Here's a quick guide to YouTube video sizes and formats for better engagement:
Key points:
AspectRecommendationVideo resolution1080p (1920x1080)Aspect ratio16:9File formatMP4 (H.264 codec)Frame rate30 fpsThumbnail size1280x720 pixelsChannel art size2560x1440 pixels
Understanding these basics helps create videos that look good across devices and keep viewers engaged.
YouTube video dimensions are about the size and resolution of your video. Knowing these helps you make videos that look good on different screens.
Video resolution is how many pixels make up your video. More pixels mean a clearer video. Some common resolutions are 1080p, 4K, and 8K. For example, a 1080p video is 1920x1080 pixels.
YouTube allows various video resolutions, from 240p to 2160p. Here's a table of common resolutions:
ResolutionDimensionsBest For240p426x240Slow internet360p640x360Smartphones480p854x480TVs and computers720p1280x720HD TVs and computers1080p1920x1080Better playback devices1440p2560x1440High-end devices2160p3840x21604K devices
The best size for your video depends on what you're making. Here are some tips:
Pick the size that fits your content and looks good on the devices your viewers use most.
Aspect ratios are important for video making. They decide how wide and tall your video looks on different screens. Let's look at the main aspect ratios for YouTube and how to use them.
16:9 is the most common aspect ratio for YouTube. It works well on:
Most people use 16:9 for their videos because it looks good on many screens.
Sometimes, you might want to use a different aspect ratio:
Aspect RatioShapeBest For1:1SquareInstagram posts4:3Older TV shapeOld-style videos9:16TallYouTube Shorts, phone videos
You can change your video's aspect ratio when you edit it. Here are three ways:
Pick the way that works best for your video and where people will watch it.
YouTube sets limits on file size and video length:
AspectLimitMax file size256 GBMax length (verified accounts)12 hoursMax length (unverified accounts)15 minutes
Remember, big files can be hard to upload if your internet is slow.
Here are good file sizes for different video qualities:
ResolutionBitrateFile Size1080p5000 kbps1-2 GB720p3000 kbps500 MB - 1 GB480p1500 kbps200-500 MB360p1000 kbps100-200 MB
To make your video smaller without losing quality:
These tips help you make videos that look good but don't take up too much space.
YouTube accepts many video formats. The main ones are:
Some other formats work too, but these are the most common.
Here's a simple look at some popular video formats:
FormatFile SizeQualityGood ForMP4MediumHighMost videosMOVLargeHighApple devicesAVILargeMediumWindows computersWMVMediumMediumOlder Windows systemsFLVSmallLowOlder web videosWebMSmallMediumWeb browsers
When choosing a video format for YouTube, think about:
For most people, MP4 is a good choice. It gives high quality and works on many devices.
Video encoding helps make your files smaller and better for YouTube. This part explains how to encode your videos correctly.
H.264 is the best video codec for YouTube. Here's why:
AspectH.264 BenefitsQualityGood video qualityFile sizeSmaller filesSupportWorks on many devices
For audio, use AAC-LC. It's good because:
Frame rate is how many pictures your video shows each second. For YouTube:
Frame RateUse Case24 fpsMovies, cinematic videos25 fpsTV shows, some countries30 fpsMost videos, good all-around choice
If you're not sure, use 30 fps. It looks smooth and doesn't make files too big.
For YouTube banners:
AspectSizeFull banner size2560 x 1440 pixelsSafe area1235 x 338 pixels
Use the full size for best quality. Put key info in the safe area so it's not cut off on different screens.
For YouTube profile pictures:
AspectDetailsSize800 x 800 pixelsFile typesJPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG
Pick a clear image that people can easily spot. This helps viewers find your channel.
For video thumbnails:
AspectDetailsSize1280 x 720 pixelsAspect ratio16:9
Make thumbnails that stand out and show what your video is about. Good thumbnails can make more people click on your videos.
Most people watch YouTube on their phones. Over 70% of YouTube views come from mobile devices. If your videos don't look good on phones, you're missing out on many viewers.
To make your videos look good on phones:
AspectRecommended SizeVideo size1280 x 720 pixelsAspect ratio16:9
This size fits well on small screens and keeps good quality.
Here's how to make videos that work well on phones:
TipExplanationKeep videos shortPhone viewers don't watch for longUse clear titlesMake titles easy to read on small screensMake good thumbnailsUse clear, eye-catching imagesUse the same styleKeep fonts, colors, and layouts the same in all videos
These tips help make your videos easy to watch on phones.
To make videos smaller without losing quality, try these methods:
TechniqueDescriptionUse H.264 or H.265 codecMakes files smaller while keeping good qualityLower bitrateReduces file size but might affect qualityUse compression toolsHandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder can help adjust settings
Here are some tools to change video size and format:
ToolTypeFeaturesHandBrakeFreeChanges video formats and sizesAdobe Media EncoderPaidAdvanced features like color and audio editingMiniTool Video ConverterFreeCan change many videos at once
To make videos look good but not take up too much space:
When your video won't upload, try these fixes:
ProblemSolutionSlow internetWait for a better connectionBusy upload timesTry uploading late at nightVideo too bigMake your video shorter or smallerCopied videoChange your video to make it new
If your video looks wrong on YouTube, check these:
IssueFixWrong shapeUse 16:9 size for YouTubeBlack bars or stretchedCrop or resize your videoVideo looks oddCheck and fix the video's shape
When your video won't play right:
ProblemWhat to DoVideo won't playMake sure your video type works on YouTubeSound and picture don't matchFix the timing in your video editorVideo stops and startsCheck your internet or lower the video quality
As video technology grows, YouTube's video format needs will change. This section looks at new video tech, what YouTube might do next, and how to get ready.
YouTube now supports 8K videos. As more people get 8K devices, more creators might use this high-quality format.
Other new video types include:
These are popular with younger viewers.
YouTube will likely change to keep up with new tech and how people watch videos. Some possible changes are:
ChangeDescriptionMore high-quality videosMore support for 4K and 8K videosFocus on mobileVideos that look good on phones
To be ready for new YouTube formats:
To make good YouTube videos, you need to know about video size and format. Here are the main things to keep in mind:
AspectWhat to KnowResolutionUse YouTube's supported sizes (like 1080p or 4K)Aspect Ratio16:9 works best for most videosFile SizeStay within YouTube's limitsVideo FormatMP4 with H.264 codec is a good choiceMobileMake sure videos look good on phones
YouTube often changes its rules for videos. To make sure your videos work well:
For YouTube videos:
Aspect RatioDescription16:9Best choice for most videos1:1Square videos (will have black borders)9:16Vertical videos (will have black borders)
Using 16:9 helps your videos look good without black borders.
For YouTube thumbnails:
AspectDetailsSize1280x720 pixelsAspect Ratio16:9
This size works well for thumbnails. Good thumbnails can help get more views.
For YouTube Shorts:
AspectDetailsVideo lengthUp to 60 secondsResolution1920x1080 pixelsFormatVertical
YouTube Shorts should be vertical videos, 60 seconds or less, with 1920x1080 resolution.