Change your profile picture from your YouTube channel settings

Your YouTube profile picture appears next to your username whenever you comment, upload a video, or interact on the platform. To change it, you go to your channel settings, select your current picture, and upload a new one. The whole process takes about two minutes.

You can use any image file on your computer — a photo, a graphic, a screenshot — as long as it's in JPG, GIF, or PNG format. YouTube will automatically crop it to a circle, so pick an image where the part you want to see is centered. The image should be at least 98 pixels wide and tall, though larger images (800 pixels or bigger) look sharper.

Key Takeaways

  • Your profile picture is stored in your Google Account settings, not just on YouTube, so changing it affects your picture across Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services.
  • YouTube automatically crops your image into a circle, so center the part of the photo you want visible before uploading.
  • You can upload a new picture, use a photo from your computer, or remove your picture entirely and return to the default colored circle.
  • The change takes effect immediately across YouTube, though it may take a few minutes to appear in comments or videos you've already posted.

Step 1: Open your channel and go to settings

Sign into YouTube with your Google Account. In the top right corner, you'll see a small circle with your current profile picture or initial inside it. Click that circle.

A menu will drop down. Click "Create a channel" if you don't have one yet, or click your channel name if you do. Either way, you'll land on your channel page. Once you're there, look for the gear icon (⚙) in the top right area of your channel header. Click it and select "Settings" from the menu that appears.

Step 2: Click your current profile picture to upload a new one

In Settings, you'll see a "Channel" tab on the left side. Make sure it's selected. On the right side of the page, you'll see your current profile picture displayed as a circle. Click directly on that circle.

A window will open asking you to choose an image. Navigate to the folder on your computer where your new picture is saved, select it, and click "Open." YouTube will show you a preview of how the image will look cropped into a circle. If you're happy with it, click the checkmark or "Crop" button to confirm.

Step 3: Wait for the change to appear across YouTube

Your new profile picture takes effect immediately in most places. You'll see it in the top right corner of YouTube right away, and it will appear next to your name on any new comments or videos you post from that moment forward.

Old comments and videos you posted before the change will still show your previous picture for a few hours or sometimes longer, depending on how YouTube's servers update. This is normal and will resolve on its own. If you want to see your new picture appear everywhere right away, you can sign out and sign back in, though this isn't necessary.

What to do if you want to remove your profile picture

If you'd rather not have a custom picture, you can remove it and go back to YouTube's default — a colored circle with your initial. Click your profile picture in Settings the same way, but this time look for a "Remove" or "Delete" option in the preview window. Click it, and YouTube will return you to the default.

You can always add a new picture later by following the same steps. There's no limit to how many times you can change your picture.

Why your profile picture appears in other Google services

Your YouTube profile picture is actually your Google Account picture. This means when you change it on YouTube, it also changes on Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and anywhere else you use your Google Account. If you want a different picture just for YouTube and not for your other Google services, you'll need to change it back before using those other services.

If you want to keep your YouTube picture separate, you can create a separate Google Account just for YouTube. This takes a few extra minutes but gives you complete control over which picture appears where.

Troubleshooting if your new picture won't upload

If you click your profile picture and nothing happens, make sure you're using a supported image format: JPG, GIF, or PNG. If your file is in a different format (like BMP or TIFF), you'll need to convert it first using free tools like Pixlr or even Microsoft Paint.

If the upload starts but fails partway through, check your internet connection and try again. If you're on a very slow connection, the upload might time out. If the image file is extremely large (over 10 MB), try making it smaller using an online image resizer before uploading. Most profile pictures don't need to be bigger than 2 or 3 MB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a picture of someone else as my profile picture?

YouTube allows it, but you should only use pictures you have permission to use. If you use someone else's photo without permission, they could report it and YouTube may remove it. Using a picture of a celebrity or public figure is technically allowed but may confuse people about who you are.

What size should my profile picture be?

YouTube needs at least 98 pixels by 98 pixels, but larger images look sharper. An image that's 800 pixels by 800 pixels or bigger will look crisp on all devices. Since YouTube crops it into a circle, make sure the important part of your image is in the center.

Will my old comments show my new profile picture?

No. Comments you posted before the change will keep showing your old picture for several hours or sometimes longer. New comments will show your new picture right away. The old pictures will eventually update to the new one, but this can take time.

Can I change my profile picture on the YouTube app on my phone?

Yes. Open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture in the top right, tap "Settings," then tap your profile picture again. You can choose a photo from your phone's camera roll or take a new photo. The process is the same as on a computer.

What happens if I delete my profile picture?

YouTube will replace it with a colored circle containing your first initial. You can add a new picture anytime by following the same steps. Deleting your picture doesn't affect your account or any of your videos.