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How to create an attractive header for your YouTube channel? Step by step guide

Visual details are very important, because it is the first thing that people observe when they are exposed to any content. Therefore, it is essential know how to use the necessary resources to make images stand out in any video.

In Youtube exist several sections in which images are inserted. Such is the case of thumbnail or thumbnail of your video, the channel image and the header. Any of them must have elements that make them stand out, so that you stand out from the competition.

So that you can achieve it, we will teach you in this step by step guide how to create an attractive header for your YouTube channel. In this way, you can identify it much better and maintain a design line according to your types of content.

What are the dimensions indicated for the header of my YouTube channel?

Before proceed to edit the layout of your YouTube channel, you should keep in mind that there are certain important details regarding the dimensions of each section. In addition, the appearance of them will be modified according to the device from which you enter. That is, the aspect does not look the same on desktop computer screens, on TVs, or on mobile devices.

It is possible that images are cut off when accessed from a computer with a smaller screen, or that are enlarged when viewed from a computer. Therefore, it is always best to work with large images to avoid reducing the quality. The recommended dimensions for uploading an image to the header of a YouTube channel is 2560 x 1440 pixels.

However, some specifications regarding this topic are:

  • Minimum safe area for text and logos: 1546 x 423 pixels. On some devices, certain images may be cut off.
  • Minimum dimensions: 2048 x 1152 px.
  • Maximum width: 2560 x 423 px. If you use this width, your "safe area" will not be affected and will always be visible regardless of the screen size.
  • Maximum file size: 6 MB.

Learn step by step how to create an attractive header for your YouTube channel

You don't need to be a professional editor to be able to design an attractive header for your YouTube channel, since there are many tools on the Internet that facilitate the work. Even, some of those programs already include templates pre-designed. Therefore, We will show you step by step how to make an attractive header that identifies your channel with a simple program like Canva, and with another more professional like Photoshop.

Pay attention:

From the phone

Edit YouTube header from mobile

Canva it is one of the simplest and most intuitive programs that exist, so if you do not know how to edit, or have experience in the subject, we recommend it.

Next we will explain how to create a YouTube cover or header image with Canva, from your mobile:

  • Find the Canva app in Play Store or App Store, depending on the device you use and download it.
  • If you already have an account created, log in. If not, create a user.
  • When you enter, type in the search bar "Header for YouTube" or even just "Youtube".
  • Some templates will be displayed so you can choose the design that you like the most.
  • Select template what you want.
  • You will enter in the section of edition. To start the modifications, touch each element and see changing size, color, typography, etc.
  • Can insert new elements (text, images, illustrations, etc.) by clicking on the + button located at the bottom right of the screen.
  • When you're done, click the up arrow icon which is in the upper right.
  • Save your design on your mobile and ready.

From the computer

Edit YouTube header from your computer

To edit your YouTube header with your computer, you can use again Canva. However, in case you want something a little more professional go to Photoshop. Although it seems very complicated, it is not.

Follow the step by step and you can create an attractive design:

  • Install Photoshop on your computer.
  • Open the program.
  • At the top, tap the tab Archive and then in New.
  • In the box that opens below, set the dimensions what you want. For the case of the headers of Youtube, a measure of 2560 x 1440 px.
  • You will appreciate a white rectangle, which is your worksheet.
  • Search the Internet for all images you want to include in your header and save them on your computer.
  • Within Photoshop, go to the tab Archive and click on There, select the image to include in your design.
  • When the image opens, go to cursor icon located at the beginning of the taskbar on the left side. Then, drag the image to your design tab.
  • To change the size of an image, use the commands Ctrl + T and move a corner to the desired size.
  • Apply the same procedure for each element you want to incorporate. You can see each element in the lower right box, where they are grouped by layers.
  • To change the background color, go to the left side toolbar, specifically where two colored boxes are shown.
  • Hit the first box and choose the color what you want.
  • Next, go to the layer called "Background", select the icon Paint pot on the left toolbar and tap on it.
  • If you want to put text, you must go to the toolbar and tap on an icon that has a "T". Then touch the bottom and you can write whatever you want. Modify the font type in the top menu, where this option is shown. To adjust the size, tap Ctrl + T and put it in the dimensions you want.
  • Finally, save your design by going to File / Save As. Under Save As, select the JPEG format and write the name you want for your design. Tap on save.

Download Photoshop CC Windows

List of the best programs and applications to create a header for your YouTube channel

List of the best programs and applications to create a header for your YouTube channel

Apart from Photoshop or Canva, there are other equally effective options with which you can create unique headers for your channel. Most are very intuitive, so you don't have to worry if you don't have editing experience.

If you want to experiment, we show you the 5 best programs and apps to edit an attractive header for your YouTube channel:

Picmonkey

It is one of the best known image editing services on the Internet.. You can access it in two ways, through a computer or with the mobile app. With its help it is possible to personalize your headers without any problem, and to incorporate striking visual elements. You will get advanced templates and other customization options like colors, fonts, graphics, and more. Remember to keep the same design line, so that your channel has a visual harmony.

Fotojet.com

Photojet is a banner maker for YouTube with which you can also edit quickly. There you have many free templates at hand for you to design your header Youtube. Take into consideration that the free version is limited, but you can take a look at it. In case you require more options, you can switch to the paid version without problems.

Photovisi.com

One of the positives of Photovisi for you, is that offers many themes to choose from, apart from the fact that you can adjust them to the size you require. Unlike the others mentioned above, with this one yes you need a little more advanced knowledge to use it correctly.

Adobe spark

Finally, there is this program that is part of the set of media creation applications for both computers and mobiles. It includes three separate design apps which are: Spark Post, Spark Video and Spark Page. To design your headers Youtube, can use Adobe Spark Post. With it, you will create visually impressive images, with which you can capture the attention of many new followers. It is worth mentioning that works on Android and iOS, added to a web version available to design from the computer.