Complete Guide on YouTube Shorts Size: Dimensions & Resolution

What are YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are short-form videos that are designed for mobile-first viewing. YouTube Shorts are an excellent way for creators to share quick, fun, and engaging content with their audience. YouTube shorts are vertically displayed and are limited to 60 seconds.

The format was created to compete against TikTok and Instagram Reels. YouTube Shorts provided creators with a new way to engage with viewers using quick and snappy content. Additionally, YouTube Shorts are automatically pushed to a large audience through the YouTube Shorts shelf, which makes it easy for a new user to discover shorts content.

YouTube Shorts are ideal for content that can be consumed quickly but still delivers high-impact value—whether it's a meme, tutorial, behind-the-scenes look, or product demo.

Understanding YouTube Shorts video size and resolution

Creating the best YouTube Shorts size ratio and resolution right is essential. Let's break down the specifics:

• Aspect ratio: The ideal aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts is 9:16, which is a vertical video format. It's also optimized for mobile screens (where most shorts are viewed). This means that your video will fill the entire screen on mobile devices and not be cropped or distorted.
• Resolution: The ideal resolution for YouTube Shorts is 1080 x 1920 pixels (Full HD). This results in the highest quality and the cleanest, most professional content. If you use a lower resolution, it may appear pixelated or blurry on high-resolution screens.
• Video length: YouTube Shorts has an upper length limit of 60 seconds. All of your content can still easily stay within that timeframe, and thereby still qualify as "shorts" because it is intended for short consumption and consumption on mobile devices.
• File size: The maximum file size for YouTube shorts is 2GB. Be aware of this when uploading, because large video files can take a while to process or may not upload at all.
• Video formats: YouTube Shorts can be uploaded in MP4 and MOV formats. These are the most commonly used video formats, ensuring compatibility across all platforms.

CapCut Web: Edit YouTube Shorts video size & resolution perfectly

CapCut Web is an intuitive AI video editing tool that allows you to easily adjust and optimize your YouTube Shorts size for the best visual experience. Whether you're resizing your video to fit the ideal 9:16 aspect ratio or adjusting the resolution to 1080x1920 pixels, CapCut Web provides powerful editing features to ensure your shorts are perfectly formatted. This tool not only helps you modify video size and resolution but also offers various editing options like text overlays, transitions, and effects, making it an excellent choice for creators aiming to enhance their content before uploading to YouTube Shorts. Next, we'll introduce two ways to adjust your video: one for editing existing footage, and another for creating Shorts from scratch using AI.

Way 1: Resize and edit in-hand videos using CapCut Web

Creating awesome YouTube Shorts with CapCut Web is incredibly simple. Let's walk through the steps, whether you prefer hands-on editing or letting AI do some of the heavy lifting!

STEP 1
1. Sign up and upload media

Start by clicking the above link to access CapCut Web and sign up for a free account. Once logged in, click "Create new" to start a project. Select the 9:16 aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts.

You'll be directed to the editor, where you can upload media. Import video clips, images, or audio from your device, Dropbox, Google Drive, or phone by clicking "+" or dragging files into the workspace.

STEP 2
1. Edit your short

Drag your media to the timeline for editing. Trim or split clips using trim or split tools to keep your video concise. Enhance your Short with effects from the "Effects" tab, apply transitions from the "Transitions" tab, or add filters from the "Filters" tab. Include engaging text or generate auto-captions via "Captions" > "Auto captions." Insert royalty-free music or sound effects from the "Audio" tab to elevate your content and boost viewer engagement.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

Preview your final Short to ensure it's polished. Click "Export" in the top-right corner, where you can customize your export settings, choosing your desired resolution (up to 4K), format (MP4, MOV), FPS (30 or 60), and quality. After customizing your settings, click "Download" to save the video to your device or use CapCut Web's direct sharing option to upload to YouTube Shorts. When uploading, add a catchy title, an eye-catching thumbnail, and include "#Shorts" in the description to optimize visibility.

Way 2: Create Shorts from scratch with CapCut Web AI video maker

No footage? No problem. CapCut Web's AI-powered video maker helps you create YouTube Shorts from just a script or a simple idea.

STEP 1
1. Enter script or create with AI

Visit CapCut Web by clicking the above link and sign in. On the homepage, select "Free AI video maker" to begin.

When you land on the new page, select "Instant AI video." A handy panel will guide you through the initial setup. For YouTube Shorts, ensure you choose the 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical). Next, select a visual style suited for engaging Shorts, such as vibrant social media content. You'll then create the storyline for your Short. Either enter your script directly or use CapCut Web's sophisticated AI to generate one based on your chosen theme or topic.

Lastly, explore the voiceover settings in the same panel. Use the dropdown menu to browse available voices and click the headphone icon to preview each one, finding the perfect audio match for your Short. Once you've set your preferred video duration (remember, Shorts are under 60 seconds!) style, script source, and voiceover, click the "Create" button. Watch as CapCut Web's AI transforms your input into a professional-quality video, ready for YouTube Shorts.

STEP 2
1. Generate relevant AI media

After a brief wait, preview your video in the window to refine the AI-generated script and add avatars for personalization. Enhance your Short with HD video clips from CapCut Web's library. Use the "Match stock media" option in the "Scenes" menu to align stock clips with your script for better pacing, or select "Match your media" to upload and sync your own media. Alternatively, if you want to change the style of your video, click "Generate AI media" to select aspect ratio and style.

