Which aspect ratio is best for YouTube?

YouTube requires: 16:9

• This is non-negotiable
• All YouTube videos must be 16:9
• Uploading other ratios will result in black bars
• 16:9 is the universal streaming standard

• ✅YouTube platform designed for 16:9
• ✅Fills modern screens perfectly
• ✅Standard for all streaming
• ✅Industry standard for video
• ✅No wasted space or black bars
• ✅Optimal viewing experience
• ✅Works on all devices

If you upload 4:3:

• YouTube adds black bars on sides (pillarboxing)
• Less engaging on viewer's screen
• Looks unprofessional
• Wastes screen space
• Reduces viewing comfort

If you upload 9:16 (vertical):

• YouTube adds large black bars on both sides
• Terrible viewing experience
• Takes up only 25% of screen
• Very unprofessional appearance
• Viewers will leave

If you upload 2.39:1 (cinema):

• YouTube adds black bars top/bottom
• Looks like movie letterboxing
• Acceptable but not ideal
• Wastes vertical space
• Less immersive than 16:9

Minimum Resolution:

• 1280 × 720 (720p)
• This is 16:9
• Acceptable but lower quality

Recommended Resolution:

• 1920 × 1080 (1080p / Full HD)
• This is 16:9
• Standard for most creators
• Good quality-to-file-size ratio

Optimal Resolution:

• 3840 × 2160 (4K)
• This is 16:9
• Best quality
• Larger file size
• Future-proof

All must be 16:9:

• ✅MP4 (H.264 codec)
• ✅MOV (QuickTime)
• ✅AVI (MPEG-4)
• ✅WMV (Windows Media)
• ✅FLV (Flash)
• ✅WebM

For 1080p (1920×1080):

• Video bitrate: 5-12 Mbps
• Audio bitrate: 128 kbps
• Total: 5.2-12.1 Mbps

For 720p (1280×720):

• Video bitrate: 2.5-6 Mbps
• Audio bitrate: 128 kbps
• Total: 2.6-6.1 Mbps

For 4K (3840×2160):

• Video bitrate: 40-100 Mbps
• Audio bitrate: 256 kbps
• Total: 40.3-100.3 Mbps

In Adobe Premiere Pro:

1. File → Export → Media
2. Preset: YouTube 1080p HD
3. Resolution: 1920 × 1080
4. Frame Rate: 24p or 30p
5. Export

In Final Cut Pro:

1. File → Share → YouTube
2. Resolution: 1920 × 1080
3. Quality: High or Maximum
4. Upload directly

In OBS (Streaming):

1. Settings → Output
2. Bitrate: 5000-12000 Kbps
3. Resolution: 1920 × 1080
4. Use 16:9 canvas

In DaVinci Resolve:

1. Deliver tab
2. Resolution: 1920 × 1080
3. Codec: H.264
4. Format: 16:9
5. Export

• ❌Mistake 1: Uploading 4:3

Result: Black bars on sides

Solution: Always use 16:9

• ❌Mistake 2: Uploading 1:1 (Square)

Result: Huge black bars, unprofessional

Solution: Crop or expand to 16:9

• ❌Mistake 3: Uploading vertical (9:16)

Result: Tiny video in center of screen

Solution: Rotate 90° or add black bars

• ❌Mistake 4: Wrong resolution

Result: Blurry or too large file

Solution: Use 1920×1080 or higher

Tip 1: Always Shoot in 16:9

• Makes editing easier
• No conversion needed
• Professional appearance
• Saves time in post-production

Tip 2: Use 1920×1080 Minimum

• Looks good on modern screens
• Acceptable file sizes
• Standard for creators
• Most viewers use this resolution

Tip 3: Consider Uploading in 4K

• Future-proof
• YouTube prioritizes 4K
• Better visibility in search
• Highest quality
• Requires stronger internet

Tip 4: Keep Aspect Ratio Throughout

• Shoot in 16:9
• Edit in 16:9 timeline
• Export in 16:9
• Upload in 16:9
• No aspect ratio changes needed

Important: YouTube automatically adjusts for phones:

• Vertical videos: Fills screen in app
• Horizontal videos (16:9): Fills screen
• Square videos: Pillarboxed (wasted space)
• Always use 16:9 for best mobile experience

YouTube Shorts Requirements:

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
• Duration: 15-60 seconds
• Resolution: 1080 × 1920
• Different from regular YouTube videos
• Use 9:16 ONLY for Shorts

Regular YouTube Videos:

• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (horizontal)
• Duration: Any length
• Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (minimum)
• Use 16:9 for all regular videos