YouTube podcast thumbnail: 1:1, 10 MB on mobile, a square Sume still
YouTube podcast playlist thumbnails are 1:1, with a 10 MB limit on mobile and 50 MB on desktop. Make a square cover with the Sume images API at 1:1.
YouTube podcast thumbnails use a 1:1 aspect ratio, with a 10 MB limit on mobile and 50 MB on desktop, and the file must be JPG or PNG. The Sume images docs list 1:1 as a supported aspect ratio, so ask for a square cover and upload it in YouTube Studio.
What are the podcast thumbnail rules?
The custom thumbnails page separates videos, Shorts and podcasts.
| Type | Aspect ratio | Mobile limit | Desktop limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | 16:9 | 2 MB | 50 MB |
| Short | 9:16 | 2 MB | 50 MB |
| Podcast | 1:1 | 10 MB | 50 MB |
How do I ask for a square image?
The images docs describe aspect_ratio as a normalised ratio, including 1:1. Check the model's own docs page for the exact parameters it accepts before you send a request, because models differ.
- Format: JPG or PNG
- Ratio: 1:1
- Smaller file wins on mobile: stay near the 10 MB mobile cap
What if the file is too heavy?
Upload from a computer, where the limit is 50 MB, or re-export the cover as JPG. The YouTube page says an account must be verified before a custom thumbnail is accepted.
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Written by Sume