YouTube Video Size

The current YouTube video specification: deliver 1920 x 1080 px at a 16:9 landscape aspect ratio. Below are the full delivery specs, the safe zones to design around, and the export recipe.

YouTube video delivery specs

• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 px master, landscape 16:9.
• Aspect ratio: 16:9.
• Maximum length: up to 12 hours.
• Maximum file size: up to 256 GB.
• Frame rate: 24 to 60 fps.
• Bitrate: aim for 8 Mbps at 1080p, or 35 to 45 Mbps at 4K.
• Minimum resolution: do not deliver below 1280 x 720 px.
• Codec and container: H.264, MP4 (VP9 or AV1 for 4K and above).

Safe zones and caption limits

• Top safe zone: no significant crop.
• Bottom safe zone: keep about 60 px clear for player controls and end cards.
• Side safe zone: no significant crop.
• Caption: title up to 100 characters, description up to 5,000.
• Hashtags: up to 15, with the first 3 shown.

Best practice for YouTube video

• Upload 1080p or 4K in 16:9; YouTube creates the lower-resolution versions automatically.
• Leave the final 20 seconds clear for end screens (subscribe and next-video cards).
• A custom 1280 x 720 thumbnail matters more than the title for the click.
• Add chapter timestamps in the description to help retention on longer videos.

Export recipe

Export 1920 x 1080 px at 16:9, 24 to 60 fps, using H.264, MP4 (VP9 or AV1 for 4K and above), and aim for 8 Mbps at 1080p, or 35 to 45 Mbps at 4K. 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

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