YouTube video dimensions
YouTube video dimensions are 16:9: YouTube lists resolutions from 426 × 240 px (240p) to 7680 × 4320 px (8K), and 1920 × 1080 px (1080p) is the common size; Shorts are vertical, usually 1080 × 1920 px (9:16).
Updated
All sizes at a glance
| Use | Size | Ratio | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) (recommended) | 1920 × 1080 px | 16:9 | |
| 4320p (8K) | 7680 × 4320 px | 16:9 | |
| 2160p (4K) | 3840 × 2160 px | 16:9 | |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560 × 1440 px | 16:9 | |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 × 720 px | 16:9 | |
| 480p (SD) | 854 × 480 px | 16:9 | Listed by YouTube as 16:9, though not exact |
| 360p (SD) | 640 × 360 px | 16:9 | |
| 240p (SD) | 426 × 240 px | 16:9 | Listed by YouTube as 16:9, though not exact |
| Shorts video | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | The common size; YouTube asks only for a square or vertical video |
| Shorts thumbnail | 2160 × 3840 px | 9:16 | Recommended by YouTube; at least 640 px tall |
Limits and safe zone
- Maximum file size
- 256 GB or 12 hours, whichever is less
- Video length
- Up to 15 minutes, longer once your account is verified; Shorts up to 3 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 on computers; vertical videos get padding, so do not add black bars
Semurai Canvas
Design it in Semurai Canvas
Start at the exact size, from a template or a blank page, and apply your Brand Kit: logo, colours and fonts. The AI chat edits the design when you ask.
Pick the “Presentation” preset (1920 × 1080 px) when you create a design.
After sign-up and a short brand setup, Canvas opens a blank 1920 × 1080 px design.
Already have an account? Open Canvas at 1920 × 1080 px
YouTube resolutions and aspect ratio
The standard YouTube aspect ratio on a computer is 16:9, and every resolution YouTube recommends follows it, from 240p to 8K.
Upload at the size you recorded: 1920 × 1080 px is the everyday choice and 3840 × 2160 px is 4K. A vertical 9:16 video plays with padding at the sides on computers. Do not add black bars yourself; YouTube adds the padding.
YouTube Shorts dimensions
Shorts are square or vertical videos up to 3 minutes long, and 1080 × 1920 px (9:16) is the common size.
YouTube asks only for a square or vertical aspect ratio and publishes no pixel size for Shorts. Their thumbnail is vertical too: YouTube recommends 2160 × 3840 px, at least 640 px tall.
File size and video length
A YouTube upload can be up to 256 GB or 12 hours long, whichever comes first.
By default, videos can be up to 15 minutes long. Verify your account to upload longer ones.
Graphics inside your video
Title cards, slides and end cards you edit into a video should match its size: 1920 × 1080 px for a 1080p video.
Make them at the same 16:9 shape and they fill the frame without scaling or bars. For Shorts, make vertical 1080 × 1920 px versions.
Tips
- Record and export regular videos at 16:9; other shapes get padding on computers.
- Never add black bars to a vertical or square video; YouTube handles the padding.
- Keep Shorts square or vertical and under 3 minutes.
- Make the thumbnail at the same time: 3840 × 2160 px for videos, 2160 × 3840 px for Shorts.
How to make it in Semurai Canvas
- Create a design in Semurai Canvas and pick the “Presentation” size (1920 × 1080 px), the same as a 1080p video.
- Design your title card, slide or end card with your Brand Kit colours and fonts, and add entrance animations if you want motion.
- Export an MP4 or a PNG for your video editor. For Shorts, use Resize to make a 1080 × 1920 px copy.
FAQ
Questions about this size
What resolution should I upload to YouTube?
Upload the resolution you recorded, in 16:9. 1920 × 1080 px (1080p) is the common choice, and YouTube supports everything up to 7680 × 4320 px (8K).
What are the dimensions of a YouTube Short?
1080 × 1920 px (9:16) is the common size. YouTube itself asks only for a square or vertical video up to 3 minutes long.
Can I upload a vertical video as a regular YouTube video?
Yes. On computers YouTube shows it with padding at the sides, so do not add black bars yourself. A vertical video up to 3 minutes long can also be a Short.
How long can a YouTube video be?
Up to 15 minutes by default. Once you verify your account you can upload longer videos, up to 12 hours or 256 GB, whichever comes first.
The right size,
on brand from the start.
Semurai plans, writes and designs with you. In Canvas you start at the size you need.
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