Updated for 2026 · Last tested: February 2026 · Reviewed by LikeProvider Social Media Team
Quick Answer
YouTube Shorts dimensions in 2026: use 1080×1920 pixels (width × height) and 9:16 aspect ratio for the best quality and no cropping. Maximum length is 60 seconds. Export as MP4 (H.264), 30fps. Minimum recommended resolution is 720×1280. These are the correct YouTube Shorts size, resolution, and aspect ratio for 2026.
At a glance:
- Resolution: 1080×1920 (full HD vertical). Min: 720×1280.
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical). Same as TikTok and Instagram Reels.
- Format: MP4, H.264. 30fps. Max length: 60 seconds.
Related: Shorts vs TikTok · TikTok Video Length · Instagram Reel Dimensions
YouTube Shorts Dimensions: Size, Resolution & Aspect Ratio (2026)
What are the correct YouTube Shorts dimensions? Learn the exact size, resolution, aspect ratio, and best settings for YouTube Shorts videos in 2026.
This guide covers YouTube Shorts dimensions: the exact size, resolution, aspect ratio, and best settings for YouTube Shorts in 2026. Use the right dimensions to avoid cropping and keep quality high. For related guides, see our Shorts vs TikTok, TikTok Video Length, and Instagram Reel Dimensions.
What Are YouTube Shorts Dimensions?
YouTube Shorts dimensions are the recommended size, resolution, and aspect ratio for vertical short-form videos on YouTube. The correct YouTube Shorts size is 1080 pixels wide × 1920 pixels tall (1080×1920). The YouTube Shorts aspect ratio is 9:16 (vertical). Using these YouTube Shorts dimensions ensures your video fills the screen, avoids cropping or letterboxing, and keeps quality high. YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds. For comparison with other platforms, see our Shorts vs TikTok and Instagram Reel Dimensions.
Exact YouTube Shorts Size & Resolution (2026)
The exact YouTube Shorts dimensions for 2026 are 1080×1920 pixels (width × height). This is the best YouTube Shorts resolution for full-screen vertical Shorts with no cropping and minimal quality loss. YouTube Shorts dimensions in pixels: width 1080, height 1920. Minimum recommended is 720×1280; below that, video can look soft. YouTube may compress uploads, but starting at 1080×1920 keeps detail. For the same vertical format on other apps, see our TikTok Video Length and Instagram Reel Dimensions.
YouTube Shorts Aspect Ratio: 9:16
The YouTube Shorts aspect ratio is 9:16 (vertical). For every 9 units of width, you have 16 units of height. YouTube Shorts dimensions 2026 follow this ratio: 1080÷9 = 120, 1920÷16 = 120, so 1080×1920 is exactly 9:16. If you use 16:9 or 1:1, YouTube will letterbox or crop your video. Stick to 9:16 for full-screen YouTube Shorts. This is the same aspect ratio as TikTok and Instagram Reels. For more on Shorts vs other platforms, see our Shorts vs TikTok.
Best YouTube Shorts Settings for 2026
Use these best settings for YouTube Shorts in 2026:
- Resolution: 1080×1920 (YouTube Shorts dimensions in pixels). Minimum: 720×1280.
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (YouTube Shorts aspect ratio).
- Format: MP4, H.264 video codec. YouTube Shorts format MP4 is widely supported.
- Frame rate: 30fps (or 24fps). Match your project to avoid stutter.
- Max length: 60 seconds for YouTube Shorts.
- Bitrate: 10–20 Mbps for high quality; 8 Mbps minimum for acceptable quality.
These YouTube Shorts best settings give you the correct size, resolution, and aspect ratio for 2026. For export steps, see Export & Upload below.
How to Export & Upload YouTube Shorts (Correct Dimensions)
Follow these steps so your YouTube Shorts dimensions are correct before upload.
Step 1
Set your project to 9:16 and 1080×1920
In your video editor, set the timeline or canvas to 9:16 aspect ratio and 1080×1920 resolution before editing. This avoids cropping or letterboxing later.
Step 2
Export with the right settings
Export as MP4 (H.264), resolution 1080×1920, 9:16, 30fps. Keep the video under 60 seconds for YouTube Shorts.
Step 3
Upload to YouTube as a Short
In the YouTube app or YouTube Studio, create a Short or upload your vertical video. YouTube will treat it as a Short if it’s vertical and under 60 seconds. Your YouTube Shorts dimensions (1080×1920, 9:16) will display correctly.
For more on Shorts vs other platforms, see our Shorts vs TikTok and Instagram Reel Dimensions.
Quick Reference: YouTube Shorts Dimensions (2026)
Use this table for YouTube Shorts dimensions at a glance:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 1080 px |
| Height | 1920 px |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 (full HD vertical) |
| Format | MP4 (H.264) |
| Frame rate | 30fps (or 24fps) |
| Max length | 60 seconds |
| Min size | 720×1280 (minimum recommended) |
This is the correct YouTube Shorts size, resolution, and aspect ratio for 2026. For related tools, see Related Tools below.
FAQ: YouTube Shorts Dimensions
What are the correct YouTube Shorts dimensions for 2026?
The correct YouTube Shorts dimensions for 2026 are 1080×1920 pixels (width × height). Aspect ratio is 9:16. This size avoids cropping and keeps quality high on YouTube Shorts.
What is the best aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts?
The best YouTube Shorts aspect ratio is 9:16 (vertical). YouTube Shorts are designed for vertical video. Other ratios may be letterboxed or cropped.
What resolution should I use for YouTube Shorts?
Use 1080×1920 pixels for full HD YouTube Shorts. Minimum recommended is 720×1280. YouTube Shorts resolution 1080×1920 gives the best quality.
What is the maximum length for YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds. Keep YouTube Shorts dimensions at 9:16 and 1080×1920 for the full duration.
Why is my YouTube Short cropped or blurry?
Cropping usually happens when YouTube Shorts aspect ratio is not 9:16. Blurriness can come from low resolution or wrong export settings. Export at 1080×1920, 9:16, MP4 H.264 for best results.
Can I use 16:9 or square for YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are built for 9:16 vertical. 16:9 or square (1:1) will be letterboxed or cropped. Use 9:16 for full-screen Shorts.
What file format is best for YouTube Shorts?
MP4 with H.264 is the best format for YouTube Shorts. Use 30fps. Keep YouTube Shorts dimensions at 1080×1920 and 9:16.
What are YouTube Shorts dimensions in pixels?
YouTube Shorts dimensions in pixels are 1080 (width) × 1920 (height). That is 9:16 aspect ratio. Minimum safe size is 720×1280 pixels.