YouTube Shorts and thumbnails: specs and AI rules
YouTube thumbnails are 1280×720 (16:9), at least 640 px wide and under 2 MB. Shorts are vertical and can run up to three minutes. Creators must disclose realistic altered or synthetic content when they upload it.
YouTube requirements
| Thumbnail | 1280×720 (16:9), at least 640 px wide, under 2 MB |
|---|---|
| Shorts | Vertical (9:16), up to 3 minutes |
- Realistic altered or synthetic content must be disclosed at upload; YouTube shows a label on it.
AI-generated images: YouTube requires the altered-or-synthetic disclosure for realistic AI content.
Platforms change these specs and some vary by category or country: check YouTube's own help pages before a large upload, or run your files through the image spec checker.
Packs for YouTube
TikTok + Reels Short-Form Video
Hook-led 9:16 videos for Shorts, TikTok and Reels.
You get: 1 video · 20–40s · 9:16 · 1080p · ~10 min / video
How it worksCartoon Explainer
A 50–60 second narrated explainer acted out by a cartoon cast.
You get: 1 video · 50–60s · 9:16 · 1080p · ~5 min / video
How it worksMap Explainer
An animated map explainer in 16:9 and 9:16.
You get: 1 video · 40–65s · 16:9 · 9:16 · 1080p · ~5 min / video
How it worksWhat it costs
ppl.studio is $1.99 a week, and your first 10 photos are free with no card. Photos and videos generate on your own Google Gemini API key, so Google bills the model usage directly at its rates; a few video packs can also use a fal key. There is no per-pack fee and no usage-rights fee: every image and video comes with full commercial rights. See pricing.
Questions
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?+
1280×720 (16:9), at least 640 px wide and under 2 MB.
Do I have to disclose AI on YouTube?+
Yes, for realistic altered or synthetic content. YouTube asks at upload and adds a label.
How long can a Short be?+
Up to three minutes, vertical.
Make a UGC video for YouTube.
Paste your product URL: Creator UGC Video writes the script, picks a persona and renders a 9:16 ad with captions in about ten minutes.
Other platforms
Shopify
2048×2048 squares, a full PDP shot list, and the pack that makes it.
Amazon
Pure-white mains, lifestyle secondaries and A+ Content, made to spec.
TikTok Shop
A real main image, AI lifestyle in later slots, and video that meets Shop rules.
Etsy
2000 px photos, the real item first, AI scenes for scale and gifting.
WooCommerce
Theme-set sizes, a shot list per product, variation images and setup.
Meta Ads
1:1, 4:5 and 9:16 creative with safe zones, and AI disclosure rules.
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