's not alone. 

, originally a horse channel, has pivoted to posting uncut videos that share life lessons. Creators are shifting toward sincere videos, and that's bound to continue in 2026.

A thumbnail with the words this is thumbnail A

While some creators have simplified their thumbnails and titles to appear more genuine, that doesn’t mean the YouTube click wars are over. In fact, they’re just beginning.

 that’s designed to help you get more watch time. Creators can upload multiple versions of a thumbnail, let YouTube show them to different viewers, and analyze the results of the experiment. Whichever thumbnail receives the highest share of watch time is the one to use going forward.

In 2025, they followed it up with title testing as well. 

This empowers every creator, big and small, to present their best thumbnails. It doesn't matter if creators opt for a simple design; thumbnail testing, by definition, makes YouTube more competitive.

If you are facing trouble in making different thumbnails for your videos to compare in the testing tool, 

An average user on YouTube spends about 40 minutes in a single browsing session

, a number that is significantly higher compared to other social media platforms. Earlier, we talked about authenticity, but another important trend that we've noticed this year is a clear preference for long-form videos.

Creators are increasingly focusing on "evergreen content," which are videos that remain relevant and attract consistent views over time. With an ever-expanding YouTube audience, content niches like tutorials, educational videos, and documentary-style storytelling are poised for significant growth. And most of these requirements are best addressed through long-form content, so expect to see more of it.

With the rise of more viewers watching YouTube on TV, episodic documentary-style content may also be a lucrative trend to watch out for. These formats appeal to viewers seeking high-production value or immersive storytelling experiences.

A woman getting lots of hearts during a livestream

YouTube had previously announced that creators could monetize their channels with just 

 and 3,000 hours of watch time. That’s a sharp decrease from the 1,000-sub, 4,000-hour requirement we’ve seen in the past.

Notably, you can’t monetize content through video ads if you only have with 500 subscribers. YouTube is restricting these creators to fan-funding revenue only, such as 

Meanwhile, super fans are the ones who donate money, not casual YouTube viewers. That will push creators to 

if they want to make real money through fan funding.

It seems like YouTube wants small creators to have loyal fans before they become big creators. That raises the quality of videos and viewers (i.e., watch time) on YouTube.

A phone with the YouTube logo and money in the background

The idea of relying solely on ad revenue is definitely over. YouTube has expanded creator monetization with stronger community-based earnings and shoppable video integrations, creating multiple income streams that successful channels now benefit from simultaneously.

New revenue streams gaining traction in 2026 include:

: YouTube introduced side-by-side ads for livestreams, where ads play alongside the live video without interrupting the viewing experience.

 Creators can now seamlessly switch public streams to members-only streams, offering exclusive live content to subscribers.

: A fully developed learning platform with structured modules, in-video quizzes, and multilingual dubbing that creators can monetize through one-time purchases.

: AI now automatically places product tags at moments when creators mention products, simplifying affiliate marketing and direct sales.

: YouTube launched a center where brands can find and collaborate with creators more easily, with AI suggesting suitable creator-brand matches.

While creators still receive the larger percentage from Ad revenue, average CPM varies dramatically by region and niche. This geographic variation means diversification isn't optional; it's essential for stable income. And these new steps mean we're heading there.

7. Algorithm Shifts and Discovery Changes

Graphic reading "2026 what's next" with a YouTube logo

The introduction of engaged views as a measure for viewer satisfaction has changed the game quite a bit for creators. The platform cares more about whether viewers felt their time was well spent than whether they watched every second of your video, and can now measure it.

Here's what that means in practice. Short videos with high retention can now outrank longer videos where viewers drop off. The algorithm examines repeat views, whether viewers continue watching other videos in the same session, and even negative feedback, such as "not interested" clicks, to gauge satisfaction. 

So, expect YouTube's recommendation system to become more personalized and intent-driven, increasingly favoring videos that target specific viewers or intent.

three males filming a dancing youtube short

Gone are the days when creators were strictly making either vertical or horizontal videos. This is the year of the 

People now watch short snippets to find new producers, then watch longer videos to get to know them better. This viewer behavior has created distinct strategic roles for each format.

ouTube Shorts now receives over 200 billion views per day

, making them ideal for first contact with potential subscribers, especially younger mobile-first demographics. Meanwhile, long-form remains the monetization powerhouse. More households are watching full series, documentaries, livestreams, and premium content formats on YouTube, with production expectations continuing to rise.

The real strategic opportunity lies in approaches that treat formats as complementary rather than competitive:

: Building recurring formats where viewers watch multiple episodes, signaling sustained interest to the algorithm

: Creating vertical clips that tease insights from longer videos, ending with cliffhangers that drive traffic to main content

: Breaking complex topics into digestible segments that work independently but reward continued viewing

: Extracting the most engaging moments from long-form content as standalone Shorts rather than simply cropping footage

YouTube may emphasize more balanced ecosystems where Shorts feed into long-form discovery, and creators who master both formats will capture attention at every stage of the viewer journey

9. The Rise of VR Gaming (Virtual Reality)

 to be more than $22 billion by 2025. So, it makes sense that this style of entertainment is flooding YouTube, especially in the gaming space.

