TL;DR: What are the correct video dimensions for YouTube?
YouTube video dimensions refer to the pixel size (height × width) of your video. Aspect ratio describes the shape of your video, whether it’s horizontal, vertical, or square. To make your videos look clean across all devices, use the correct combination of dimensions and aspect ratios.
Most YouTube videos use a 16:9 horizontal aspect ratio. Video dimensions range from 426×240 up to 7680×4320, but for most creators, 1920×1080 (Full HD) or 2560×1440 (2K) offer the best balance of quality and file size. YouTube allows uploads up to 128GB in size and up to 12 hours long per video.
Here’s a quick summary
Standard YouTube Video (Horizontal)
– Aspect Ratio: 16:9
– Recommended Size: 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
– Other Common Sizes: 1280 × 720 (HD) 2560 × 1440 (2K) 3840 × 2160 (4K)
YouTube Shorts (Vertical)
– Aspect Ratio: 9:16
– Recommended Size: 1080 × 1920 Other Sizes: 720 × 1280 1440 × 2560
YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions
Recommended Size: 1280 × 720 Minimum Size: 640 × 360
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Max File Size: 2MB
Use these sizes as a baseline for all your uploads to avoid display issues and improve viewer experience.
Billions of people worldwide view YouTube videos on their smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, and other devices.
YouTube video dimensions mean the exact height and width your video needs to display properly across all devices, without black bars, cropping, or blurry playback.
Whether you’re uploading a regular video, a Short, or just a thumbnail, getting the dimensions right makes a big difference in how your content looks and performs.
A poorly sized video can turn people away before they even watch.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact pixel sizes, aspect ratios, and file specs you need to know, so every upload looks crisp, fits the screen, and keeps your viewers watching.
Let’s dive in.
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Aspect Ratio vs Dimensions: What’s the Difference?
Before we move forward, let’s clarify a common misconception: aspect ratio and video dimensions aren’t the same thing. They work together, but they serve different purposes.
- The aspect ratio tells you the shape of your video (wide, tall, or square).
- The dimensions tell you the size of your video in pixels (like 1920×1080).
Both matter when you’re uploading to YouTube, because if either one is off, your video can end up looking stretched, blurry, or boxed in with black bars.
Here’s an example of a YouTube video with aspect ratio 16:9 and dimensions 3840 × 2160 (4K).
What Is Aspect Ratio?
Aspect ratio is the ratio of your video’s width to its height. It doesn’t involve pixels—just the proportional shape.
Here are the most common aspect ratios on YouTube and the devices they work best on:
| Aspect Ratio | What It’s For | Best On Devices |
| 16:9 | Standard horizontal videos | TVs, laptops, desktops |
| 9:16 | Vertical videos / Shorts | Smartphones (vertical viewing) |
| 1:1 | Square videos (rare on YouTube) | Social feeds, some mobile apps |
So if you’re making a regular video or tutorial, go with 16:9. If you’re uploading a YouTube Short, shoot in 9:16—the same shape as your phone screen when held vertically.
What Are Dimensions?
Video dimensions are the actual pixel height and width or resolution of your video. This is what determines how sharp or blurry your content looks, especially on bigger screens.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common YouTube video resolutions, their dimensions, and where they’re best viewed:
| Resolution | Dimensions (Width × Height) | Best For Devices |
| 240p | 426 × 240 | Older phones, slow connections |
| 360p | 640 × 360 | Basic smartphones |
| 480p (SD) | 854 × 480 | Mid-range phones, older tablets |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 × 720 | Tablets, older laptops |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 | Most laptops, desktops, TVs |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560 × 1440 | High-res monitors, premium tablets |
| 2160p (4K) | 3840 × 2160 | 4K TVs, high-end devices |
| 4320p (8K) | 7680 × 4320 | 8K TVs (niche use) |
Even if you’re filming on your phone, try to upload in at least 1080p. YouTube compresses videos during upload, so starting with a higher resolution gives you the best chance of maintaining quality.
