Perfect YouTube Video
When uploading videos to YouTube, one of the most common — and significant — questions creators have is: What are the ideal video dimensions and resolution? Getting this correct ensures your videos look professional, upload quickly, and are optimized for YouTube's algorithm and user experience.
In this guide, we'll share everything you need to know about the best YouTube video dimensions and resolutions in 2025, including tips on Shorts, vertical video, and playback on mobile.
Ideal YouTube Video Dimensions and Resolution
YouTube primarily supports videos in a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the standard for most modern screens. Here's a useful table of recommended resolutions:
| Name | Resolution (px) | Aspect Ratio | Label on YouTube |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4K (Ultra HD) | 3840 x 2160 | 16:9 | Best Quality |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560 x 1440 | 16:9 | Quad HD |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 | Standard for most videos |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 x 720 | 16:9 | Minimum for HD badge |
| 480p (SD) | 854 x 480 | 16:9 | Lower quality |
| 360p | 640 x 360 | 16:9 | Mobile optimized |
| 240p | 426 x 240 | 16:9 | Very low quality |
Official YouTube Upload Specifications
YouTube Shorts and Vertical Videos
If you're uploading content that's meant for YouTube Shorts or primarily mobile audiences, use vertical videos. These are in a 9:16 aspect ratio, with common dimensions being:
- 1080 x 1920 (Vertical Full HD)
YouTube Shorts are capped at 60 seconds, so make sure to keep your vertical content short and sweet.
⚙️ Recommended YouTube Upload Settings
In order to preserve the highest quality after compression, YouTube recommends the following upload settings:
- File Format: MP4
- Video Codec: H.264
- Audio Codec: AAC-LC
- Frame Rate: Match source (24, 30, 60 FPS)
- Bitrate: Varies by resolution (e.g., 8 Mbps for 1080p, 35-45 Mbps for 4K)
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect aspect ratio: Causes black bars or distorted video.
- Uploading low-resolution videos: Looks amateurish on 4K or HD displays.
- Not paying attention to bitrate and compression: Results in pixelated or grainy playback.
- Not matching frame rate: Can cause stuttering video performance.
✅ YouTube Video Size Best Practices
| Use Case | Recommended Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Upload | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 16:9 |
| Premium Content | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 16:9 |
| Shorts/Mobile | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 (Vertical) |
For the most professional appearance, edit and export your videos always in the resolution you're going to upload. And also, preview how it will appear on desktop and mobile screens to create an optimum format.
Final Thoughts
Uploading your content in the correct YouTube dimensions and resolution not only improves visual quality but also enhances your channel’s reputation and viewer retention. Stick with 16:9 for regular uploads and 9:16 for Shorts, aim for at least 1080p, and use the proper encoding settings to avoid quality loss.
By following these guidelines, your content will stand out — and perform better — across all of YouTube’s platforms.