# YouTube Shorts Size and Specs 2026

Every upload spec at a glance, with sources.

URL: https://shortformkit.com/youtube-shorts-size/
Updated: 2026-10-12

**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](https://shortformkit.com/safe-zone-checker/) or download the [safe zone templates](https://shortformkit.com/safe-zone-templates/) as PNG.

Work out bitrate and file size with the [file size calculator](https://shortformkit.com/video-file-size-calculator/). Check caption length with the [character counter](https://shortformkit.com/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)](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/15424877?hl=en) (official)
- [Get started creating YouTube Shorts (YouTube Help)](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/10059070?hl=en) (official)
- [Edit video settings (YouTube Help)](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/57404?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop) (official)
- [Find playlists and videos using hashtags (YouTube Help)](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6390658?hl=en) (official)
- [Supported YouTube file formats (YouTube Help)](https://support.google.com/youtube/troubleshooter/2888402?hl=en) (official)
- [Social media video specs guide, updated May 13, 2026 (Sprout Social)](https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-video-specs-guide/) (industry)

Checked: 2026-10-13. Confidence: mixed. [All platforms in one table: social media video specs 2026](https://shortformkit.com/social-media-video-specs-2026/)

## Other YouTube formats

- [YouTube Long-form video](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-long-form-video-size/)
- [YouTube Thumbnail](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-thumbnail-size/)
- [YouTube Channel banner](https://shortformkit.com/youtube-channel-banner-size/)

## 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.


Source: Shortform Kit (https://shortformkit.com/youtube-shorts-size/). Free, no login.