How Aspect Ratio And Dimensions Work Together
Think of it this way:
- Aspect ratio sets the frame shape
- Dimensions fill that frame with pixel quality
For example:
- A 720p video (1280×720) and a 1080p video (1920×1080) are both 16:9 in shape, but the 1080p version will look sharper, especially on a big screen.
- A Short at 1080×1920 and one at 720×1280 are both vertical (9:16), but again, the higher-res one will look better on most phones.
When uploading to YouTube, you want to get both right:
- The right aspect ratio for the content type.
- The highest resolution you can reasonably export without file issues
With this necessary clarification, let’s now discuss the specific dimensions of different YouTube video types.
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YouTube Video Dimensions For Standard Horizontal Videos
If you’re uploading tutorials, thought leadership content, or webinar-style videos on YouTube, you’re most likely using the standard horizontal format, the kind people watch on laptops, TVs, or even during focused sessions on their phones.
For this kind of content, getting your video dimensions right is non-negotiable. A sharp, properly sized video doesn’t just look better, it builds trust. And that trust makes viewers more likely to take your next step: subscribing, downloading a lead magnet, or joining your program.
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
YouTube’s default aspect ratio for horizontal videos is 16:9.
That’s widescreen—and it’s what most editing tools and cameras use by default when you shoot in landscape mode.
All your video lectures, coaching content, screen recordings, or how-to videos should stick to this ratio. It fills the screen neatly on desktops, laptops, tablets, and even TVs—without black bars or cropping issues.
Common Resolutions and Dimensions (in pixels)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common video dimensions course creators use on YouTube, along with the ideal use case for each:
| Resolution | Dimensions (px) | Best For |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 × 720 | Acceptable quality for casual content or mobile-first viewers |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 | Ideal for most course creators—professional, clear, and lightweight to upload |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560 × 1440 | Great for polished videos and screen recordings, especially with text or slides |
| 2160p (4K) | 3840 × 2160 | Best for top-tier, evergreen content or content viewed on large screens |
| 480p and below | ≤ 854 × 480 | Avoid unless you’re uploading a Zoom recording you can’t reprocess |
Most creators should stick with 1080p. It’s a sweet spot: high enough quality for nearly all devices, small enough file size for smooth uploads, and perfectly professional for funnel-building content.
If you’re sharing a course preview, testimonial, or step-by-step breakdown on a whiteboard or slide deck, consider 1440p. It keeps everything extra crisp, especially text and diagrams.
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YouTube Shorts Dimensions For Vertical Videos
YouTube Shorts are one of the fastest ways to grow visibility right now—especially if you’re trying to reach a wider audience with bite-sized tips, success stories, or behind-the-scenes looks at your programs.
But to make the most of Shorts, you’ve got to get the dimensions right. Uploading a video with the wrong shape or size can result in black bars, poor display, or YouTube not even treating it as a Short.
Here’s an example of a YouTube Shorts video with aspect ratio 9:16 and dimensions 1080 × 1920 (1080p resolution).
YouTube Shorts Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Unlike regular YouTube videos, Shorts are designed for vertical viewing, so the correct aspect ratio is 9:16, the shape of your phone when held upright.
If you record using your phone’s default camera in portrait mode, you’re already on the right track. Just make sure not to crop or edit it in a way that changes the ratio.
This format fills the entire screen on mobile, which is where the vast majority of Shorts are viewed.
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Common YouTube Shorts Resolutions and Dimensions (in pixels)
Here’s a breakdown of the best pixel dimensions to use when creating or exporting Shorts:
| Resolution | Dimensions (px) | Best For |
| 720p (HD) | 720 × 1280 | Minimum for decent mobile viewing |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1080 × 1920 | Ideal for most Shorts—sharp, clean, and light to upload |
| 1440p (2K) | 1440 × 2560 | Great for visual content or detail-heavy frames |
| 2160p (4K) | 2160 × 3840 | Overkill for most creators, but useful for cinematic content or brand-level polish |
If you’re recording quick advice clips, mini case studies, or day-in-the-life content, 1080×1920 is your go-to. It looks sharp on every phone without making your file sizes huge.
