YouTube Shorts Size and Specs 2026
Every upload spec at a glance, with sources.
YouTube Shorts 2026: aspect ratio 9:16, 1:1, recommended 1080x1920, up to 3 minutes, caption up to 5,000 characters, up to 60 hashtags.
All specs
| Aspect ratio | 9:16, 1:1 |
|---|---|
| Recommended resolution | 1080x1920 |
| Maximum length | 3 minutes |
| File types | MOV, MP4, WebM, HEVC (H.265) |
| Caption limit | 5,000 characters |
| Title limit | 100 characters |
| Hashtag limit | 60 |
Notes (from the sources, in English): Square or vertical videos up to 3 minutes are classified as Shorts (standard channels: uploads after 2024-10-15; Official Artist Channels: after 2025-12-08). Help says Shorts can be uploaded at a maximum resolution of 1080p; the 1080x1920 figure is an industry recommendation. Shorts over 1 minute with an active Content ID claim are blocked globally. Use 16:9 to avoid Shorts classification. File types: any YouTube-supported format (subset listed).
In 9:16 the app covers parts of the top and bottom of your video. Check your frame with the safe zone checker or download the safe zone templates as PNG.
Work out bitrate and file size with the file size calculator. Check caption length with the character counter.
Changes in 2025 and 2026
- From 2025-03-31 Shorts views count every start or replay with no minimum watch time.
- Official Artist Channels: square or vertical videos up to 3 minutes uploaded on or after 2025-12-08 are classified as Shorts (standard channels since 2024-10-15).
- Custom thumbnail guidance now recommends 3840x2160 (2160x3840 for Shorts) with up to 50 MB on desktop (2 MB on mobile). Change date not stated.
Sources
- Understand three-minute YouTube Shorts (YouTube Help) (official)
- Get started creating YouTube Shorts (YouTube Help) (official)
- Edit video settings (YouTube Help) (official)
- Find playlists and videos using hashtags (YouTube Help) (official)
- Supported YouTube file formats (YouTube Help) (official)
- Social media video specs guide, updated May 13, 2026 (Sprout Social) (industry)
Checked: 2026-10-13. Confidence: mixed. All platforms in one table: social media video specs 2026
Other YouTube formats
FAQ
What size is a YouTube Shorts?
The recommended size is 1080x1920 with an aspect ratio of 9:16, 1:1.
How long can a YouTube Shorts be?
Up to 3 minutes.
How long can the caption of a YouTube Shorts be?
Up to 5,000 characters.
How many hashtags can a YouTube Shorts have?
Up to 60.