youtube video size,YouTube Video Size: Optimizing Your Content for Maximum Reach

Learn how to optimize your YouTube video size for better reach. Find tips on resolution, aspect ratio, file format, frame rate, and more.
youtube video size,YouTube Video Size: Optimizing Your Content for Maximum Reach
Written By
Nitin Mahajan
Published on
January 9, 2025

Here's a quick guide to optimizing your YouTube video size for better reach:

  • Resolution: 1080p (1920x1080) is best for most videos
  • Aspect ratio: Use 16:9 for full-screen viewing
  • File format: MP4 with H.264 codec
  • Frame rate: 24-30 fps for regular content, 60 fps for action
  • Bitrate: Balance quality and file size (e.g., 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps)

Key tips:

  • Film in 16:9 to avoid black bars
  • Resize videos if needed before uploading
  • Keep file sizes under 256 GB
  • Optimize for mobile viewing

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.

Related video from YouTube

YouTube Video Sizes Explained

Key Video Terms

To understand YouTube video sizes, you need to know these basic terms:

  • Resolution: The number of pixels in your video image
  • Aspect Ratio: The width-to-height ratio of your video
  • Frame Rate: How many frames show per second (FPS)
  • Bitrate: The amount of data used for each second of video

Common YouTube Video Sizes

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

Why 16:9 Aspect Ratio Is Best

YouTube likes the 16:9 aspect ratio because:

  • It fits most screens well
  • No black bars or cut-off edges
  • Works for TVs, computers, and phones
  • YouTube suggests using it for best results

Using 16:9 helps your video look good on all devices.

Best Video Resolutions for YouTube

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: The Middle Ground

1080p (Full HD) is a good choice for most videos. It's 1920x1080 pixels and offers:

  • Good video quality
  • Smaller file size than 4K
  • Works well for vlogs, tutorials, and lessons

4K: When to Use It

4K (2160p) is the highest quality on YouTube at 3840x2160 pixels. It's good for:

  • Very detailed videos
  • Product demos
  • Artistic videos

But remember, 4K files are big and take longer to upload.

720p and Lower: Pros and Cons

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.

Picking the Right Video Size

Choosing the best video size for YouTube involves balancing several factors. Your choice affects video quality, file size, and how viewers see your content.

What to Consider

Before picking a size, think about:

  • Your content type
  • Who will watch your videos
  • What devices they'll use

For example, if your viewers mostly use phones, a smaller video size might work better.

Quality and File Size Trade-offs

AspectHigher QualityLower QualityFile SizeLargerSmallerUpload SpeedSlowerFasterVisual ClarityBetterWorse

Keeping Videos Consistent

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

How to Resize Videos for YouTube

Resizing videos for YouTube is easy with the right tools. Here's how to do it using different methods:

Using Basic Video Editors

Windows and Mac computers have free video editors that can resize videos:

Windows Movie Maker:

  1. Open the program and add your video
  2. Go to "Edit" > "Video effects"
  3. Choose "Resize" and pick your size
  4. Click "Apply"

iMovie:

  1. Open iMovie and add your video
  2. Click "Edit" then "Crop"
  3. Pick your size and click "Apply"

Online Video Resizing Tools

These web tools are quick and easy to use:

ToolFeaturesClideoFree, easy to useKapwingMany sizing optionsOnline Video ConverterResizes and changes formats

Pro Video Editing Software

For more control, use pro software like Adobe Premiere Pro:

  1. Open the program and add your video
  2. Go to "Effect" > "Video effects"
  3. Pick "Scale" and choose your size
  4. Click "Apply"

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.

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Best Video Formats for YouTube

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 File Types

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 Video Codecs

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

Audio Settings

For audio, use AAC-LC codec:

SettingRecommendationCodecAAC-LCBitrate128 kbps to 256 kbps

Pick the bitrate based on what your video needs.

Frame Rate and Bitrate Tips

Picking Frame Rates: 24, 30, or 60 fps

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)

Choosing Bitrates

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.

How They Affect Video Quality

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.

Tips for Choosing

  • Think about who will watch your videos
  • Consider where you're uploading (YouTube, other sites)
  • Balance quality with file size

Pick what works best for your videos and viewers. It might take some testing to find the right mix.

Tips for Better YouTube Videos

Here are some simple tips to help your YouTube videos reach more people:

Filming in the Right Aspect Ratio

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.

Getting Rid of Black Bars

Black bars can make your video look less good. To avoid them:

  • Film in 16:9 aspect ratio
  • Crop or resize your video if needed
  • Use video editing software to fix the aspect ratio

Making Videos Work on Mobile

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

Fixing Common Video Size Problems

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:

Fixing Aspect Ratio Issues

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

Solving Resolution Problems

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

Dealing with Large File Sizes

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

Conclusion

Key Points to Remember

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

Test Different Options

It's good to try out different video sizes and types. Here's how:

  • Look at how well your videos do
  • Ask viewers what they think
  • Change things if needed

FAQs

What is the recommended video size for YouTube?

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.

Is there a file size limit for 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.

What file size should a YouTube video be?

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.

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Nitin Mahajan
Founder & CEO
Nitin is the CEO of quickads.ai with 20+ years of experience in the field of marketing and advertising. Previously, he was a partner at McKinsey & Co and MD at Accenture, where he has led 20+ marketing transformations.
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