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A practical full-height portrait export for a YouTube Short is 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16). That is a useful target, not a required canvas: YouTube’s eligibility rules accept square or vertical videos, up to 1080p, subject to duration and upload-date rules. A square video can qualify too. Export the footage without black bars or padding; YouTube adapts its player to the video and the viewer’s device.
What size is a YouTube Short?
For a tall, full-screen-style portrait composition, use a 9:16 canvas such as 1080 × 1920 pixels. YouTube’s Shorts guidance sets a maximum resolution of 1080p, but does not require that exact width and height. Treat 1080 × 1920 as a practical export target, not a platform-mandated size. YouTube’s Shorts creation guidance gives the resolution ceiling.
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What aspect ratio should YouTube Shorts be?
YouTube’s current eligibility rule describes Shorts as square or vertical videos, up to three minutes long, subject to the upload-date rules below. A 9:16 portrait frame suits a tall composition; square can suit square footage or a layout designed around a centered subject. A landscape 16:9 frame does not fit the square-or-vertical shape rule for Shorts. YouTube’s Shorts eligibility guidance explains the classification criteria.
| Format | Practical canvas | When it fits | Shorts eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait, 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 | Tall, full-height framing | Vertical shape qualifies, subject to duration and upload-date rules. |
| Square, 1:1 | 1080 × 1080 | Square footage or a centered square layout | Square shape qualifies, subject to duration and upload-date rules. |
| Landscape, 16:9 | No Shorts canvas recommended | Conventional widescreen video | Does not meet the square-or-vertical shape description for Shorts. |
The square dimensions above are a practical suggestion, not a pixel size specified by YouTube. For either eligible shape, keep the upload within the 1080p ceiling.
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Can a square video be a Short?
Yes. YouTube includes square videos in its Shorts shape rule. A square upload does not have to be converted to 9:16 to qualify; choose the shape that suits the footage and composition. The video must still meet the applicable duration and upload-date rules.
How do the three-minute and upload-date rules work?
- Standard channels: Eligible square or vertical uploads up to three minutes long are categorized as Shorts when uploaded on or after October 15, 2024. Standard-channel uploads from before that date retain their long-form classification.
- Official Artist Channels: The same square-or-vertical and up-to-three-minute rule applies to uploads made on or after December 8, 2025. Earlier uploads retain their prior classification.
These dates matter when evaluating an older upload: a video’s shape and length alone do not mean it will be reclassified under the newer rule. Check the relevant channel type and original upload date against YouTube’s current eligibility guidance.
Should you add black bars or padding?
No. YouTube advises: “For best results, avoid adding padding or black bars directly to your video.” The player changes size to suit the video’s aspect ratio and the viewer’s device. In a computer browser, YouTube may place padding around a vertical video; it is white by default and dark gray in Dark theme. That responsive player padding is different from baking bars into the video file. See YouTube’s video resolution and aspect-ratio guidance.
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Can I prevent my video from being turned into a Short?
If you want an upload to remain long-form, use a wider aspect ratio such as 16:9 rather than square or vertical. YouTube’s classification rule applies to square or vertical videos up to three minutes long, with the relevant upload-date cutoff for the channel type. A wider frame is the format guidance YouTube gives for avoiding Shorts classification; it is not a way to change how existing uploads are retroactively classified. Check YouTube’s guidance for the applicable date and channel rules.
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Export checklist
- Choose portrait 9:16 for tall framing; 1080 × 1920 is a practical target within the 1080p ceiling.
- Choose square when square framing better fits your source or intended layout; 1080 × 1080 is a practical canvas, not an official required size.
- Keep the video square or vertical and up to three minutes if you want it to meet the current Shorts shape-and-duration criteria; confirm the upload-date rule for your channel type.
- Do not add black bars or padding to force a display shape. Let YouTube’s player adapt to the video and device.
- If the video should be long-form, choose a wider format such as 16:9.
Keep a YouTube channel live while you are away
Shorts dimensions are separate from running a continuous YouTube live stream. If your goal is to keep a channel live with uploaded videos rather than a camera feed, StreamNeo runs the stream from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; uploads stream as made, up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
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