How to Create and Set a YouTube Channel Banner

Tap through each step to see exactly how to set a YouTube channel banner.

  1. Open Channel customization in YouTube Studio

    Click "Customization" in the left menu of YouTube Studio.

  2. Go to the Branding tab

    Switch to the "Branding" tab at the top.

  3. Upload your banner image

    Click "Upload" and choose your prepared banner. Aim for the recommended size of 2048Γ—1152px.

  4. Check the preview and publish

    Preview how the banner crops on different devices, then click "Publish" to save it.

Give your channel a more professional first impression

Instead of leaving the default background in place, a banner that reflects your channel's theme makes the first impression of your channel page far more professional and eye-catching.

Design for the safe zone, not the full canvas

Because different devices crop the banner differently, keep important text and logos inside the centered safe area rather than near the edges, and preview how it looks on desktop, tablet, and mobile before you publish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to add a lot of text to the banner?

Keep important text and logos within the safe zone in the center, since the visible crop varies by device and text placed near the edges risks being cut off.

Can I use any image I find online for my banner?

No β€” only use images you created yourself or have explicit rights to use; using someone else's work without permission can raise copyright issues.