Best YouTube Shorts Aspect Ratio
Knowing the YouTube Shorts dimensions is key if you ever want to create a viral clip.
In this article, you will learn what is the best aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts and how to resize your video to fit this requirement. Furthermore, you will be provided with some useful tips on working with your footage to get a high-quality look.
What are YouTube Shorts?
Created to compete with short-video platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube enables users to create clips, lasting up to 60 seconds. These clips are usually accompanied by music or some other special effects.
The features include a multi-segment camera, speed control, a timer to help with vlog-style videos, and a library of music and sound effects to add creativity.
Shorts are popular because of the brevity and immediacy of the clips involved, and YouTube has been pushing them to both creators and viewers as a way to get in on a new wave of bite-sized clips.
What is the best YouTube Shorts aspect ratio?
One of the most important aspects of creating a successful video is what are the needed dimensions of YouTube Shorts.
Remember, your clip will be viewed on a mobile phone. Therefore, you must adapt your footage to fit the vertical orientation allows for a better viewing experience without black bars on the sides or having to turn the phone horizontally.
Aspect ratio refers to the relationship between a video's width and height. It is represented by a numerical value and essentially determines the shape and size of the video frame.
For the YouTube Shorts, the recommended aspect ratio is 9:16, which means the video should be nine units wide and sixteen units high.
Maintaining the correct aspect ratio is vital since it determines how your video will appear on different screens. If your video has an incorrect aspect ratio, it runs the risk of being truncated or distorted when viewed on a phone.
Don't forget about the resolution!
The suggested Shorts resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels (1080p), which ensures high-quality playback on mobile devices.
Why is aspect ratio important?
Aspect ratio particularly matters in YouTube Shorts because it determines the wholesale viewing experience. Get the wrong aspect ratio, and nobody’s going to watch your short. Viewers will be forced to struggle with a video that looks squished and fudged, or which parts are cropped in a way that makes it impossible to decipher what’s happening.
Furthermore, having knowledge of the aspect ratio used for YouTube Shorts can aid creators in maximizing their video's performance on the platform. This, in turn, can potentially boost visibility and engagement. By meeting the platform's technical requirements, YouTubers will hinder their success and become popular among viewers.
How to resize a video for YouTube Shorts
Below you will find the guide on how to easily resize your videos for YouTube Shorts specific aspect ratio with Icecream Video Editor.
Icecream Video Editor is a user-friendly free video editing software for multimedia production, offering a range of tools including trimming, merging, adding effects, transitions, and much more.
1. Download and install the video editor
Go to the official website and download the free video editor for PC. Complete the installation process and launch the program.
2. Edit your video
- Import the video you want to resize by clicking the "Add files" button.
- Drag and drop the clip into the timeline located at the bottom of the screen.
- Above the preview area, locate the aspect ratio icon. From the dropdown list, select the "9:16 (Portrait)" option.
- Utilize other tools offered as needed to enhance your video.
3. Save your YouTube Shorts
Export the edited video, choosing your preferred output format, resolution, and destination folder.
Overall, Icecream Video Editor offers a robust free video editor that empowers users to produce professional materials, regardless of their skill level or project requirements.
Video editor's tools:
- Trimming. You can crop your video down to any desired size.
- Cutting and merging. The capacity to take slices out of a video and rearrange them or glue them together allows for fluid montage and storytelling.
- Cropping. This tool enables the users to cut videos to reduce their dimensions and pay attention to the important elements of the frame. This establishes a better composition or a projection of a video with different aspect ratios.
- Rotating. You can rotate videos on your timeline to fix orientation problems or add fun visual effects you can’t find anywhere else.
- Effects and transitions. The video editor includes a variety of effects and transitions that can be applied to improve the visual aspect and facilitate scene changes.
- Music and voiceover. It has options to import audio files for background music, narration, or special sound effects, which give new depth to video viewing.
- Text. Users can super-impose text on their videos, which could be a title, a caption, or an annotation, etc. There are various text properties available such as font, size, color, and alignment so that the caption becomes attractive.
- Picture-in-picture. One video can be placed on top of another, creating a dynamic composite image. The composites can include additional content, like commentary or reaction.
Whether you're a beginner looking to make simple edits or a seasoned creator seeking advanced features, this free video editor provides the tools needed to bring your creative vision to life.
FAQ
- If you upload a video with the wrong aspect ratio to YouTube Shorts, what happens?
- If your YouTube Shorts aspect ratio isn’t the correct one, your clip will likely be cropped into the vertical 9:16 format and placed inside of black bars. Yes, you can still watch the video, but the black bars will undoubtedly give is less than ideal.
- How do I know if my video meets the minimum resolution requirement for YouTube Shorts?
- Check the video's vertical resolution, ensuring it's at least 1080 pixels in height. Uploading the video to YouTube as unlisted or private can provide a preview of how it will appear in the Shorts format.
- What is the file size limit for YouTube Shorts?
- YouTube doesn't have a specific size limit for uploads mentioned in their official guidelines. However, it's advisable to keep your file sizes reasonable for smoother uploading and playback. Aim for a balance between quality and file size to ensure an optimal viewing experience for your audience.
- How can I measure the performance of my Shorts?
- You can track your Shorts via YouTube Analytics; look at views, watch time, likes, comments, shares and so on to see how well your videos are doing.
- Will my Shorts look good on larger screens?
- The clips are meant to be watched on mobile devices. When viewed on a laptop, or on a device connected to a TV, the clip is centred in the screen with black bars to the sides, not optimal for watching.
Tips
- Keep your video length short and sweet. YouTube shorts are meant to be quick and engaging, so keep in mind the 60-second limit, otherwise your video will be trimmed.
- Focus on one main subject or idea in each short video. Too many elements can be overwhelming in such a short time frame.
- Use text overlays to add subtitles to your video. This will help you keep those viewers who don't have access to headphones or can't be on speaker.
- Add catchy music or sound effects to enhance the mood and tone of your video. Audio can greatly enhance the viewing experience of YouTube Shorts.
- Pay attention to lighting and background when filming. A well-lit and visually appealing setting can make all the difference in how your video is received.
- Try using different camera angles or movements to add visual interest to your videos. Simple techniques like panning or zooming can make a big impact in a short amount of time.
- Experiment with different types of content. Produce tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, or funny skits. Variety keeps viewers interested and coming back for more.
- Don't be afraid to try new things and get creative with your YouTube shorts! Think outside the box and have fun exploring different ways to engage with your audience through this format.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance of the correct YouTube Shorts aspect ratio is key for creators. Adhering to the platform's standard helps make the most of your clips, connecting with diverse audiences through concise, visually captivating content.
So go ahead, grab your phone, and start creating amazing Shorts with confidence!
Expert Tech Writer
