YouTube is the OG creator platform. But just because it’s been around for a while doesn’t mean you should discount it in favor of newer, flashier platforms. Creating content for YouTube can be a rewarding endeavor in its own right, whether you’re looking to educate, entertain, or engage with a global audience. Understanding the nuances of video size, format, and type is crucial for optimizing your videos—and it’ll ensure you can play in the big leagues. Here, we’ll explore the different types of YouTube videos, the various formats you can use, and the best practices for size and resolution so that your content always looks its best online.
Choosing the right size and resolution is crucial for maintaining high-quality videos that display correctly across devices. Here’s a breakdown of the most important aspects.
Aspect ratios
- 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio for most YouTube videos. It’s ideal for landscape orientation and widescreen displays.
- 1:1 is a square video, often used for social media cross-posting.
- 9:16 is a vertical video, perfect for YouTube Shorts and mobile viewing.
Resolutions
YouTube supports a wide range of resolutions, but here are the recommended ones based on aspect ratio.
- 1080p (1920x1080): Full HD; the most common resolution for YouTube videos
- 1440p (2560x1440): Also known as Quad-HD, or QHD; offers higher quality than 1080p without the massive file sizes of 4K
- 2160p (3840x2160): 4K Ultra HD; ideal for videos in which high detail is crucial
- 720p (1280x720): HD; suitable for faster uploads and less storage space
Video sizing for mobile
With an increasing number of viewers watching content on mobile devices, optimizing video size for mobile is essential. Vertical videos (9:16) are particularly important for YouTube Shorts and mobile-centric content.
Thumbnails
Creating eye-catching thumbnails is key to attracting viewers. Thumbnails should be 1280x720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio so that the images look great on all devices.
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YouTube video types
Standard videos: This is the most common format and can vary in length from a few seconds to several hours. These videos are versatile and include tutorials, vlogs, short films, music videos, and much more.
YouTube Shorts: YouTube Shorts are brief, vertical videos designed to be consumed quickly. They are typically under 60 seconds and are optimized for mobile viewing.
YouTube Live: Livestreaming on YouTube allows creators to broadcast in real time. This format is perfect for Q&A sessions, live events, and interactive content. Livestreams can be saved and replayed later, offering long-term engagement.
YouTube Premieres: Premieres enable creators to release a new video as a live moment, combining the engagement of livestreaming with the production quality of prerecorded videos. This format creates a unique viewing experience and allows for live interaction through chat.
360-degree videos: These videos offer an immersive experience by allowing viewers to interact with the video content; viewers can change their perspective by dragging the screen or using VR headsets. These are great for virtual tours, travel videos, or any content where an immersive experience enhances the experience.
Accepted file types
YouTube supports several file types, with the most recommended being:
- MP4: Preferred for its balance of quality and file size
- MOV: Commonly used in professional environments; offers high-quality but can also mean larger file sizes
- AVI: Older format that offers high-quality but tends to create larger files
- WMV: Smaller file sizes; may require more compression
- FLV: Often used for flash videos; less common now
How to Upload a Video to YouTubeUpload Limits
YouTube imposes certain limits on video uploads.
- File size: Maximum file size is 256 GB
- Duration: Maximum video length is 12 hours
- Resolution: No upper limit on resolution; 4K (2160p) is the highest supported resolution for standard videos