STEP 3
1. Edit more or export video

To enhance your YouTube Short, use the "Elements" tab to add music, stickers, and effects, with the "AI Edit" feature automatically highlighting keywords and applying them with one click. Visit the "Music" tab to select background tracks that match your video's tone. Use the "Caption Template" to generate synced captions for a polished, cohesive look. If the initial output is satisfactory, you can go on to "Export" your video straight away. But if you need more fine-tuning and the use of a wider range of professional editing functions, just click on "Edit more" located in the top-right corner.

Here, you have complete creative control over every detail, from adding effects, transitions, and filters to adjusting playback speed. Once you're happy with the video's final touches, click "Export" in the top-right corner to download your YouTube Short, or share it directly to YouTube for easy uploading.

Key features

• Auto reframe for aspect ratio adjustment

CapCut Web's Auto Reframe feature utilizes AI to intelligently adjust your video's aspect ratio to fit various platforms, including YouTube Shorts. This ensures your content maintains its composition and visual appeal across different screen sizes.

• Customizable resolution settings

CapCut Web allows you to select from multiple resolution options, such as 720p, 1080p, 2K, and 4K, during the export process. This flexibility helps you choose the appropriate resolution for your YouTube Shorts, balancing quality and file size.

• Background customization during resizing

When resizing your video to fit the 9:16 aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts, CapCut Web offers options to adjust the background. You can add a solid color, blur the background, or insert an image, enhancing the visual appeal of your content.

• High-quality video upscaling

CapCut Web's AI-powered video upscaling feature allows you to enhance the resolution of your videos without compromising quality. This is particularly useful if your original footage is in a lower resolution and you want to improve its clarity for YouTube Shorts.

YouTube Shorts ideas to capture attention

Looking for creative content ideas that will help your YouTube Shorts stand out? Here are some engaging video ideas that will attract views, boost engagement, and keep your audience coming back for more.

• Behind-the-scenes content: Give your viewers a glimpse into your creative process or daily life. Whether it's how you make your content, set up your workspace, or prep for a shoot, behind-the-scenes videos make your audience feel like insiders and deepen their connection with you.
• Trending challenges and memes: Participate in trending challenges or use viral memes to stay relevant. Jumping on current trends increases the chances of your video being discovered by a broader audience and gaining viral traction on platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok.
• Quick tutorials and how-to videos: Offer bite-sized tutorials that showcase your skills, products, or services in under 60 seconds. Whether it's a cooking tip, a beauty hack, or tech advice, providing value in a short time keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to share your content.
• Product demos and reviews: Demonstrate a product or service in a fast-paced, engaging way. Focus on the key features and benefits to provide viewers with the information they need, without overwhelming them. This can be especially effective for unboxing videos or highlighting unique product aspects.
• Motivational quotes and messages: Share inspiring quotes or messages that resonate with your audience. In just a few seconds, you can uplift and motivate others, making your shorts both impactful and shareable. This type of content often encourages positive interaction and community building.
• User-generated content or shoutouts: Feature your followers or fans by showcasing their content or giving them a shoutout. It adds a personal touch to your shorts and helps build a loyal, engaged community. Plus, it increases your visibility when fans share your videos with their own networks.

Conclusion

It is important to have the right size and resolution for YouTube Shorts for good display and engagement. In this article, we talked about the proper YouTube Shorts size, including the 9:16 aspect ratio and 1080 x 1920 pixels resolution, as well as additional tips for maintaining a crisp image on mobile phones. We also examined the capabilities of CapCut Web for editing a YouTube Shorts video and how to unlock advanced editing possibilities (such as auto reframe, background removal, and AI video upscaling). It does not matter if you're editing manually or taking direction from AI-generated ideas; CapCut Web can help optimize your videos for better reach and engagement.

FAQs

1
1. Can YouTube Shorts be monetized?

Certainly! YouTube Shorts may reach monetization status through ads, sponsorships, and YouTube's Shorts Fund. As engagement in shorts continues to increase, this form of monetization is an increasingly rational way to earn money for your content. Once you've established that your shorts are eligible for monetization, CapCut Web can help you create engaging, high-quality videos. CapCut Web offers professional editing features, such as auto-reframing tools and background changes, which can all be done within the online advertisement!

2
1. What should be YouTube shorts video size width and height?

1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio is the correct size for YouTube Shorts. By using this side ratio, you will be optimized to watch videos vertically on your mobile. When using CapCut Web, it is simple to set the size and resolution for your videos, so they will appear engaging and professional prior to posting them on YouTube.

3
1. Do YouTube Shorts need to be high-definition?

Definitely - YouTube Shorts should be HD so they look sharp on high-resolution screens. For short, the recommended resolution is 1080p (Full HD). CapCut Web will allow you to upscale videos, as well as adjust the resolution as needed. This way, you can be sure your shorts will be HD quality and beautiful, which will help you get more attention.

4
1. How long can a YouTube Short be?

YouTube Shorts must be between 15 to 60 seconds in length. Keeping your video short and engaging is key. With CapCut Web, you can easily trim your video to fit within the time limit and add creative elements like text overlays, music, and transitions to keep your content engaging and shareable.