Also, keep your Shorts under 60 seconds, and try to stay under 60MB in file size for smoother uploads and faster playback.
YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions
Even if your content is solid, a weak thumbnail can tank your click-through rate. For coaches and course creators using YouTube to drive leads, your thumbnail often makes the first impression, long before someone watches your video or visits your landing page.
So let’s make sure your YouTube thumbnails are the right size, sharp, and eye-catching.
Recommended Thumbnail Size (Height × Width)
The ideal thumbnail size for YouTube is 1280 × 720 pixels.
This keeps the aspect ratio at 16:9, which matches the shape of your actual video.
Thumbnails show up in search results, home feeds, sidebars, and mobile screens—so this size ensures they stay sharp and consistent across all devices.
Minimum Size Requirements
If you can’t hit 1280×720 for some reason, the absolute minimum is 640 × 360 pixels
But keep in mind: anything under 720p can start to look pixelated, especially on tablets and TVs. If you’re promoting a webinar replay, a mini-course teaser, or a high-value tip, don’t skimp on thumbnail quality.
File Format and Best Practices
Here are YouTube’s official guidelines and what I recommend from experience:
- File types: JPG, PNG, or GIF
- Max file size: 2MB
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Design tip: Use large, readable text and clear facial expressions. Avoid clutter.
If you’re using Canva or another design tool, always set your canvas size to 1280×720 before you start.
Pro tip: Use the same brand colors, fonts, and style across all your YouTube thumbnails. It builds recognition and authority, especially important if your channel feeds into your coaching or course business. Also, keep an eye on your most successful competitors’ YouTube thumbnails to spot patterns and styles working for them.
Do YouTube Video Dimensions Affect Rankings?
YouTube does not rank videos higher just because they are 1080p or 4K. There is no direct connection between video resolution or dimensions and search rankings.
But dimensions affect how people experience your video. And that affects performance, which does influence rankings.
If your video is low quality, has black bars, or doesn’t fit the screen, people will stop watching. When that happens, your watch time drops. You get fewer likes, fewer comments, and less engagement. YouTube notices all of this.
On the other hand, when your video looks clean and fits perfectly on any device, people stay longer and are more likely to take action.
YouTube’s algorithm pays attention to signals like:
- Watch time
- Audience retention
- Click-through rate
- Likes, comments, and shares
- Viewer satisfaction
These signals help YouTube decide whether your video is worth promoting.
For regular videos, always stick to a 16:9 aspect ratio. For Shorts, use 9:16. These formats work best across mobile, desktop, and TV screens. If your video is the wrong shape, it won’t display well, and that can hurt engagement.
Video dimensions don’t affect rankings directly. But they do affect how people respond to your content. And that response is what helps your video reach more people.
Best Practices for Setting YouTube Video Sizes
Getting the size and format right is one of the simplest ways to make your videos look professional, increase watch time, and build trust with your audience. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make every upload count.
1. Know where your audience watches your content.
If you’re targeting professionals or adult learners, there’s a good chance they’re watching on laptops or smart TVs, not just phones. Use YouTube Analytics to check which devices your viewers use most. If the majority are on desktop, always export in 1080p or higher using a 16:9 layout. If you’re building awareness through Shorts, stick to 1080×1920 and a 9:16 format for clean vertical viewing on phones.
2. Use the correct aspect ratio for the content type
Regular YouTube videos should always be 16:9. Shorts must be 9:16. Don’t guess—YouTube expects these ratios, and getting them wrong can make your video display poorly or reduce engagement.
