YouTube is a vast platform to showcase your creativity, talent, and thoughts. You may spend hours creating amazing content, but the appearance of your channel also matters. You may have noticed that having a background on your YouTube channel adds that extra charm and gives a professional look to your page. If you want to add a background on your YouTube channel and have no idea where to start, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step guide on how to add a background on your YouTube channel.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Background on YouTube Channel
The appearance of your YouTube channel affects the viewer’s impression and helps you gain subscribers. A well-designed page gives potential subscribers a reason to follow your channel. A customized background uploads your brand, message, or image, which helps you promote your content. Moreover, when you add a background to your YouTube channel, it makes your page look professional and organized.
Method 1: Using Canva
Canva is a popular graphic design software that allows you to create templates and designs for your social media, website, e-book, or marketing material. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add a background to your YouTube channel using Canva.
Steps:
1. Open Canva on your web browser.
2. Click on “Custom dimensions” and enter the size for the YouTube banner in pixels, i.e., 2560 x 1440.
3. Choose a YouTube banner template that suits your taste and requirements.
4. Customize the template and design to your liking. Add your logo, pictures, text, etc.
5. Download the image as a PNG file.
6. Go to your YouTube channel’s homepage and click on “Customize channel”.
7. Select “Brand kit” and choose “Add image” in the banner section.
8. Upload the downloaded Canva image.
9. Resize the image and adjust it as per your requirements.
10. Click on “Publish” to save the changes.
Pros:
– Canva has a wide variety of templates to choose from.
– The templates are customizable to suit your taste.
– It is a user-friendly design software for beginners.
Cons:
– Can involve additional costs for premium features.
– Sometimes the designs may not be exclusive.
Method 2: Using Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a well-known photo-editing tool that allows you to create high-quality designs and images. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add a background to your YouTube channel using Adobe Photoshop.
Steps:
1. Open Adobe Photoshop.
2. Click on “File” and select “New”.
3. Enter the banner size in pixels, i.e., 2560 x 1140.
4. Design the banner based on your liking using the toolbar on the left.
5. Save the banner as a PNG file.
6. Go to your YouTube channel’s homepage and click on “Customize channel”.
7. Click on “Brand kit” and select “Add image” in the banner section.
8. Upload the downloaded Adobe Photoshop image.
9. Resize the image and adjust it as per your requirements.
10. Click on “Publish” to save the changes.
Pros:
– Adobe Photoshop is a widely used and popular software.
– The banner designs are high quality and customizable.
– It offers many tools for designing and customizing the banner.
Cons:
– It is not beginner-friendly and requires some expertise.
– It can be pricey for some users.
Method 3: Using Online Banner Tools
There are various online tools that you can use to design your YouTube background. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to add a background to your YouTube channel using an online banner tool.
Steps:
1. Open an online banner tool website like PicMonkey or Fotor.
2. Choose the YouTube banner dimension, i.e., 2560 x 1440.
3. Select a template that you like and that suits your requirements.
4. Customize the template as per your liking by adding text, image, logo, or design.
5. Download the designed banner as a PNG file.
6. Go to your YouTube channel’s homepage and click on “Customize channel”.
7. Select “Brand kit” and click on “Add image” in the banner section.
8. Upload the downloaded image.
9. Adjust the size and position of the banner as per your preference.
10. Click on “Publish” to save the changes.
Pros:
– Online banner tools are easy to use and accessible.
– These tools often have a wide variety of templates to choose from.
– It is affordable or even free to use most of the online banner tools.
Cons:
– It can be limited in terms of customization options compared to graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop.
– Sometimes, online banner tools may have additional costs for premium features.
What to Do If You Can’t Add a Background to Your YouTube Channel
If you have followed the steps mentioned above and still can’t add a background to your YouTube channel, then you may need to ensure that the format of the image is correct. Ensure that the image format is either PNG or JPG and meets the dimensions specified by YouTube. If the image upload is still not working, then try clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.
Bonus Tip
Adding a background is not the only way to enhance your YouTube channel. You may also customize your channel’s appearance by adding a profile picture, description, or adjusting the colour scheme. Doing such changes can help you create a consistent page design, which can enhance your brand or personal image.
5 FAQs
Q1. Why can’t I upload an image to my YouTube banner?
A1. Make sure that your image file size meets the required size, which is 4MB or less, and is either a PNG or JPG format. If the file size is too large, try compressing the image using an online tool or adjusting the dimensions.
Q2. Are there any rules or guidelines to follow for creating and uploading a YouTube background?
A2. Yes, YouTube has specific guidelines for the banner size and content. Your banner should be 2560 x 1440 pixels. It should also be family-friendly, non-offensive, and not violate any intellectual property rights.
Q3. Can I use copyrighted images to make my YouTube banner?
A3. No, it is not advisable to use copyrighted images as it may result in legal consequences and copyright infringement. Use copyright-free images or get permission from the image owner.
Q4. Can I add backgrounds to my mobile YouTube app?
A4. Yes, you may use the YouTube Studio app on your mobile device to add a background to your YouTube channel.
Q5. Can I upload an animated or GIF banner to my YouTube channel?
A5. No, YouTube only allows static banners in PNG or JPG format. Animated or GIF banners may violate the platform’s guidelines and result in the removal of your channel or content.
Final Thoughts
Adding a background to your YouTube channel makes it look more professional and can promote your brand or personal image. The process of adding a background is simple and can be done using various tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop, or online banner tools. Ensure that you follow the recommended banner size and guidelines while designing the banner. With the steps mentioned in this article, you can easily add a background and design your channel’s appearance to attract more subscribers and viewers.