For example, check out the screenshot below. According to vidIQ’s keyword explorer, viewers want to see VR content from games. They’re also searching for VR gamers and commentators (

) as well as VR technology (Soundcore VR P10 earbuds).

All of these keywords have high search volume on YouTube and low competition from other creators. That means the VR space is relatively fresh and ready to be tamed by some lucky creators.

Now that you know which trends to watch out for, here's how to update your channel and get more views!

YouTube logo with a jagged line graph shooting through it

YouTube logo with rising digital graph arrow representing video growth and analytics trends

What will video creation look and feel like in 2026? Dive into YouTube trends surrounding AI, content formats, and the transformation of the platform.

The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2026

One of the big challenges that creators are facing with the rise of AI and the adoption of AI-generated content is the threat to their identity being misused. With a recent update, YouTube has indicated this concern as a priority.

In the video above, Rob tested this feature to help you through the process. In this post, we'll dive deeper into it.

YouTube is testing a new feature that scans uploaded videos to find appearances of a creator's face or voice, specifically to detect if those appearances were generated or manipulated using AI. Think of it as identity-focused detection.

It's similar in concept to YouTube's Content ID system for copyright protection. But there's a key difference. Content ID protects copyrighted media like music or video clips. This system focuses on biometric identity, like your face and voice.

How to Remove Copyright Claims on YouTube

Content ID is about ownership. Likeness detection is about personal identity and consent.

Before YouTube can detect your likeness, it needs to know who you are. That means identity verification. Creators who want to enable this feature must first verify their identity with YouTube. The verification process usually includes:

how to enable likeness detection on YouTube studio

Once verified, YouTube begins scanning videos across the platform to find where their likeness may appear. Creators can then review flagged videos inside YouTube Studio, under the 

Likeness tab under the Content detection section on YouTube studio

This is where YouTube surfaces videos it believes contain your face or voice, whether those appearances are original, reused, or potentially AI-generated.

What Creators Can Do with Detection Results

Not every detection is a problem. After a video is flagged as containing your likeness, you have three options:

 under YouTube's privacy policies, especially for unauthorized deepfakes or AI-generated content that misleads viewers.

 if the video reuses your original content without permission.

 if they're legitimate collaborations, authorized uses, or simply not worth taking action on.

The tool doesn't automatically take videos down. It puts the decision in the creator's hands. That's intentional. Context still matters, and YouTube isn't trying to be the final judge of intent.

Of course, we can't expect things to be totally perfect from day one, but there are some glaring issues to contend with for now.

"Now, something that's worth noting is that it does not ask you to speak during the recording process, which can only mean one thing, right? Yes. In the support pages, it confirms that only your visual likeness is tracked," says Rob

The system can sometimes flag real footage, including genuine uploads by the creators themselves, as potential mismatches or AI-generated content. That's not surprising. Facial recognition and AI detection are still probabilistic systems. They make educated guesses, not definitive judgments.

YouTube has been upfront about this. Since the tool is still in beta, its detection quality is not yet perfect. If you're using it, the review step isn't optional. You can't simply assume that every flag indicates misuse. It's a signal, not a verdict.

Why This Matters for Creators Going Forward

If you're building a presence on YouTube in 2026 and beyond, your face and voice aren't just assets; they're also targets. So, the timing couldn't have been better from YouTube.

Platforms like YouTube are under pressure to do two things at once: encourage creativity and innovation while protecting creators from misinformation, impersonation, and identity misuse.

But there might be simpler ways to combat this, as Rob mentions in the video,

"I think what YouTube are missing here is the option they have in the copyright detection tool, which is to simply contact the creator and politely ask them to remove the offending content and not have to take more drastic action."

The tool is early, imperfect, and still evolving. But with this step, we can now establish that platforms are starting to treat identity the way they once treated copyright. And that's a line of action creators should be paying attention to.

YouTube has natively introduced an AI-powered likeness detection system that helps creators protect their identity online. Learn how to enable it, what it detects, and its current limitations.

AI Likeness Detection on YouTube: How it Works

If you've ever been five seconds into a video and got slapped with a loud ad about toothpaste, you’ve probably wondered: Is YouTube Premium worth it? Or better yet, 

 now, and what are you getting for that price?

 and some fresh updates rolled out in 2025, YouTube Premium is trying to be more than just "YouTube without ads." In this post, we’ll dig into what YouTube Premium is offering today, how it's evolving, and whether it deserves your monthly subscription.

