Best Video Formats for YouTube
When you're uploading videos to YouTube, the best format to use significantly impacts the quality of playback, speed, and general experience for your viewers. Whether you're a new creator or a seasoned YouTuber, understanding the best formats to use on your video can make it clear, load quickly, and be compatible with the site.
Here in this article, we'll talk about
- ✅ Optimal video format for YouTube
- Supported formats
- ⚙️ Best video settings
- Uploading tips for the best quality
Best Video Format on YouTube: MP4 (H.264 + AAC)
YouTube recommends the use of the MP4 format with the following parameters:
- Video Codec: H.264
- Audio Codec: AAC-LC (Low Complexity)
- Container: MP4
- Frame Rate: 24–60 fps (frames per second)
- Resolution: 1080p (Full HD) or more for optimal output
- Bitrate: 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30fps; 12 Mbps for 1080p at 60fps
Why MP4?
MP4 offers good video quality along with fairly compact file sizes. It uploads more quickly, is processed swiftly on YouTube, and performs well on any device or browser.
Other Supported YouTube Video Formats
Although MP4 is recommended, YouTube also accepts other formats:
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| MOV | General on Apple devices, good quality but more file size. |
| AVI | Older version, high quality but usually large and less compatible. |
| WMV | On Windows, not ideal due to restricted device support. |
| FLV | Flash video format, now mostly outdated. |
| 3GP | For mobile uploads; low resolution and old. |
| WebM | Open-source, lightweight, browser-supported. |
| MPEG-PS / MPEG-TS | Use in broadcasts and DVDs; less common for YouTube uploads. |
Although these formats are mentioned as supported, they can lead to slower processing or decreased quality upon upload.
Recommended YouTube Video Settings
YouTube suggests the following encoding and formatting settings as well:
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution Options:
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- 1920x1080 (Full HD)
- 1280x720 (HD)
- Bitrate (for SDR content):
- 1080p at 30fps: 8 Mbps
- 1080p at 60fps: 12 Mbps
- 4K at 30fps: 35–45 Mbps
Use a constant frame rate instead of variable, and progressive scan (not interlaced).
Pro Tips for Uploading High-Quality Videos
- Export as MP4, with H.264 codec.
- Don't repeatedly re-encode, since each change reduces quality.
- Do high-res exports (minimum 1080p) even if your content isn't 1080p natively—YouTube still compresses your videos.
- Keep audio at 128kbps or more for better sound.
- Use good lighting and sharp pictures—compression likes sharp pictures.
Final Thoughts
The MP4 (H.264 + AAC) is the standard against which YouTube uploads should be measured, as it gives the best balance of quality and compatibility. While other formats are compatible, sticking with MP4 enables smoother uploads, faster processing, and excellent view quality for your audience.
Whether you're vlogging, gaming, or uploading tutorials, the correct video format is a first step towards professional content.
External Resources:
Stay Updated
Subscribe to us for more video production tips, editing software, and YouTube growth tactics!