Every few years, it's wise to look at your YouTube icon and see if it needs updating to better match your channel. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to make the switch, especially when using a desktop computer. 

The tricky part is attempting this on a smartphone.

 There are extra steps, more menus, and a longer process overall.

Don't worry, through: This guide will cover both methods 

 help you achieve the right size and aesthetic for your image.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon (Desktop)

1. Log in to your YouTube account. On your channel's homepage, click your current profile icon.

This will take you to the YouTube Studio, and more specifically, the branding section of the customization page.

Use your computer's file browser to choose a new photo for your channel (you might have to crop it to get the right fit).

the change button to select a new youtube icon

 in the top right corner to save the changes.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon (Mobile App)

2. Go to your YouTube channel's homepage. Click the 

a youtube channel homepage on the mobile app with pencil icon highlighted

3. Under channel settings, click the camera symbol inside of your profile icon.

4. Choose a photo from your camera or gallery. Again, you might have to crop the image to get the right fit.

Options for uploading a channel icon: camera roll or gallery

How big does a YouTube icon have to be? Fortunately, it can be pretty small compared to the rest of your channel art, like YouTube banners and thumbnails. 

, according to YouTube. You can upload a GIF, BMP, JPG, or PNG file. Just make sure the image is 4MB or less.

Also, square or round images work best. That's because YouTube displays every profile image as a tiny circle on mobile devices, desktop computers, and even TVs.

So, orient your image well before you set a YouTube channel icon. It helps to center the subject of the image, and make it large enough for viewers to see!

The best channel icons are simple enough to identify yet bold enough to 

Use bright, attention grabbing colors, such as reds, purples, yellows, and oranges. Try to minimize neutral colors, like white, black, beige, and gray. You want the image to pop!

 has the right idea. The main element of the photo, a cute teddy bear, is in the middle of the frame. The icon also has bright pinks and blues that are hard to miss.

At the same time, not every icon needs to be a 2D illustration. 

 uses a photo of himself with blue and orange colors to make his icon stand out.

Youtube channel icon for feasible creative

If you're chasing the professional look, consider a simple logo. 

 has one of the best profile icons because it's simple, colorful, and large enough to make out.

Now that you have the perfect YouTube icon, what else can you improve on your channel? 

Here's a quick guide to making a YouTube banner!

SET India YouTube channel page on phone with subscriber and video count visible.

Ready to update your YouTube icon? Here's how to upload a new profile image to your channel using a smartphone or laptop.

Posts tagged with “YouTube Profile”

How to Change Your YouTube Icon [Mobile and Desktop Guide]