YouTube Shorts Resolution
The current YouTube Shorts specification: deliver 1080 x 1920 px at a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio. Below are the full delivery specs, the safe zones to design around, and the export recipe.
YouTube Shorts delivery specs
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 px master, vertical 9:16.
- Aspect ratio: 9:16.
- Maximum length: up to 3 minutes.
- Maximum file size: up to 256 GB.
- Frame rate: 30 fps (up to 60).
- Bitrate: aim for 10 to 15 Mbps.
- Minimum resolution: do not deliver below 720 x 1280 px.
- Codec and container: H.264, MP4.
Safe zones and caption limits
- Top safe zone: keep about 100 px clear at the top.
- Bottom safe zone: keep about 380 px clear at the bottom.
- Side safe zone: keep about 100 px clear on the right.
- Caption: title up to 100 characters.
- Hashtags: add #Shorts to help discovery.
Best practice for YouTube Shorts
- Add #Shorts. It still nudges the video into the Shorts shelf.
- The bottom and right are covered by the title, channel name and action buttons, so keep key content clear of the lower right.
- Anything 9:16 and 3 minutes or under is treated as a Short.
- Upload the highest-resolution master you have; YouTube creates the lower-resolution versions.
Export recipe
Export 1080 x 1920 px at 9:16, 30 fps (up to 60), using H.264, MP4, and aim for 10 to 15 Mbps. Upload the highest-quality master allowed, keep key content inside the safe zone, and confirm the limits on the in-app upload screen, since platform specs change.
Frequently asked questions
What resolution should a YouTube Short be?
1080 x 1920 pixels, 9:16 vertical. Anything 9:16 and 3 minutes or under is treated as a Short.
How do I make sure my video is treated as a Short?
Keep it vertical (9:16) and 3 minutes or less, and add #Shorts, which still helps the video reach the Shorts shelf.
Related platform guides
This is a free guide. Use the interactive Social Video Format Spec Guide for a tailored workflow, or let XO3D handle the production for you. XO3D is a UK-based CGI studio.