4 YouTube Channel Banner Tips to Help You Grow Your Audience and Business

Oct 23

So... you’re ready to start uploading YouTube content. Do you have your camera ready (your iPhone works fine, BTW)? A script written? A clear CTA to inspire action? Then, good! You’re ready to roll. Just don’t forget your YouTube channel banner!

This is one of the most overlooked parts of a YouTube channel, but it can be one of the most valuable assets for you! Believe it or not, your banner could be the key to helping you get more growth, and even some more revenue.

Let’s break down a few YouTube channel banner tips so you can transform casual viewers into ready-to-buy prospects. Then, I’ll show you a few examples so you can get started on yours ASAP!

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Why a Professional YouTube Channel Banner is Important

First — why the heck is a channel banner so important??

Think of it like the front door to your channel. It’s the very first thing people see when they’re on your page; shouldn’t that count for something? Not putting up a well-thought-out banner is missing out on VALUABLE real estate, people!

On the flip side, your banner sets the tone for your channel and your business, too. If it’s intentional, it will build trust with your audience because they’ll feel like they’re in the right place for what they need.

And if you’re clear in your copy and have a CLEAR CTA to direct people where you want them to go (“Subscribe for weekly business tips" or "Download my free guide”), you have a higher chance of winning them over.

So yeah… first impressions matter! But how can you make a good one with your channel banner?

YouTube Channel Banner Tip #1: Know What to Include Before You Start Designing

Before you dive into Canva and start designing your banner, you need to know what message you’re putting out there. This starts with understanding what kind of promise you’re making to your audience.

What are they going to get from your content? What problem do you solve for them? And how does this tie in with your products and services?

Making this clear on your banner means you’ll more easily attract the kind of viewers who will potentially warm up to being clients and customers!

YouTube Channel Banner Tip #2: Use the Right Dimensions

When you’re ready to hop into design mode, keep the dimensions of the banner in mind. The LAST thing you want is to design something, upload it to YouTube, and find out it looks off because it wasn’t the right size.

Use the recommended dimensions of 2560 x 1440 pixels, with the most important content placed within the “safe zone” (1546 x 423 pixels) so it displays properly across all devices.

PRO TIP: Canva makes it SUPER easy to get this sizing right. Just open a new document and select “YouTube Banner” from the preset size options! Don’t have a Canva account? It’s free to join — you can get started here!

YouTube Channel Banner Tip #3: Design a Banner That Reflects Your Brand

Your banner should mirror the same style of design you have everywhere else — your website, Instagram, emails, etc.! But you also want to keep YouTube's unique background colors in mind.

Try to pick colors that pop and don’t blend in with either white (light mode) or black (dark mode) backgrounds. Otherwise, your banner is going to get lost on the page.

As for what you should add, here’s a quick checklist of everything you need:

Logo or branding: Place it in a spot where it’s easily visible but doesn’t distract from the rest of your content.
Tagline or value proposition: This should instantly communicate what your channel is about. Mine, for example, says, “Helping Online Course Creators Make MORE Sales Using YouTube.”
Clear call to action (CTA): Nudge your audience to take the next step, whether that’s subscribing, visiting your website, or downloading a freebie.

YouTube Channel Banner Tip #4: Upload and Check for Mobile and Desktop Visibility

When you’re done, all that’s left is to upload your banner to your channel! Just head over to your channel's “Customize Channel” section and follow the prompts. Once uploaded, double-check how it displays on different devices. You can always reposition the banner if needed!

But a word of advice — SO MANY people are watching YouTube on mobile devices these days. So you NEED to make sure that your banner is optimized for mobile, too!

Keep the most important text and images in the “safe zone,” like I mentioned earlier. That way, you won’t have to worry about whether or not people can see it. After uploading the banner, check the previews for mobile and desktop to make sure everything is displaying correctly.

What Else Do You Need to Create a Stand-Out Channel?

By following these steps, you’ll set yourself up for a YouTube channel that not only looks great but also drives real results!

The most important thing to remember is that it’s not just about making a pretty banner — it’s about creating a cohesive brand experience that converts visitors into subscribers and, eventually, paying clients or customers.

New to YouTube? Want some additional advice for sprucing up your channel so it’s primed to convert? Click the video below to see three more of my tips for growing your channel. These are all things you can implement ASAP, so if you’re ready to get started, this is a great place to do it.