Spam indicator
No channel banner
What it checks
Whether the channel has a banner image of its own across the top of its page.
The exact rule
- The checker reads the banner image YouTube reports for the channel.
- It fires (100%) when YouTube reports no banner, or when the banner is YouTube's old default banner.
- Any uploaded banner passes, whatever it shows.
- It is N/A when the checker holds no banner record for the channel, which happens only for channels it last read years ago.
Why it can point to spam
Like the profile picture, a banner costs a little time per channel. Channels made in bulk usually go without one.
When it fires on a legitimate channel
New channels, small personal channels and channels watched mostly on phones, where the banner is barely visible, often have none. On its own it moves a score very little.
How to change it
If you run the channel, add a banner in YouTube Studio:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, select Customization, then Profile.
- Under Banner image, click Change, choose an image, then click Done.
- Click Publish.
YouTube asks for at least 2048 × 1152 pixels at a 16:9 aspect ratio, 6 MB or smaller.