2023 Best Video Size Dimensions for Uploading to YouTube

I have a camera that records good quality but the output size has black bars at the sides when I upload videos to youtube. Is there a way to rescale the size or ratio to 1920x1080? – Yahoo Answers

I'm trying to upload a video of me on YouTube. I took the video on my iPhone and I didn't realize the screen wasn't formatted to fit normal size on Youtube. Now I have these ugly black bars on the sides of my video. I want to get rid of them it looks unprofessional with black bars... Help Please! – Yahoo Answers

Countless similar questions can be found on the internet. In view of this, 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 frame size for YouTube
Video frame size refers to video resolution. Since YouTube applies 16:9 aspect ratio players, uploading a 16:9 video file could be the best choice. The following resolution plans are the frequently-used ones.

Recommended dimensions for YouTube:

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

2. Recommended Video File size for YouTube
According to the rule, video file size is limited to 2GB for YouTube uploading. But size larger than 20GB is allowed by using an up-to-date browser. And the maximum is 128GB.

3. YouTube Video Length Limit 2021
Before you verify your YouTube channel or your Google account, the maximum YouTube video length is 15 minutes. To upload longer video to YouTube, verify one of the accounts you have. So far, the maximum file size you're allowed is 12 hours.

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.

4. YouTube Frame Rate
The common frame rates YouTube used include 24, 25, 30, 48, 50 and 60FPS. If you upload 4K video, you'd better choose 30FPS. 4K 60FPS video will consume much larger space and more time for uploading.

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 Export 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.