How to Change Your YouTube Profile Picture (Computer and App)

Your YouTube profile picture is the small circle people see next to every video, comment and reply you post. For a business channel, it's often the first thing a viewer recognises. If yours is an old snapshot, a blurry logo or the default letter, it's worth changing today. I'll show you how to do it on a computer and in the apps, using YouTube's own help pages, along with the image rules and a few choices that make it work harder for you.

Change your YouTube profile picture in YouTube Studio on a computer

YouTube's help centre gives these steps:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. From the left menu, select Customization, then Profile.
3. Click Change and choose an image from your computer, or pick an illustration.
4. Adjust the crop or size, then click Done.
5. Click Publish.

YouTube says it may take a few minutes for your new picture to update across the site, so don't worry if the old one lingers for a moment.

Changing your YouTube profile photo on iPhone or Android

In the YouTube app, according to the help page:

1. Tap your profile picture.
2. Tap View channel.
3. Tap Edit, then tap your profile picture.
4. Take a new photo, upload one or choose an illustration.
5. Tap Save.

In the YouTube Studio app, tap your profile picture, then Edit profile, then your picture, then upload or take a photo and save. Menus vary by app version, so the labels might be a little different on your phone.

YouTube profile picture size and file rules

YouTube's help centre sets out what your image needs to be:

Profile picture rule	What YouTube says
File types	JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG
Animation	Animated GIFs aren't allowed
File size	15 MB or smaller
Display size	Renders at 98 x 98 pixels
Content	Must follow the Community Guidelines

Because it shows as a small circle, a square image with your face or logo in the middle works best. Fine detail and small text get lost at that size.

Using a YouTube illustration instead of a photo

YouTube's help pages mention that you can choose an illustration rather than uploading your own picture, both in YouTube Studio and in the app. It's a quick option if you don't have a good photo to hand, or if you'd rather not show your face on a personal channel.

For a business channel, I wouldn't leave it there for long. An illustration looks tidy, but it doesn't tell anyone who you are. Your logo or a recognisable headshot does that job far better, and it's what people will look for when they're checking they've found the right channel.

How often you can swap your YouTube profile picture

YouTube's help page doesn't set a limit on how often you can change your picture. That said, I'd resist changing it on a whim. Regular viewers learn to spot your circle in their feed and in the comments, and a sudden change can make them scroll past without realising it's you. Change it when you rebrand or when the old picture no longer looks like you, then leave it alone.

Your YouTube picture vs your Google Account picture

These aren't always the same thing. YouTube's help page says that if you change your YouTube channel name and picture, the change is only visible on YouTube. You can change your Google Account picture separately, through your Google Account's personal info page, without touching the channel.

That's handy if you run a business channel from your personal account and want a logo on YouTube but your face in Gmail.

Choosing a YouTube profile picture that works for a business

• Use the same image you use on your other social profiles, so people recognise you instantly.
• If you're the face of the business, a clear, well-lit headshot usually beats a logo.
• Check it in dark mode and light mode, because the circle sits on both backgrounds.
• Keep it consistent with your banner. My guide to YouTube channel banner dimensions covers the other half of your channel branding.

A complete profile also matters later on. YouTube lists a profile picture as part of the complete profile it wants to see before a channel can apply for the grey tick, which I cover in my guide to getting verified on YouTube.

If your new YouTube profile picture won't show

• Give it a few minutes, as YouTube's help page suggests, then refresh.
• Check the file type and size against the rules above. An animated GIF won't upload.
• Make sure you're signed in to the right channel if you manage more than one.
• Update the app if you can't see the Edit option on your channel.
• Make sure the image follows the Community Guidelines, or it may be removed.

Setting up a brand-new channel rather than changing an existing one? Start with my walkthrough on making a YouTube channel.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my YouTube profile picture on a computer?

Sign in to YouTube Studio, select Customization, then Profile, click Change, choose your image, click Done and then Publish.

How do I change my YouTube profile picture on my phone?

In the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, then View channel, then Edit, then tap your picture, upload or take a photo and tap Save.

What size should a YouTube profile picture be?

YouTube says it renders at 98 x 98 pixels and the file should be 15 MB or smaller, in JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG.

Why hasn't my new YouTube profile picture appeared?

YouTube says it can take a few minutes to update across the site. Refresh after a short wait.

Can I use an animated GIF as my YouTube profile picture?

No. YouTube's help centre says animated GIFs aren't allowed. Use a still JPG, GIF, BMP or PNG instead.

Does changing my YouTube picture change my Google Account picture?

No. YouTube's help page says a channel picture change is only visible on YouTube. You change your Google Account picture separately.