Create a Professional YouTube Banner in Canva
Ready to make a YouTube banner that looks great on every device?
Whether you’re on mobile, desktop, or TV, I’ll show you step by step how to create a standout banner using Canva. It’s simple, even if you’ve never used Canva before.
You can follow along with this blog post, or hit play on this How to Make A YouTube Banner video below to see exactly how it’s done.
Step 1: Get Set Up in Canva
Head over to Canva and log in (or create an account if you don’t have one).
Once you’re in, type “YouTube Banner” into the search bar. Canva will pull up a bunch of templates already sized perfectly for YouTube (2560 x 1440 pixels).
Quick Tip: You don’t need to pay for Canva Pro to do this. If you see a template with a little crown icon, that’s a Pro feature—just skip those.
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Step 2: Pick a Template or Start from Scratch
Scroll through the templates and pick one that fits your style.
Click “Customize this Design” to start editing.
Not feeling any of them? No problem.
Just click the blank template and we’ll make one from scratch.
Step 3: Set Up Safe Zones for Different Devices
To make sure your banner looks good on all devices, we’ll set up safe zones using color blocks and rulers:
- Click “Elements ” in the left sidebar, grab a square shape, and resize it to 1546 x 423 pixels (this is your mobile safe zone).
- Center the square vertically and horizontally on the canvas using the “Position” tool at the top.
- Add another square for the tablet safe zone (resize it to 1855 x 423 pixels) and center it as well.
- Finally, the full desktop size is 2560 x 423 pixels.
Pro Tip: Turn on “Rulers and Guides” under Canva’s settings to help you line everything up.
Step 4: Customize Your Background
Now let’s make it pop. Click on the canvas to choose a background color or gradient.
- For a solid color click on the color wheel at the top
- Then add one of the existing colors or click on the plus sign to use the color picker.
- For Gradient just Select Gradient and add two colors.
Want to add some flair? Search for “textures” or “backgrounds” in the Elements tab.
Play around with transparency and colors until you get the look you want. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Need help with Canva?
Grab my Canva Basics Guide
Step 5: Add Your Branding
It’s time to add your channel’s name or a catchy message:
- Click “Text,” then choose “Add a Heading.”
- Type in your text like your channel name or main message. Adjust the font, size, spacing and color to match your style.
- Add effects like shadows or outlines to make it stand out.
Helpful Tip: Keep your main text inside the mobile safe zone so it shows up everywhere.
Step 6: Upload Your Logo or Photos
Want to use your own photo or logo? Click “Uploads,” drag in your image, and resize it as needed.
For logos, try adding a shadow or glow effect to make it more visible.
If it’s a personal channel, add a clear, high-quality photo of yourself.
Step 7: Final Touches and Download
You’re almost done! Add any final design elements, like icons or decorative shapes.
Make sure everything is aligned and centered within the safe zones.
To download your finished banner:
- Save it to your device
- Click on “Share” in the top right corner.
- Select “Download,”
- Choose PNG format
Step 8: Upload Your Banner to YouTube
Now, let’s get it on your channel:
- Go to YouTube Studio and click on “Customization.”
- Select “Branding” and then “Banner Image”
- Upload your new banner.
- Check how it looks on different devices, then hit “Publish.”
That’s it—your YouTube banner is live!
You’ve just made an awesome YouTube banner using Canva, but there’s so much more you can do!
If you want to get the most out of Canva and learn all the tips and tricks for creating stunning designs quickly and easily, check out my Canva Basics Guide.
It covers everything you need to start using Canva like a pro—so when you’re ready to create your thumbnails, social media posts, and more, you already know exactly what to do.
Or, head over to my Canva playlist on YouTube where I break down step-by-step tutorials to help you create stunning designs easily.
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