2024 Best Video Size Dimensions for Uploading to YouTube

Many people have no idea about the best YouTube size to avoid black bars. But luckily, you can find answers in this article which will focus on the best video size and size limit for YouTube video uploading, and introduce a program to convert video to the best video size (resolution, aspect ratio) for YouTube.

Best Video Dimensions, Resolution, Aspect Ratio for YouTube Uploading

Millions of people around the world register on YouTube out of watching versatile videos, sharing favorite videos with friends and also uploading self-made videos or vlogs to YouTube. However, not all videos you upload to YouTube can deliver satisfactory viewing experience. Uploaded videos may always end up with black bars on the sides or low video quality.

For example, some Samsung uers complains that they upload a 8K video from Galaxy S20 to YouTube, but get a video in 1080p instead. To rectify things like these, you need to figure out the best YouTube size.

When uploading video to YouTube, it's necessary to check ahead if your video size matches with the requirements of YouTube video uploading.

1. Best Video Aspect Ratio for YouTube

The aspect ratio defines the relationship between the vertical and horizontal dimensions of a video frame, ultimately determining its playback screen shape. For instance, an image with dimensions of 1080 x 1080 pixels possesses a 1:1 aspect ratio, resulting in a square playback frame and a resolution of 1080p. It's important to note that the aspect ratio and resolution of a YouTube video are interdependent. This means that altering one will also impact the other. For example, if a video is originally intended for a 4:3 aspect ratio, converting it to 16:9 would lead to a stretched and distorted appearance.

1:1: This creates a perfect square video frame. On mobile devices, YouTube adjusts playback to fit any aspect ratio. On desktop, black bars are added to fill the open frame space.

4:3: This represents the traditional TV display standard, with a frame that is 4 units wide for every 3 units in height. On desktop, black bars fill the exposed space, but mobile playback adjusts accordingly.

16:9: This is the recommended aspect ratio for YouTube. Videos at 16:9 are widescreen and occupy the entire YouTube video frame on both desktop and mobile.

2. Recommended dimensions and resoluton for YouTube:

• 1080p: 1920x1080; 1440p (2K): 2560x1440; 2160p (4K): 3840 x 2160
• 720p: 1280x720; 480p: 854x480; 360p: 640x360; 240p: 426x240

Video dimensions refer to the length and width of an image, measured in pixels. For example, a low-quality image with a resolution of 240 pixels is typically 426 pixels in width and 240 pixels in height. Adjusting the dimensions can impact how the resolution is displayed. Increasing the dimensions spaces the pixels out, potentially reducing video playback quality. To ensure your YouTube video looks its best, it's important to upload it with the right dimensions and resolution. Here are some common YouTube video dimensions and resolutions:

• 426 x 240 pixels (240p): This is the lowest accepted quality for YouTube uploads and is suitable for slower internet connections.
• 640 x 360 pixels (360p): Considered basic resolution for viewing on smartphones and often used for embedded videos.
• 854 x 480 pixels (480p): Standard definition, commonly used for YouTube videos streamed over cellular data.
• 1280 x 720 pixels (720p): The minimum resolution for HD playback. A 16:9 aspect ratio is recommended for videos at this resolution.
• 1920 x 1080 pixels (1080p): This is full HD resolution. It provides top-tier quality for advanced playback devices.
• 2560 x 1440 pixels (1440p): Known as 2K, this resolution offers an even more detailed viewing experience.
• 3840 x 2160 pixels (2160p): Also known as Ultra HD or 4K, this resolution is ideal for large screens, delivering a sharp, defined image.
• 7680 x 4320 pixels (4320p): While YouTube accepts videos in this immense resolution, there are limited benefits due to the rarity of devices capable of supporting it.

