Understanding a bit more about YouTube video dimensions, resolutions, and formats can help you optimize the quality of your video content and grow your audience as a creator. This guide explains how to do just that.
Choppy, grainy, or otherwise hard-to-watch videos tend to drive away viewers—and without their attention, the YouTube algorithm may leave you behind. Sometimes, the wrong format can even prevent you from uploading your video to your YouTube channel .
One of the ways to increase how often your YouTube videos are viewed and shared is by ensuring that they’re set to the right resolution and format.
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Let’s start with the basics: Pixels are the tiny blocks behind your screen that make up all the digital images you see; the resolution refers to the size of these pixels. The larger the pixels, the fewer you can fit on the screen, resulting in blocky, low-quality, or low-resolution images.
A higher resolution image has more pixel density, resulting in clearer, sharper video quality. The smaller the pixels, the more you can fit together to create a more detailed image.
Not happy with your video quality? Use Descript to export the video in a higher resolution so that when it’s uploaded to YouTube, viewers get a high-quality viewing experience.
The dimensions of a video refers to how many pixels comprise an image length- and width-wise. For example, a low-quality image at 240 pixels (resolution) is usually 426 by 240 pixels (dimensions).
Changing the size of your dimensions can also alter how the resolution displays. For instance, increasing the dimensions spreads the pixels farther apart, reducing video playback quality.
Uploading your YouTube video in the right dimensions and resolution ensures it looks its best. Here are a few common YouTube video dimensions and resolutions:
The aspect ratio describes the relationship between the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the video frame. In other words, it determines the shape of the video playback screen.
For instance, an image at 1080 x 1080 pixels has a 1:1 aspect ratio, meaning for every pixel long, it’s also one pixel wide, producing a square playback frame. This also makes the resolution 1080p.
The aspect ratio and the resolution of a YouTube video are codependent—that is, when you change to a different aspect ratio, you also change the resolution, and vice versa. For example, a video meant to be played in a 4:3 aspect ratio would appear stretched and distorted if converted to 16:9.
You can edit your YouTube video’s standard aspect ratio in camera before you start recording, or change it in post-production with a video editing tool like Descript.
Here are the three most common YouTube video aspect ratios:
Although the YouTube app adjusts the aspect ratio for video playback on mobile, your default thumbnail will contain a blurred, magnified background behind the actual video to fill the 16:9 frame.
For a high-quality image and small video file size, YouTube recommends uploading your videos in MP4 format with a 16:9 aspect ratio and H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec (types of compression software that transfer image and sound).
However, you can choose from any of the following YouTube video formats:
YouTube is a video-sharing platform, but that doesn't mean there aren't images involved at all. There are a few image sizes to keep in mind as you create, promote, and optimize your YouTube channel and videos.
Creator Patricia Bright, for example, uses the correct YouTube cover art ratio for The Break’s profile banner.
Your video recording might not be the proper size or resolution originally. This means you'll want to change or adjust it to fit YouTube's best practices.
To adjust your video size, follow these quick steps:
Videos already uploaded to YouTube can also change their size/resolution based on the viewer's connection or preferences. The video will start playing on its automated settings, but there are ways to adjust this.
On desktop, click the gear icon for Settings then select Quality. From here, you’ll see a list of the different quality options appear:
On mobile, the process is pretty much the same. Tap the video to view the options, then select the gear icon in the top right corner. You’ll again see the Quality option with a few playback options.
Instead of selecting specific resolutions, the mobile app will choose one based on your preferences—higher picture quality or saving data. You can circumvent that by tapping Advanced to choose your preferred resolution.
Regardless of video size, master your YouTube video creation process with these tips and tricks:
To make publishing your media go as seamlessly as possible, here are a few things to know before uploading videos.
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You can upload mobile videos through the YouTube app as long as they fall within the size and format limitations. If you record and upload vertical videos, YouTube plays it on mobile in its original aspect ratio. However, on your desktop, it plays at 9:16 and includes black bars on the edges.
The bigger the file, the longer it takes to upload. A video upload may also take longer if you have a poor internet connection or if too many other users are trying to upload at the same time.
Using a bad compressor or converting to the incorrect format can lower the quality of your video. If your video uploaded with no issues but it still doesn’t look right, check the streaming settings by clicking the settings icon on the YouTube player and selecting a better resolution, like 720p or 1080p.
The MB (megabyte) size of a video varies depending on the file size and upload quality. But generally speaking, a one-minute video at 480p can take up about 24MB, while an HD video of the same length can take up about 88MB.
Yes, 1920 x 1080p is one of the most popular YouTube video resolutions. This is full HD resolution, so you should use it, if possible, when uploading your video.
1280 x 720 is another one of the most popular video resolutions for YouTube. This is the minimum resolution required to be HD, and works well over a slower internet connection.
The recommended aspect ratio of 1280 x 720 is 16:9. This ensures the best viewing experience for your videos.
Youtube is the second largest search engine and the most popular video platform globally. Every other business knows that you can use YouTube to reach more people.
But sometimes, it is hard to keep up with Youtube.
Like the ever-changing algorithm of Instagram, Youtube also has its own set of rules that we must follow. Video quality and size should always be top-notch.
If you are wondering what the best resolution for Youtube is, we will end your search right now. 1080p has been Youtube's standard video solution for a while now.
The high resolution means videos take up more of your hard drive and look better. So if you're planning on uploading videos, here is what you need to know about the best resolution for Youtube.
