YouTube dimensions for 2023: videos, shorts and images

You have just started your channel and you don’t know the size of the videos on YouTube. Nor the size of the images to optimize your channel with. So, what are the YouTube dimensions for your content?

Don’t worry, in this post we tell you all the sizes, measures and resolutions you need.

Size and resolution for YouTube videos

As you know, every social network uses different dimensions for its posts.

This is why, before you create a YouTube account, it’s very important that you know the correct sizes of videos and images to capture the attention and attract the interest of visitors.

Encourage them to push play on your videos.

Resolutions and proportions for videos

YouTube uses a 16:9 aspect ratio player when videos are played on desktops. If you upload a video that isn’t 16:9, it will end up having black bars on the sides to avoid the video being distorted or cropped.

This social platform allows the following resolutions to maximize the quality of videos:

This is the format with the max resolution and quality at present:

▶️ 4320p (8K) – 7680×4320

▶️ 2160p (4K) – 3840 x 2160 pixels

Another format with a lower resolution:

▶️ 1440p (2K) – 2560 x 1440 pixels

Max resolution used for High Definition:

▶️ 1080p (HD) – 1920 x 1080 pixels

Other dimensions:

▶️ 720p (HD) – 1280 x 720 pixels

▶️ 480p – 854 x 480 pixels

Traditional website resolution. It’s normally used to embed YouTube videos into a website:

▶️ 360p – 640 x 360 pixels

Other resolutions:

▶️ 240p – 426 x 240 pixels

▶️ 144p – 256 x 144 pixels

How to adjust the quality of YouTube videos manually 

When you access YouTube from your desktop or mobile devices, the quality of the video will adjust automatically to the screen resolution of the device used and the broadband internet speed. However, you can also do it manually by clicking on settings.

If you are on a desktop, tap on the Settings icon at the bottom-right corner of the video screen. Click on quality and choose the resolution.

What’s the optimal size for YouTube images? 

Videos are the most important content on YouTube. But, what happens with images?

Choosing the right image for your channel cover photo and the thumbnail will help you get more views. So, don’t forget to adjust and optimize your images on YouTube.

Sizes for channel cover photo

The recommended size to upload your cover image on YouTube is 2560 x 1440 pixels.

You know that the design of your channel is displayed differently depending on the device (desktop, mobile, TV …). Therefore, it’s crucial that you use the right sizes so the image is always shown properly.

When you upload an image for your cover, you must know the safe area and how it is displayed on different devices.

• TV display: When you access YouTube from a TV, the image uploaded will be displayed in full, that is, it will cover the background of your channel with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution.
• Desktop display: The area of the image will be 2560 x 423 pixels. Although depending on the browser you use or desktop, it can vary slightly.
• Tablet display: The visible area will be 1855 x 423 pixels.

Channel icon

Your YouTube profile photo or channel icon must be:

• 800 x800 pixels

TIP FOR YOUR CHANNEL ICON

If it is a personal channel, it’s better to use a facial picture. If it’s a channel for a brand, use the logo instead.

Dimensions for thumbnail images

The ideal size for a thumbnail image should be:

• 1280 x 720 pixels

Tip for thumbnails

Thumbnails are very important to attract attention. Look at how popular YouTubers use them. Large text and striking image.

YouTube banner dimensions

We need to know the necessary resolution to create a banner. YouTube recommends a 2120 x 1192 pixels banner.

YouTube Shorts dimensions

To ensure the best quality content for your Youtube Shorts, you need to know the right dimensions. It is a format designed for vertical videos that are easy to consume on mobile devices.

YouTube recommends a maximum of 2160p: 2160×3840, and a minimum of 720p: 720×1280. Remember that the ideal size dimensions for smartphones is 1080X1090 pixels.

Do you want to increase your YouTube impact and push forward your digital strategy?

And that’s all for today!

Now that you know all the dimensions for YouTube, you can unleash your creativity to get started on your new YouTube channel.

Sara Martín

, 29 July 2022