YouTube Ad Sizes & Specs (2026)
YouTube advertising is video-led, but several static image assets still shape how the ad looks and performs. Skippable and non-skippable in-stream ads and bumpers all use 16:9 video at 1920 × 1080, while YouTube Shorts ads run vertical at 1080 × 1920 (9:16). The static pieces you control are the video thumbnail (1280 × 720, 16:9), the optional companion banner (300 × 250) that appears beside a desktop in-stream ad, and the in-feed (discovery) ad thumbnail. Getting the thumbnail right matters as much as the video, because it drives the click on in-feed placements.
YouTube ad specifications
| Placement | Dimensions (px) | Aspect ratio | Max file size | File types | Headline | Body text | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-stream video (16:9) | 1920 × 1080 | 16:9 | 256 GB | MP4, MOV (video) | — | — | Skippable and non-skippable in-stream ads and bumpers. |
| Shorts video (9:16) | 1080 × 1920 | 9:16 | 256 GB | MP4, MOV (video) | — | — | Vertical full-screen ad served in the Shorts feed. |
| Video thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 | 2 MB | JPG, PNG, GIF | — | — | Min 640 px wide. Drives the click on in-feed/discovery ads. |
| Companion banner | 300 × 250 | 6:5 | 150 KB | JPG, PNG, GIF | — | — | Desktop-only static banner beside an in-stream ad. |
| In-feed (discovery) thumbnail | 1280 × 720 | 16:9 | 2 MB | JPG, PNG | 100 chars | 70 chars | Thumbnail plus headline shown in search, watch-next and home. |
Last verified July 5, 2026. Specs change often — always confirm against the official sources below before shipping.
Tips for YouTube ad creative
- Master your video at 1920 × 1080 (16:9) for in-stream and bumpers, and cut a 1080 × 1920 (9:16) version for Shorts.
- Design the thumbnail at 1280 × 720 (16:9), keep it under 2 MB, and make sure any text is legible at small in-feed sizes.
- Bumper ads are hard-capped at 6 seconds — plan a single, unmissable message and end card.
- The companion banner (300 × 250) shows on desktop only; use it to reinforce the offer and give a persistent click target.
YouTube ad size FAQ
What size is a YouTube ad?+
YouTube video ads use 1920 × 1080 pixels (16:9) for in-stream ads and bumpers, and 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16) for Shorts. The static video thumbnail is 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9), and the optional desktop companion banner is 300 × 250 pixels.
What size should a YouTube thumbnail be for ads?+
A YouTube ad thumbnail should be 1280 × 720 pixels (16:9), at least 640 pixels wide, and under 2 MB in JPG, PNG or GIF format. Because the thumbnail drives clicks on in-feed placements, keep any text large and legible at small sizes.
What is the best YouTube ad size in 2026?+
Use 1920 × 1080 (16:9) as your master for in-stream and bumper ads, and also produce a 1080 × 1920 (9:16) cut for Shorts, since vertical viewing continues to grow. Supplying both ensures your campaign covers every YouTube surface.
How long can a YouTube bumper ad be?+
A YouTube bumper ad is limited to 6 seconds and is non-skippable. Because the window is so short, focus on one clear message and a memorable brand end card rather than a full narrative.
What is a YouTube companion banner?+
A companion banner is a 300 × 250 pixel static image that appears next to an in-stream video ad on desktop. It gives viewers a persistent click target and a place to reinforce your offer while the video plays.
Official sources
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