YouTube Video Specs: Size, Length & Dimensions (2026)
By the Maybe Lab teamA standard YouTube video should be 1920×1080 (16:9) at 24–60 fps, uploaded as an MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. Shorts are 1080×1920 (9:16) and up to 3 minutes; thumbnails are 1280×720. Here are the full specs, including length limits, file size, and ad formats.
Standard YouTube video specs
| Spec | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p); 4K = 3840×2160 |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Frame rate | 24, 30, or 60 fps (keep it constant) |
| Format | MP4 (H.264 + AAC) |
| Max length | 12 hours (verified accounts) |
| Max file size | 256 GB or 12 hours |
| Thumbnail | 1280×720 (16:9), under 2 MB |
YouTube Shorts specs
| Spec | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080×1920 (9:16) |
| Length | Up to 3 minutes |
| Format | MP4, vertical |
| Captions | On — most watch on mute |
For the vertical format in general — safe zones and caption placement across Shorts, Reels, and TikTok — see vertical video specs, and for the full cross-platform reference, the video aspect ratio guide.
YouTube ad specs
- Skippable in-stream: 16:9 or 1:1; skippable after 5 seconds.
- Non-skippable in-stream: 15–30 seconds, 16:9 or 1:1.
- Bumper ads: 6 seconds max — hook and brand only.
- Design the first 5 seconds to work before the skip. See how to make a product video ad.
Hit the specs without the export math
Exporting the right resolution, ratio, and codec is the tedious part. Describe your video to a prompt-first generator and export the 16:9 master and the 9:16 Shorts cut from the same project — the workflow in one video, ten clips.
YouTube video specs FAQ
What size should a YouTube video be?
1920×1080 (1080p) at a 16:9 aspect ratio for standard videos, and 1080×1920 (9:16) for Shorts. Upload as an MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.
What is the best format for YouTube?
MP4 with the H.264 codec and AAC audio — the format YouTube recommends for the best quality-to-size ratio.
What size is a YouTube thumbnail?
1280×720 pixels (16:9), under 2 MB, in JPG, PNG, or GIF.
How long can a YouTube Short be?
Up to 3 minutes, in a 9:16 vertical format.
Get the specs right and your channel looks professional at a glance. Describe your video, and Maybe Lab exports a YouTube-ready 16:9 master and a vertical Shorts cut from one project.
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