Here's a quick guide to optimizing your YouTube video size for better reach:
Key tips:
FactorRecommendationResolution1080p (1920x1080)Aspect Ratio16:9File FormatMP4 (H.264 codec)Frame Rate24-30 fps (60 fps for action)Max File Size256 GB
By following these guidelines, you'll create YouTube videos that look great and reach more viewers across devices.
To understand YouTube video sizes, you need to know these basic terms:
YouTube supports many video sizes. Here's a simple breakdown:
Video SizeResolutionBest For240p426x240Old devices, slow internet360p640x360Old TVs, basic viewing480p854x480Older computers720p1280x720Most modern devices1080p1920x1080High-quality viewing4K (2160p)3840x2160Top-end devices
YouTube likes the 16:9 aspect ratio because:
Using 16:9 helps your video look good on all devices.
Picking the right resolution for your YouTube videos is key for good quality and viewer enjoyment. Here's a simple guide to the main video resolutions:
1080p (Full HD) is a good choice for most videos. It's 1920x1080 pixels and offers:
4K (2160p) is the highest quality on YouTube at 3840x2160 pixels. It's good for:
But remember, 4K files are big and take longer to upload.
Lower resolutions like 720p have their uses:
ProsConsSmaller file sizeLess detailed videoFaster uploadsMay not look as goodWorks on older devicesMight not keep viewers watching
Here's a quick comparison of resolutions:
ResolutionBest For1080pMost videos4KHigh-detail content720p and lowerOlder devices, faster uploads
Choose the resolution that fits your video type and audience needs.
Choosing the best video size for YouTube involves balancing several factors. Your choice affects video quality, file size, and how viewers see your content.
Before picking a size, think about:
For example, if your viewers mostly use phones, a smaller video size might work better.
AspectHigher QualityLower QualityFile SizeLargerSmallerUpload SpeedSlowerFasterVisual ClarityBetterWorse
Try to use the same video size for all your channel's videos. This helps your content look the same no matter where people watch it.
Benefits of Consistent Video SizesCreates a uniform lookImproves viewer experienceWorks well across different devices
Resizing videos for YouTube is easy with the right tools. Here's how to do it using different methods:
Windows and Mac computers have free video editors that can resize videos:
These web tools are quick and easy to use:
ToolFeaturesClideoFree, easy to useKapwingMany sizing optionsOnline Video ConverterResizes and changes formats
For more control, use pro software like Adobe Premiere Pro:
These tools offer more options but may take longer to learn.
Software TypeProsConsBasic EditorsFree, easy to useLimited optionsOnline ToolsQuick, no download neededMay have file size limitsPro SoftwareMany features, high qualityCan be costly, harder to learn
Pick the method that fits your needs and skill level.
Picking the right video format for YouTube helps your videos play well. Here's what you need to know about file types, video codecs, and audio settings.
MP4 and MOV are the best file types for YouTube videos:
File TypeDescriptionMP4Works with many video and audio typesMOVMade by Apple, works well on YouTube
H.264 and H.265 are good ways to make video files smaller:
CodecFeaturesH.264Works on most devices, good qualityH.265 (HEVC)Smaller files, needs more power to play
For audio, use AAC-LC codec:
SettingRecommendationCodecAAC-LCBitrate128 kbps to 256 kbps
Pick the bitrate based on what your video needs.
Frame rates affect how smooth your video looks. Here's a simple guide:
Frame RateBest For24-30 fpsRegular videos (vlogs, comedy, talks)60+ fpsFast-moving videos (gaming, sports)
Bitrate is how much data your video uses each second. It affects quality and file size.
BitrateResultHigherBetter quality, bigger fileLowerSmaller file, may look less clear
Pick your bitrate based on your video's resolution and frame rate. Check YouTube's guide for exact numbers.
Frame rate and bitrate both change how good your video looks:
FactorEffectHigher frame rateSmoother motionHigher bitrateClearer picture
But remember, higher numbers mean bigger files. This can make uploads slower.
Pick what works best for your videos and viewers. It might take some testing to find the right mix.
Here are some simple tips to help your YouTube videos reach more people:
Use a 16:9 aspect ratio when filming. This size fits most screens well and looks good on YouTube. It helps avoid black bars on the sides of your video.
Black bars can make your video look less good. To avoid them:
Many people watch YouTube on their phones. To make your videos good for mobile:
TipWhy It HelpsUse clear, short titlesEasy to read on small screensAdd relevant tagsHelps people find your videoKeep videos shortHolds attention on mobileTry vertical formatFits phone screens better
When you upload videos to YouTube, you might run into issues with how they look or play. Here's how to fix the most common problems:
If your video doesn't fit YouTube's 16:9 screen shape, try these fixes:
ProblemSolutionVideo too wide or tallUse video editing software to crop or resizeBlack bars on sidesAdjust aspect ratio when uploading to YouTubeWrong camera settingsSet your camera to record in 16:9 before filming
When your video isn't clear enough or is too big, here's what to do:
ResolutionActionToo lowRecord in 1080p, 720p, or 480pToo highUse software to make the video smallerWrong camera settingsCheck and change your camera's resolution
Big files can be hard to upload. Try these tips:
IssueFixFile too bigUse software to make the file smallerWrong file typeChange to MP4 or WebM formatVideo too longSplit into shorter parts
Making your YouTube videos the right size helps more people see and enjoy them. Here's what to keep in mind:
AspectRecommendationAspect RatioUse 16:9 for best resultsResolutionPick based on your content and viewersFile SizeKeep it small for easy uploadsFormatsTry different ones to see what works
It's good to try out different video sizes and types. Here's how:
The best video size for YouTube is 1920 x 1080 pixels (full HD). This works well for most videos. For special projects, you can use 4K or 8K, but it's not needed for most content.
Video TypeRecommended SizeStandard1920 x 1080 pxSpecial4K or 8K
Remember to make your video thumbnails 1920 x 1080 pixels too. This helps your videos look good on YouTube.
Yes, YouTube has a file size limit. You can upload videos up to 256 GB. But keep in mind:
AspectDetailMax file size256 GBBest practiceUse smaller files for faster uploads
Just because you can upload a big file doesn't mean you should. Smaller files upload faster and work better for most videos.
For most YouTube videos, aim for these sizes:
Video QualityResolutionBest ForFull HD1920 x 1080 pxMost videos4K or 8KHigherSpecial projects, if needed
Stick to 1920 x 1080 pixels for your videos and thumbnails. This size works well for most YouTube content and viewers.