3. Start with the right canvas size
Set your editing project to the final dimensions before you even start editing. Don’t resize or crop videos after the fact—it almost always leads to quality loss or strange framing. If you’re using tools like ScreenFlow, Camtasia, or Premiere Pro, lock in the dimensions from the start.
4. Avoid black bars or padding
YouTube adds its own padding when needed. If you try to add black bars manually to “fix” the shape, you’ll just confuse the player and end up with a smaller, boxed-in video.
5. Stick to 1080p or higher unless there’s a good reason not to
1080p is more than enough for sharp visuals, readable text, and strong first impressions. It uploads quickly, plays smoothly, and looks great on any screen. Use 1440p if your videos involve slide decks, screen recordings, or anything with small text.
6. Use 1280×720 for thumbnails, every time
Even if your video is 720p or lower, your thumbnail should still be 1280×720. That’s the size YouTube uses across its platform. Design it to be readable at small sizes and visually consistent with your channel brand.
7. Record in the format you plan to publish
Don’t shoot horizontally and crop it into a Short later. If you’re making a vertical video, record it vertically from the start. Cropping after recording almost always leads to awkward framing.
8. Preview on multiple devices before publishing.
Play your video on your phone, laptop, and even a smart TV if you can. Something that looks fine in the editor might be cut off or pixelated once it’s live.
9. Use Shorts to test ideas before creating full videos
If you’re unsure what topics will resonate with your audience, create a few Shorts first. The right size and formatting will help them get discovered faster, and the performance data will guide your longer content strategy.
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Don’t Underestimate The Impact Of YouTube Video Dimensions
YouTube video dimensions might seem technical, but they have a big impact on how your content is seen and received. If your video doesn’t fit the screen or looks low-quality, it hurts your credibility, even if your message is solid.
The good news? You don’t need fancy gear or advanced editing skills. You just need to use the right aspect ratio, export at a solid resolution, and match your content to how your audience actually watches.
Whether you’re building trust through long-form content or reaching new people with Shorts, getting your video size right helps every piece of content work harder for your business.
Now that you know the exact height, width, and format to use, you’re in a much better position to create videos that look good, feel professional, and drive the results you care about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I change the dimensions of a YouTube video after uploading?
No, you can’t change the resolution or aspect ratio after the video is uploaded. You’d need to re-export and re-upload a corrected version. - What happens if I upload a vertical video in a horizontal format?
YouTube will add padding to fit the 16:9 player, which can result in black bars on the sides and lower viewer engagement. - Does YouTube compress my video and reduce the quality?
Yes. YouTube automatically compresses all videos during processing, so it’s better to upload at the highest quality you can to preserve clarity. - Is there an ideal file format for best video quality on YouTube?
Yes. YouTube recommends uploading in MP4 format using the H.264 codec with AAC audio for the best balance of quality and compatibility. - Should I record my screen in 1080p or higher for course videos?
If your videos include slides, text, or UI walkthroughs, recording in 1440p or higher helps keep details sharp—especially on larger screens. - Do different aspect ratios affect monetization or ad placement?
No. Your aspect ratio won’t impact ad eligibility, but poor formatting may reduce viewer retention, which can affect how often ads are shown. - Can I schedule YouTube Shorts like regular videos?
Yes. You can schedule Shorts in YouTube Studio just like full-length videos. Make sure they meet the 9:16 ratio and under 60-second rule. - Are square videos a good idea on YouTube?
Not really. Square (1:1) videos are better suited for Instagram and Facebook. On YouTube, they can look awkward and don’t use the full screen efficiently. - Do I need to design separate thumbnails for Shorts?
YouTube currently doesn’t allow custom thumbnails for Shorts. It auto-selects a frame, but you can choose the frame during upload. - Is 4K worth it for course creators?
Only if you’re creating evergreen, polished content for large-screen viewing. Otherwise, 1080p is more than enough for most teaching and talking-head videos.
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