Last verified Oct 8, 2026 against Google Help Center's "Create community posts" documentation.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 1600 × 1600 px |
| Aspect ratio range | 2:5 (portrait) to 5:2 (landscape) |
| Recommended size | 1080 × 1080 px (1:1 square) |
| Formats | JPG, PNG, GIF, WEBP |
| Max file size | 16 MB |
| Max images | 5 (regular post), 4 (poll) |
1080 × 1080 works well because it matches Instagram's feed ratio, letting you repurpose the same image across platforms.
Which Aspect Ratio to Choose
In the feed, the top portion of the image is shown first. Square (1:1) is the safest choice. Portrait images (2:3 or 3:4) occupy more vertical feed space and catch more attention. Landscape (16:9) images look like video thumbnails but may appear smaller in the feed.
How to Prepare Your Image
- Open Image Resizer.
- Upload your image and set width and height to 1080 × 1080 (or your chosen ratio).
- Select "Cover" fit mode to crop to the exact ratio.
- Save as JPG or PNG. Make sure the file is under 16 MB.
- Go to YouTube Studio → Community → click the image icon to upload.
Multiple Images
When uploading multiple images, mismatched ratios can cause some images to crop or show whitespace. Using the same ratio for all images (e.g., all 1:1) produces the cleanest result. For polls, consistency is especially important since each image acts as a choice.
Image Quality Tips
YouTube re-compresses uploaded images to JPEG. Even high-res PNGs will show slight quality loss after posting. For pixel art or graphics with sharp edges, upload at 1600 × 1600 PNG and make borders 1-2 px thicker to survive recompression.
Checklist
- Image is within 1600 × 1600 px?
- Aspect ratio is between 2:5 and 5:2?
- File is under 16 MB?
- Multiple images share the same ratio?
- Format is JPG, PNG, GIF, or WEBP?
FAQ
What is the max image size for YouTube community posts?
The maximum is 1600 × 1600 pixels. Aspect ratios from 2:5 (tall) to 5:2 (wide) are accepted. The most common size is square 1080 × 1080.
How many images can I add to a community post?
Regular posts allow up to 5 images. Poll posts allow up to 4 images.
What file types are supported?
JPG, PNG, GIF, and WEBP. The max file size is 16 MB per image.