YouTube Banner Correct Size in Pixels for Desktop & Mobile Display
The safe areas are different for two popular YouTube banner sizes - 2560 x 1440 pixels and 2048 x 1152 pixels. Most information on the internet is not correct. I have experimented and concluded the exact safe area sizes which will help you design a responsive YouTube banner.
YouTube banner safe area for a 2560 x 1440 pixels image
In fact, safe area is the portion of Youtube banner which responsively displays on most user screens, especially mobile and desktop.
The safe zone for a YouTube banner is different for mobile phone and desktop screens when you create a YouTube banner image 2560 pixels wide and 1440 pixels tall.
Safe Area for Mobile Phone Screens
1548 x 424 in pixels, is the safe area for mobile phones because only this area of YouTube banner is visible on mobile screen - the rest of the banner is cropped out on mobile screen.
Are 1235 x 338 the right dimensions for YouTube banner safe area on mobile?
No. When the total size of YouTube banner is 2560 x 1440, then 1235 x 338 pixels size is not the correct safe area for a mobile screen.
In fact, this is stated on the YouTube support article, which has no clarity and might be wrong. If you create the YouTube channel banner, considering 1235 x 338 pixel as the safe area for mobile, then you are wasting some area by keeping it empty.
Safe Area for Desktop Screens
2560 x 424 pixels is the YouTube banner safe area for desktop.
In other words, on computer screens, an additional 506 x 424 pixel area is added to the both sides of the safe area for mobile. It means the widths of 1548 + 506 + 506 become the 2560 pixels total width.
YouTube banner safe area for a 2048 x 1152 pixels image
A YouTube banner having total resolution of 2048 x 1152 pixels, will have different safe areas (as compared to a 2560 x 1440 banner) for mobile and desktop, as described below.
Safe Area for Mobile Screens
For responsive display on mobile screens, the safe area for a Youtube banner is 1238 pixels wide and 338 pixels - when the total size of a YouTube banner is 2048 x 1152 . It should be at exact center of the banner image.
Safe Area for Desktop Screens
2048 by 338 pixels is the safe area zone of a YouTube banner for desktop screens. In other words, as the safe area for mobile screen is 1238 x 338 pixels, you add an additional area of 405 x 338 pixel on its both sides, to make it safe zone for display on desktop screens. It means the widths of 1238 + 405 + 405 pixels becomes equal to the total width of 2048 pixels.
How to measure the exact pixels of YT banner safe area?
To calculate the exact dimensions of YouTube banner safe area, bring any image or shape on the banner, while using any design app such as Canva. Now hold the shape from its corner or side handle. The exact pixels (width and height) show up as you drag the shape. When it shows the required pixels, just release it. Lock it and put the design elements over it. When your design is complete, then you can delete the shape.
More Resources
I recommend following articles for you.
YouTube banner best size: 2048 x 1152 vs 2560 x 1440 pixels?
Free YouTube banner designs.
