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We can make your thumbnail in the correct format.
CheapThumbnails can make YouTube thumbnails, Roblox thumbnails, Shorts covers, TikTok covers, and Reels covers in the size you need.
Order a custom thumbnailNot sure what size you need? Use the chart below.
Best thumbnail size chart
Use this chart when you are ordering or making a thumbnail. It keeps the fast answer in one place.
YouTube thumbnail size
Best size: 3840 x 2160 pixels. Safe fallback: 1280 x 720 pixels. Best shape: 16:9.
YouTube thumbnails are wide. YouTube currently says custom thumbnails should be as large as possible and uses a 16:9 shape. Use YouTube thumbnails for gaming videos, tutorials, reaction videos, podcasts, reviews, business videos, long-form videos, and live stream previews.
Best tip: use big text, one clear subject, and strong contrast. Make sure the thumbnail still looks good when it is small.
Need a YouTube thumbnail made for you? Order a custom YouTube thumbnail.
Roblox thumbnail size
Best size: 1920 x 1080 pixels. Best shape: 16:9.
A Roblox game thumbnail is the wide image for a Roblox experience. This size is best for Roblox game pages and sponsored Roblox thumbnails.
Best tip: show the game world, main character, or main action. Do not use tiny text.
Need a Roblox thumbnail made for you? Order a custom Roblox thumbnail in 1920 x 1080.
YouTube Shorts thumbnail size
Best cover frame size: 1080 x 1920 pixels. Best shape: 9:16.
YouTube Shorts are vertical. For Shorts, the safest method is to add a designed cover frame inside your Short video, then choose that frame as the thumbnail in the YouTube app.
Best tip: keep the main words and face near the center. YouTube may crop or show the Short in different places.
Need a Shorts cover made for you? Order a 1080 x 1920 Shorts cover frame.
TikTok thumbnail size
Best cover frame size: 1080 x 1920 pixels. Best shape: 9:16.
TikTok is a vertical video platform. A 1080 x 1920 cover frame gives you a clean full-screen design for mobile. Keep key text away from the bottom because captions, buttons, and controls can cover parts of the screen.
Need a TikTok cover made for you? Order a 1080 x 1920 TikTok cover.
Instagram Reels cover size
Best design size: 1080 x 1920 pixels. Official cover crop reference: 420 x 654 pixels.
Instagram Reels use vertical video. A 1080 x 1920 design gives you a clean full-screen cover frame. Instagram also lists a Reels cover photo size of 420 x 654 pixels, so the cover can be cropped in some places.
Best tip: design big, then keep the important text and face in the middle safe area.
Need a Reels cover made for you? Order a 1080 x 1920 Instagram Reels cover.
Which thumbnail size should you order?
Order 3840 x 2160 if you need a YouTube video thumbnail, YouTube gaming thumbnail, YouTube podcast thumbnail, or YouTube tutorial thumbnail.
Order 1920 x 1080 if you need a Roblox game thumbnail, Roblox sponsored thumbnail, or a wide thumbnail that can work on YouTube and Roblox with edits.
Order 1080 x 1920 if you need a YouTube Shorts cover frame, TikTok cover, Instagram Reels cover, vertical mobile video cover, or Stories-style design.
If you are not sure, tell us where you will upload the design. We can help you pick the right size.
16:9 vs 9:16
16:9 is wide. Use 16:9 for YouTube videos and Roblox thumbnails.
9:16 is tall. Use 9:16 for Shorts, TikTok, and Reels.
Do not use a wide thumbnail for a vertical video cover. It will crop badly. Do not use a vertical cover for a normal YouTube video. It will not fit the main YouTube thumbnail shape.
Safe zone tips
A safe zone is the part of the image that should not get covered or cropped. Use these rules:
- Keep faces near the center.
- Keep text away from the edge.
- Do not put important words at the very top.
- Do not put important words at the very bottom.
- Test the design small.
- Use short text.
- Make the main subject large.
For vertical covers, leave extra space at the top and bottom because phone apps may show buttons, captions, or profile info.
File type tips
Use PNG when the design has sharp text, logos, clean edges, or transparent parts. Use JPG when the design is a full photo, screenshot-style image, or needs a smaller file.
For most custom thumbnail orders, PNG is a safe choice.
Common thumbnail size mistakes
- Using a square image for YouTube. Fix it by using a 16:9 thumbnail.
- Using a wide image for Shorts, TikTok, or Reels. Fix it by using a 9:16 vertical cover.
- Putting text too close to the edge. Fix it by keeping text inside the safe middle area.
- Using too many words. Fix it by using a short hook.
- Ordering one design and using it everywhere. Fix it by ordering a wide version and a vertical version.
Thumbnail size FAQ
What is the best YouTube thumbnail size?
The best YouTube thumbnail size is 3840 x 2160 pixels when possible. Use 16:9.
What is the best Roblox thumbnail size?
The best Roblox game thumbnail size is 1920 x 1080 pixels. Use 16:9.
What is the best YouTube Shorts thumbnail size?
Use 1080 x 1920 pixels for a Shorts cover frame. Add it into your Short and choose that frame in the YouTube app.
What is the best TikTok thumbnail size?
Use 1080 x 1920 pixels for a TikTok cover frame. This fits vertical mobile video.
What is the best Instagram Reels cover size?
Use 1080 x 1920 pixels as your design master. Keep the important text in the middle because Instagram can crop the cover.
Can one thumbnail size work for every platform?
Not well. A wide thumbnail can work for YouTube and Roblox. A vertical cover can work for Shorts, TikTok, and Reels. You should not use one image for every platform.
Source note: this guide was last checked in June 2026 using YouTube Help for custom thumbnails, Roblox Creator Hub thumbnail guidance, Instagram Help for Reels cover size, TikTok Business Help for vertical video aspect ratio, and Google Search Central image SEO guidance.
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Need the right thumbnail size made for you?
CheapThumbnails can make wide thumbnails and vertical covers for YouTube, Roblox, Shorts, TikTok, and Reels.
Order a custom thumbnailWe will format it for the platform you choose.