YouTube Shorts Size: 1080×1920px (9:16)
The correct YouTube Shorts size is 1080×1920 pixels at a 9:16 aspect ratio. Use the spec guide and free resize tool below to prepare your Short's cover image or thumbnail perfectly.
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YouTube Shorts Specifications
Dimensions
1080 × 1920 px
Aspect ratio
9:16 (vertical)
Max duration
3 minutes
Resolution
1080p (Full HD)
File format
MP4 (H.264)
Thumbnail size
1280 × 720 px (16:9)
Safe Zone Guide
Keep key content in the center safe zone — YouTube's UI (title, like button, subscribe) covers the top and bottom ~10% of the screen.
Resize Your Thumbnail to Shorts Cover Size
Pre-set to 1080×1920 px. Resize any image to YouTube Shorts dimensions — free, no watermark.
Common presets
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct YouTube Shorts size?
The recommended YouTube Shorts size is 1080×1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical). This is Full HD portrait resolution. YouTube also accepts other vertical aspect ratios, but 9:16 is required to appear in the Shorts feed.
What aspect ratio does YouTube Shorts use?
YouTube Shorts use a 9:16 aspect ratio — 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall. This is the same as Instagram Reels and TikTok, so you can create once and publish across all three platforms.
How long can a YouTube Short be?
YouTube Shorts can be up to 3 minutes long. Videos under 60 seconds perform best for engagement. The video must be uploaded in a vertical format (9:16) to appear in the Shorts shelf.
What size is a YouTube Shorts thumbnail?
YouTube Shorts thumbnails are 1280×720 pixels (16:9 ratio) — the same as standard YouTube thumbnails. However, the Shorts player displays at 9:16, so your thumbnail may be cropped. Design with the center of your 16:9 thumbnail as the focal point.
Can YouTube Shorts be 16:9?
No. YouTube Shorts must be in a vertical format (aspect ratio taller than 1:1) to qualify for the Shorts feed. If you upload a 16:9 horizontal video, it will be treated as a regular YouTube video, not a Short.
How do I resize an image to YouTube Shorts size for free?
Use the tool on this page — it is pre-set to 1080×1920 px. Upload your image, click Resize, and download. Everything runs in your browser with no upload to a server and no watermark.