No ads, original content, and videos that play in the background: For video fanatics, this is just a small taste of what 

 offers to subscribers. Formerly known as 

, this rebranded service combines a variety of features for the perfect YouTube binge.

Here’s a complete list of all the exciting Premium features:

Offline video viewing (download and watch later)

Offline music listening (download and listen later)

Background play (content plays outside app/when phone is closed)

These are great perks for viewers; however, creators will appreciate Premium for a different set of reasons. While the audience can expect fewer interruptions on the app, creators are getting what they’ve always wanted from the deal: more ways to increase their revenue on YouTube.

The service also lets creators get paid through your subscription, so you're still supporting the people you watch, even if you're skipping ads.

How Creators Earn More Money With YouTube Premium

And now for the big question: How does it all work? How are creators able to make more money on top of AdSense revenue with YouTube Premium?

In a nutshell, YouTube shares some of its Premium revenue with creators. Whatever the portion may be, the platform distributes this money to creators based on much 

So, for example, if one channel receives higher Watch Time than another, it gets a larger chunk of money. In the end, YouTube takes a 45% cut of a creator’s Premium earnings, just as it does for ad-generated revenue.

Nevertheless, earning some extra cash with Premium is something to aspire to. Every video on YouTube’s free platform is available on the paid version, so no matter what, your videos will contribute to your Premium Watch Time and earnings.

Let’s talk numbers. As of 2025, YouTube Premium offers several subscription options:

: $22.99/month for up to 5 family members aged 13+ in the same household

You also get a one-month free trial, so there’s no harm in taking it for a test run.

But here’s the twist: YouTube is now testing 

, a stripped-down version that offers ad-free viewing but 

 background play, no downloads, and no YouTube Music. It's cheaper, and for many users, that might be all they need.

Premium Lite is being piloted in the U.S. after earlier tests in Germany, Australia, and Thailand. The idea? Offer more flexible price points while still keeping the ad-free experience intact.

The New Premium Tiers: More Choice, Not More Confusion

YouTube Premium has evolved into a tiered service, tailored for different needs:

: Just ad-free creator content. No bells, no whistles.

: The whole package—downloads, background play, and YouTube Music Premium.

: Special offers that tie Premium with Google One or family sharing perks.

This move makes sense. Not everyone needs the same features, and YouTube is trying to meet users where they are. Think of it like choosing your gym membership: some people want weights and cardio; others just want the pool.

 is bundled with the full version of YouTube Premium. It lets you:

Access exclusive remixes and live performances

It's a solid offering if you’re already deep into the Google ecosystem. It may not have fully replaced Spotify for some, but it’s a nice bonus.

AI Is Here: Conversational Features and Playlist Creation

Here’s where things get interesting. In 2025, YouTube Premium is diving headfirst into artificial intelligence.

: This AI-powered tool lets you build playlists by just typing what you want, like "chill beats for rainy mornings" or "high-energy indie for working out."

: Watch a video and want more info? Ask the AI directly. It can answer questions about the video content in real-time, making the experience more interactive.

This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a way to make your time on YouTube more efficient and intuitive. It's still early days, but the tech is promising.

YouTube Premium's Beta Lab: Try New Features First

 to test experimental features before they’re released widely. Think of it like a sandbox for future tools.

One cool example is the 4x playback speed. For power users who binge tutorials or long commentary videos, that’s a time-saver.

User feedback on this platform directly shapes what YouTube rolls out next, making Premium members part of the development process.

You can also opt for specific plans according to users on your YouTube Premium account. Special categories of such plans are:

 is ideal if multiple people in your household use YouTube. Everyone gets their own Premium experience, which avoids algorithm chaos.

 is the best value. $7.99/month is hard to beat, and you still get full access, including YouTube Music.

Just remember that the student plan requires annual verification. So yes, you need to be an actual student.

YouTube Premium isn’t perfect, but it’s getting smarter and more flexible. Between the new AI tools, better tier options like Premium Lite, and a global expansion plan, the service is adapting in a way that makes sense.

If you use YouTube daily (and let’s be honest, most of us do), then yes—

 Especially if you hate ads, want smarter features, or just enjoy seamless streaming.

While we are on the subject of viewer experience, check out this 

Discover how YouTube Premium generates revenue for creators through watch time metrics, revenue sharing, and new features that boost your channel.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

The Best YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions for 2026

The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2026

AI Likeness Detection on YouTube: How it Works

YouTube Premium in 2026: How it Works

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2026?

Your Channel Refresh: How to Prepare for YouTube Growth in 2026

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

YouTube DMs Update 2025: Here's What You Need to Know

9 YouTube Hooks That Keep Viewers Watching

How to Use the YouTube Collaborations Feature Effectively

The Nomad Push Story: Turning Rock Bottom into YouTube Success

Grow Faster on YouTube with the vidIQ Outliers Tool