YouTube Profile Picture Size and Guidelines
High quality channel art is an essential part of any successful YouTube channel. The first graphic most viewers will see is your profile picture. Here's everything you need to know to create the perfect YouTube profile picture!
Quick answer
Upload a square YouTube profile picture of 800 × 800 pixels. YouTube's minimum is 98 × 98 pixels and the file must be 4 MB or less; animated GIFs aren't allowed. YouTube crops the image to a circle and often shows it tiny, so use a bold, simple design centered in the frame. Change it in YouTube Studio → Customization → Branding.
Profile Picture Size
YouTube recommends you use a square image with dimensions of at least 98 × 98 pixels and 4 MB or less. This is the minimum size and generally you should use a much larger image so it looks sharp everywhere it is used. If you want to use the same image in other places outside of YouTube, it's best to opt for a much larger image. We recommend using an 800 × 800 pixel profile picture. If have an improperly sized image that you want to use as a profile picture, try using an online image resizer tool.
Design Tips
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when designing or choosing your profile picture.
Keep the important stuff in the circle.
All profile pictures appear circular within YouTube, so make sure that your PFP keeps all of the important stuff within the circle shape. The square image you upload will be automatically masked as a circle.
Keep the design simple.
Your profile pic will appear as a small icon for most YouTube users. Remember this while designing your profile picture. As you're creating your profile picture, be sure to zoom out to get an idea of how it will look on YouTube. Simple designs work best when viewed at a small scale. Use bold, simple shapes and bright colors. Use a shortened name or a nickname instead of your full name. If you're interested in creating your own profile picture from scratch, check out this profile picture tutorial on YouTube.
Use consistent graphics across your channel
Design your profile picture with your other channel graphics in mind. Channels that have a consistent theme look much more professional than channels that use random graphics with an incoherent theme. Use the same graphical styles and colors as you use in your channel's other graphics.
Other YouTube graphic sizes
| Graphic | Recommended size | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Profile picture | 800 × 800 px | At least 98 × 98 px, 4 MB or less, no animated GIFs |
| Channel banner | 2560 × 1440 px | 6 MB or less; keep text in the center 1235 × 338 px |
| Video thumbnail | 3840 × 2160 px (16:9) | At least 640 px wide; up to 50 MB on desktop, 2 MB on mobile |
| Video | 3840 × 2160 or 1920 × 1080 | 4K or 1080p |
Want one that already fits these rules? These 800 × 800 designs arrive as a PNG with your channel name or initials:
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Gamer YouTube Profile Picture
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Synthwave YouTube Profile Picture
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YouTube profile picture questions
How do I change my YouTube profile picture?
Open YouTube Studio, go to Customization → Branding, and select Change under Picture. Upload your image, adjust the crop, and publish.
Why does my YouTube profile picture look blurry?
The upload was probably small or not square. Start from an 800 × 800 pixel image and avoid thin lines or small text that disappear at icon size.
Can I use a GIF as my YouTube profile picture?
Only a still one. YouTube accepts image files up to 4 MB but doesn't allow animated GIFs for profile pictures.
What does the YouTube Community Guidelines rule for profile pictures?
Your picture must follow the same Community Guidelines as your videos: no nudity, graphic violence, hate, harassment or impersonation. A picture that breaks them can be removed.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about creating an awesome profile picture for your YouTube channel! Here's a quick recap:
- The profile picture size should be 800 × 800 pixels.
- Keep everything important inside of the circle shape.
- Keep your YouTube PFP design simple so it looks good when viewed at a small scale.
- Use an online image resizer tool if your image file is incorrectly sized or has the wrong aspect ratio.
- Use consistent graphics throughout your channel.
More channel guides: how to make a YouTube banner, choosing a YouTube name and getting monetized on YouTube.
2 comments
TripTalesTV
Good app