YouTube Shorts video size
A YouTube Shorts video should be 1080×1920 px (9:16) or 1080×1080 px (1:1). Keep text and logos 240 px from the top, 420 px from the bottom, 60 px from the left and 160 px from the right; that leaves 52.3% of the frame open for text. Recommended length: 15–35 seconds; maximum: 180 seconds.
Safe zone
Red bands are covered by the interface; the dashed box is safe for text and logos. Proportions are true to scale.
zone
zone
The recommended bitrate for 1080p is about 8 Mbps at 30 fps and 12 Mbps at 60 fps; YouTube turns loud uploads down to roughly −14 LUFS.
- Safe box: 860×1260 px
- Open for text: 52.3%
- Recommended length: 15–35 s
- Frame rate: 30 fps (max 60)
Technical specs
| Aspect ratios | 9:16, 1:1 |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080×1920, 1080×1080 |
| Recommended length | 15–35 s |
| Length limits | 1 s – 180 seconds |
| Frame rate | 30 fps (max 60) |
| Max bitrate | 12 Mbps |
| Max file size | 4 GB |
| Audio | AAC 48 kHz · ≈ -14 LUFS · peak ≤ -1.5 dBTP |
| Safe box (9:16) | 860×1260 px · top 240 · bottom 420 · left 60 · right 160 |
| Safe box (1:1) | 960×900 px · top 60 · bottom 120 · left 60 · right 60 |
Source: MaestroCut platform data set (2026-10). Updated as platforms change their interfaces; check the official help page before you publish.
Tips for YouTube Shorts
- Put the main message in the first frame: a scrolling viewer should read it in half a second.
- The video must make sense with the sound off; music and effects should support the message, not carry it.
- Keep text in the middle of the safe box; feed and profile-grid previews crop the edges.
- Choose the cover frame yourself: a big, readable headline in your brand color.
Comparison
Space open for text on other placements that use 9:16.
| Placement | Top / Bottom / Left / Right | Open for text |
|---|---|---|
| Website / general | 120 / 160 / 60 / 60 | 75.9% |
| X (Twitter) | 150 / 250 / 60 / 60 | 70.4% |
| 285 / 300 / 60 / 60 | 61.8% | |
| Instagram Story | 250 / 340 / 60 / 60 | 61.6% |
| Instagram Reels | 285 / 380 / 60 / 120 | 54.5% |
| Instagram feed post | 285 / 380 / 60 / 120 | 54.5% |
| Facebook Reels | 269 / 400 / 65 / 120 | 54% |
| TikTok | 160 / 480 / 60 / 160 | 53.1% |
| YouTube Shorts | 240 / 420 / 60 / 160 | 52.3% |
| One video, every vertical platform | 290 / 480 / 90 / 160 | 46% |
| Instagram/Facebook Reels ad | 269 / 672 / 65 / 65 | 44.9% |
| Instagram/Facebook Story ad | 269 / 672 / 65 / 65 | 44.9% |
Frequently asked questions
What size is a YouTube Shorts video?
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1080×1920 px (9:16), 1080×1080 px (1:1). 30 fps, up to 60 fps.
Where should text go in a YouTube Shorts video?
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Inside the 860×1260 px box that sits 240 px from the top, 420 px from the bottom, 60 px from the left and 160 px from the right.
How long should a YouTube Shorts video be?
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For a promo, 15–35 seconds; the platform allows up to 180 seconds.
What loudness should a YouTube Shorts video have?
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About -14 LUFS integrated loudness with true peaks below -1.5 dBTP is a safe default.
Make a video for YouTube Shorts
Size, safe zone and loudness are automatic; you only describe what you promote.