YouTube channel logo: size, shape and design tips

Your channel icon appears as a tiny circle next to every video, comment and search result. A few size and design rules decide whether it looks clear or muddy.

By 孤獨的時空旅人 · Updated 2026-10-16

Size and shape of the profile picture

YouTube recommends an 800 × 800 pixel square image for the channel profile picture and shows it as a circle, so the corners are cut off. The Logo Maker downloads a PNG at 1024 pixels, which you can upload as is. Always keep important parts away from the corners and check YouTube Help for the current numbers, because platforms change them.

Design for a very small circle

On a phone the icon can be only a few dozen pixels wide, so long channel names are unreadable. Use a monogram (one or two letters) or one bold symbol, strong contrast and few colours. A colour that stands out on both light and dark themes is safer than a pale one.

Banner and video watermark

The channel banner is a separate wide image: YouTube suggests 2560 × 1440 pixels with the text and logo kept inside the central safe area (about 1546 × 423 pixels), because phones and TVs crop the sides. For the small watermark that appears on your videos, use a simple version of the logo with a transparent background.

Colours, fonts and consistency

Use the same colours and font on your icon, banner and thumbnails so viewers recognise you at a glance. Pick one or two fonts, avoid thin strokes that disappear at small sizes, and test the icon next to other channels' icons before you upload it.

Copyright and trademarks

Make sure your logo does not copy another brand's marks. The downloaded files can be used for your channel and business, but a logo is not automatically a registered trademark; check your country's trademark database or ask a professional before filing.

Tools used in this guide

YouTube Logo MakerChannel logos and profile picturesYouTube Thumbnail Maker1280×720 thumbnails with bold textLogo Maker20 logo ideas from your brand nameFavicon Generatorfavicon.ico and app icons from text or an image

Frequently asked questions

What size is a YouTube profile picture?

YouTube recommends 800 × 800 px and displays it as a circle. Keep important parts away from the corners.

Should my logo contain text?

Short text such as one or two letters works; long names become unreadable at small sizes.

Can I use the logo for the banner too?

Make a separate wide banner, and keep text inside the safe area. The icon can be reused on it.

Is my channel name uploaded?

No. The logo is built in your browser.

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