YouTube Shorts Video Specs: Current Upload Requirements

Here are the up-to-date YouTube Shorts video specs, including length, aspect ratio, resolution, formats, and export tips for creators in 2026.

YouTube Shorts video specs (as of 2026-08)
SpecValue
Max length3 min - any video uploaded on/after 15 Oct 2024 that is up to 3 min long with a square or vertical aspect ratio is classified as a Short (Official Artist Channels: from 8 Dec 2025); previously 60 s. Videos uploaded before 15 Oct 2024 keep their long-form status
Recommended lengthUnder 60 s for Shorts ads (only the first 60 s of an up-to-3-min ad plays in the Shorts feed); no official organic recommendation
Aspect ratioVertical (9:16) or square (1:1) required to count as a Short; anything wider (e.g. 16:9) is treated as long-form
Resolution1080x1920 (9:16); YouTube Help: 'You can upload Short videos with a maximum resolution of 1080p'. Encode per YouTube's recommended settings (H.264, ~8 Mbps at 1080p SDR 24-30 fps, ~12 Mbps at 48-60 fps)
Max file size256 GB or 12 h, whichever is less (general YouTube upload limit); no separate Shorts cap published
Frame rateUpload at the frame rate you recorded; 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps common (recommended encoding settings)
Formats / codecs.MOV, .MPEG-1, .MPEG-2, .MPEG4, .MP4, .MPG, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, 3GPP, WebM, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm, HEVC (H.265); recommended container MP4 (moov atom at front, no edit lists) with H.264 + AAC-LC/Opus
CaptionsYouTube auto-generates captions via speech recognition for uploads in supported languages (editable in YouTube Studio) and accepts uploaded caption files (SRT, SBV, etc.). Shorts UI (title/channel/description at bottom, action rail on the right) can cover burned-in text - keep captions mid-frame
Safe zonesNo px/percent values published by YouTube; Google Ads help notes the right-hand-side panel (like/dislike/comment/share), a CTA that appears 3-10 s in and a 50-s 'watch remaining' overlay for Shorts ads; horizontal assets serve with blurred top/bottom bars

Sources: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/15424877?hl=en · https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10059070 · https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/12779649 · https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1722171?hl=en · https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/71673?hl=en · https://support.google.com/youtube/troubleshooter/2888402?hl=en · https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/16041697?hl=en. Specs change - verify in the platform's help center before a big upload.

YouTube Shorts Video Specs: Upload Requirements & Export Guide

Current YouTube Shorts Specs (2026)

Refer to the specs table above for official YouTube Shorts requirements. As of August 2026, Shorts must be vertical (9:16) or square (1:1) and up to 3 minutes long. The recommended resolution is 1080x1920 (vertical), with a maximum file size of 256 GB or 12 hours (general YouTube upload cap). Supported formats include MP4 (H.264 + AAC-LC/Opus), MOV, AVI, WebM, and more. Upload at your recorded frame rate (24 - 60 fps typical).

Exporting Clips That Fit YouTube Shorts

  • Set your export resolution to 1080x1920 (9:16) for full-screen vertical Shorts.
  • Keep the video under 3 minutes. For Shorts ads, only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed.
  • Use the MP4 container with H.264 video and AAC audio for best compatibility.
  • Frame rate should match your source; 24, 30, or 60 fps are standard.
  • Use a bitrate around 8 Mbps for 1080p SDR at 24 - 30 fps; up to 12 Mbps for 48 - 60 fps.

Captions and Safe Zones for Shorts

YouTube auto-generates captions for supported languages, and you can upload your own caption files (SRT, SBV, etc.). If you burn in captions, keep them centered and away from edges - YouTube's UI overlays (title, channel, action buttons) can cover text at the bottom or right side. No official pixel safe zones are published; test your layout before publishing.

How Vidulk Helps

Vidulk's AI clipper (iOS and Android) finds highlights in long videos and exports vertical, captioned clips sized for YouTube Shorts. Paste a video or podcast, let the AI pick moments, and export in the correct specs - ready for upload. Always double-check your export settings for compliance before publishing.

Staying Up to Date

YouTube Shorts specs can change. Always check the official YouTube Help Center before large uploads to ensure your videos meet the latest requirements.

Export clips that fit these specs automatically - Vidulk reframes to 9:16, captions and trims to length. Free to start on iOS and Android.

Try Vidulk

FAQ

What is the maximum length for a YouTube Short in 2026?

As of 2026, Shorts can be up to 3 minutes long if uploaded after 15 Oct 2024 and are vertical or square.

What aspect ratio should I use for YouTube Shorts?

Use a vertical (9:16) or square (1:1) aspect ratio. Wider videos are not classified as Shorts.

What is the recommended resolution for YouTube Shorts?

The recommended resolution is 1080x1920 pixels (vertical 9:16) for best quality and full-screen display.

How do I make sure captions are visible on Shorts?

Keep captions centered and away from the bottom and right edges to avoid UI overlays covering your text.

Which video formats are supported for YouTube Shorts uploads?

YouTube Shorts supports MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, and more. MP4 (H.264 video + AAC audio) is recommended.