3. Recommended Video File size for YouTube

For optimal YouTube video playback, consider recommended file sizes based on different resolutions. Standard Definition (SD) videos at 480p should have a video bitrate of 500-2000 Kbps, resulting in a file size of 500 MB - 2 GB for a 60-minute video. Moving to High Definition (HD) at 720p, a higher bitrate of 1500-4000 Kbps is advised, with a file size of 1.5 GB - 4 GB for a 60-minute video. For Full High Definition (Full HD) at 1080p, a bitrate of 3000-6000 Kbps is suggested, yielding a file size of 3 GB - 6 GB for a 60-minute video. Opting for 2K resolution at 1440p, a bitrate of 6000-15000 Kbps is recommended, resulting in a file size of 6 GB - 15 GB for a 60-minute video. For 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) videos at 2160p, a higher bitrate of 13000-51000 Kbps is advised, leading to a file size of 13 GB - 51 GB for a 60-minute video.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and actual file sizes may vary based on content complexity, codec selection, and compression settings. While YouTube allows larger uploads, very large files may have longer upload times and may not significantly enhance video quality. Additionally, YouTube enforces a maximum file size limit of 128 GB or 12 hours for uploaded videos.

4. YouTube Video Length Limit

For YouTube ads videos, the uttermost length of skippable video is 12 hours (non-skippable until 5 seconds later); non-skippable video length max is 15 or 20 seconds (in some areas, it goes up to 30 seconds); the length for mid-roll video is much more flexible, at least 30 seconds and the length of pre-roll video is 6 seconds maximumly. Apply one YouTube video editor to cut YouTube video length if your video designed for ads is too long to upload.

5. YouTube Frame Rate

Above are the best YouTube video size dimensions for uploading. For those video files in 4:3 aspect ratio, YouTube player will automatically display videos with pillar boxes or letter boxes to play videos properly. This is why some YouTube users will find black bars on the sides of YouTube video. To fit for the YouTube player, make sure to set the aspect ratio to 16:9 when recording videos.

YouTube Tips & Tricks: How to Upload YouTube Video in High Quality

To output high quality YouTube video, setting ideal resolution size isn't the only priority. Other encoding settings are not supposed to be ignored, including video format, bitrates, codecs, etc.

• Recommended video format: MP4
• Audio Codec: AAC-LC (Channels: Stereo or Stereo + 5.1 Sample rate: 96khz or 48 khz)
• Video Codec: H.264
• Frame rates: It is recommended to make frame rates match the source material. YouTube supports up to 60 frames per second.
• Bitrates: Compared with other settings, bitrate is less important. For advanced users, you can refer to the detailed info below.

Standard Quality Uploads

Type | Video Bitrate | Mono Audio Bitrate | Stereo Audio Bitrate | 5.1 Audio Bitrate

• 2160p | 35-45 Mbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 1440p | 16 Mbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 1080p | 8,000 kbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 720p | 5,000 kbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 480p | 2,500 kbps | 64 kbps | 128 kbps | 196 kbps
• 360p | 1,000 kbps | 64 kbps | 128 kbps | 196 kbps

High Quality Uploads

Type | Video Bitrate | Mono Audio Bitrate | Stereo Audio Bitrate | 5.1 Audio Bitrate

• 2160p | 44-56 Mbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 1440p | 20 Mbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 1080p | 10,000 kbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps
• 720p | 6,500 kbps | 128 kbps | 384 kbps | 512 kbps

Sum-up: each social media platform has specific sizes and specs. If you want to know more video size, resolution and aspect ratio requirements for Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp, etc., check the below how-to guides or go here to find the complete guide.

Part 3. How to Change YouTube Video Size for Uploading

As you watch a video on YouTube, the platform dynamically adapts the video's resolution to match the strength of your internet connection. While this feature is handy, it may not always cater to your specific preferences. For example, you may find it beneficial to manually decrease the resolution when dealing with sporadic internet while traveling. Conversely, for an eagerly awaited movie trailer, you might want to elevate the resolution to fully appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship of the filmmaker.

On Desktop

1. Click the gear icon located at the bottom of the video player.
2. Select "quality" from the menu that appears.
3. Choose your desired video resolution from the options provided.

On Mobile

1. Tap the three buttons near the top-right corner of the video.
2. Select "quality" from the menu.
3. Pick your preferred video resolution from the available choices.