In the world of digital media, there are a lot of different players in the game. Each platform has its way of doing things, and it’s up to you whether or not you want to adapt to them.
But following the recommended guidelines is often helpful. It is essential to use recommended Youtube video size because-
When you are watching a video on Youtube, you get the option to change the quality of the video. The highest quality can be 4K and 1080p. Choosing the highest resolution gives you the best quality videos.
There are four aspects to look into while choosing the correct Youtube video size -
Resolution is the video quality and determines how detailed your video will be. A higher resolution means a clearer picture. In other words, it's the number of pixels contained in an image, expressed as the number across and then down.
For example, a resolution of 640 x 480 means there are 640 pixels from left to right across the image and 480 pixels from top to bottom. The more pixels there are, the sharper your picture (at least in theory).
The most common resolutions for Youtube videos are 1280 x 720p and 1920 x 1080p.
YouTube accepts a wide range of resolutions, from 240p (426 x 240) to 2160p (3840 x 2160), known as 4K resolution.
Aspect Ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height. A wide variety of aspect ratios exist, but the most commonly used aspect ratio in Youtube is 16:9.
This format is standard for HDTVs, and you’ll want to use it if you want your video to play full screen on YouTube. Standard Definition (SD) videos use an aspect ratio of either 4:3 or 3:2, but these formats will produce black bars on widescreen monitors and devices.
Format
The format is where it gets tricky as there are many video formats out there. We suggest using MP4 as it is widely accepted by all devices and browsers worldwide.
When using audio and video codecs, you must also pay attention as some may be incompatible with some devices or software.
The most commonly used audio and video codecs are MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2 & VC-1 for Video codecs and AAC, Vorbis & MP3 for audio codecs.
Video image size
Video image size refers to the Youtube video thumbnail and banner size. The most used Youtube banner size is 2560 x 1440p, with an aspect ratio of 16:9, while the recommended thumbnail resolution is 1280 x 720 pixels.
The frame rate of a video refers to how many times an image appears onscreen per second. It's measured in frames per second (fps). A higher frame rate provides a smoother, more detailed picture. A lower frame rate will create a shabbier appearance.
The quality of the YouTube video depends on the format and the frame rate of the video. It's important to know that not all videos are suitable for all devices. Suppose you want to get a better quality video. In that case, it's better to upload high-quality original files only as this will help preserve details and improve compression efficiency when generating your final videos.
The best frame rate for YouTube is 60fps. Frame rates higher than 30fps are best suited to fast action videos of water skiing, skateboarding, trick shots, etc.
Frame rate determines the quality of your video. It also affects how much data your video consumes because a higher frame rate equates to using more data.
Using a higher frame rate is one way to prevent motion blur in fast-paced scenes where you need to capture as many frames per second as possible.
As mentioned before, the Aspect ratio is the ratio between the width and height of an image or screen. It is expressed in width: height format.
For example, if you have an image that is 800×600 pixels, its aspect ratio will be 4:3 (800/4 = 200 and 600/3 = 200).
If you have a computer monitor or television that has 1920X1080 pixels, then its aspect ratio will be 16:9 (1920/16 = 120 and 1080/9 = 120).
Aspect ratios affect the dimensions of your video on different screens. For example, a portrait video can look fine on a mobile phone but may appear stretched on a computer or tablet screen.
4:3 aspect ratio leaves black spaces in the video and doesn’t cover the full screen.The most used aspect ratio for YouTube videos is 16:9. The majority of monitors are 16:9, which means that people are more accustomed to this format than others.
You can change how you view a Youtube video. Youtube offers three types of configuration to view the videos - Mini player, Theatre mode, and full screen.
The mini player will give you a tiny view box at the bottom of the screen. In comparison, the theatre mode will play along with the total breadth of your screen.
The full-screen option offers you the total experience where the video fills the whole screen.
Theatre mode optionTo choose the quality of a Youtube video, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.
And you are done!
The video resolution depends on the quality your internet connection provides. If you have high-quality broadband, you can watch HD(High-definition) videos.
If you have a slow or poor internet connection, you can watch low-quality videos.
YouTube selects the appropriate resolution for your device and internet connection most of the time. However, there are times when you may want to change the size of a YouTube video to suit your needs.
Keep these tips in mind when selecting your YouTube video resolution:
1080p, also known as Full HD or FHD (full high definition), is a typical display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It's one of the most popular resolutions for HDTVs and monitors since it offers excellent pixel density, high definition, and excellent image quality.
Most people upload 25 or 30 fps videos on YouTube. This frame rate is ideal for capturing most sporting events and fast-action movies; however, it isn't suitable for high-speed cameras creating slow-motion effects.
You need to use a higher frame rate such as 60 fps and 100 fps or higher for those high-speed cameras.
The optimal resolution for your YouTube videos is 1920 x 1080 pixels, referred to as Full HD or 1080p.
The best way to reduce the size of your video file is to change its resolution. Smaller files are easier to upload, stream, and share with others. Several free online tools can help you compress the video. You can use Movie Maker to resize the video and make it smaller.
The best YouTube video format is MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. It is the most compatible video format for YouTube. YouTube requires that the dimensions of your video fit within a frame size of 426 x 240 to 1280 x 760 pixels.
There's no one-size-fits-all resolution for YouTube, though you should note that 1440p is currently the highest supported resolution on YouTube.
But if you're interested in getting the most out of your videos, you'll want to stick to 1920 x 1080. We hope that this article helped you become more aware of choosing your best resolution for Youtube. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what resolution is best for you.