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ytbench Blog

Short reference guides for YouTube creators. Every number is traced to YouTube's own help pages or to a test we ran with our own tools, and each page shows when it was last checked.

• YouTube Channel Banner Size and Safe Area (2026)

  The official banner size and safe area drawn to scale, and what TV, desktop and mobile each show.

  Updated 2026-09-26

• YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions and Size (2026): Upload vs Served

  The official thumbnail dimensions for videos and Shorts, drawn to scale, next to the files YouTube actually serves.

  Updated 2026-09-26

• How Much Do YouTube Shorts Pay? Real Numbers for 2026

  What YouTube pays for Shorts per view and per million views, how the Creator Pool splits revenue, and why some Shorts earn nothing.

  Updated 2026-09-26

• YouTube Shorts RPM by Niche: 2026 Data from 274 Channels

  Median Shorts RPM by niche and channel size, how it differs from CPM, and how it compares with long-form RPM.

  Updated 2026-09-26

• YouTube Profile Picture Size (2026): Official Specs & Served Sizes

  Official upload specs for YouTube profile pictures and the sizes YouTube actually serves, with a quick reference for banners and thumbnails.

  Updated 2026-09-26

• YouTube Monetization Requirements (2026)

  Every 2026 YouTube Partner Program threshold and the 2027 changes for new applicants, each with its official source.

  Updated 2026-09-14