YouTube Shorts Aspect Ratio, Size and Length
In short: YouTube Shorts are square or vertical videos up to 3 minutes long. Use 9:16 (1080×1920 or 720×1280) to fill the screen. To turn a 16:9 video into a Short, crop it to 9:16 around the speaker, for example with AIClipMaker.org.
From YouTube Help, "Upload YouTube Shorts", checked November 15, 2026.
Shorts specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | Square (1:1) or vertical; 9:16 fills the screen |
| Common sizes | 1080×1920, 720×1280 |
| Length | Up to 3 minutes |
| Bulk upload | Up to 15 short videos at a time from a computer |
Shorts vs Reels vs TikTok
| YouTube Shorts | Instagram Reels | TikTok | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square or vertical | 1.91:1 to 9:16 | Vertical |
| Length | Up to 3 min | Up to 3 min recommended to new audiences | Up to 60 min uploaded |
| Minimum size | Not stated | 720 px | 720×1280 in TikTok Studio |
From each platform's help center, checked November 15, 2026. A 720×1280 9:16 MP4 works on all three.
Turning a 16:9 video into a 9:16 Short
Cropping 16:9 to 9:16 keeps about a third of the width. If the speaker isn't in the middle third, a center crop cuts them off. AIClipMaker.org uses AI face tracking to place the crop on the speaker and cuts the part you choose into 15 to 90 second clips, up to 10 per run. More on the method in auto reframe.
Also see YouTube Shorts maker and Instagram Reels dimensions.
Make vertical clips from your video
FAQ
What aspect ratio are YouTube Shorts?
Vertical or square. Vertical 9:16 fills a phone screen and is what most Shorts use.
How long can a YouTube Short be?
Up to 3 minutes, according to YouTube Help.
What resolution should a YouTube Short be?
1080×1920 is the common choice; 720×1280 is the same 9:16 shape at a smaller size.
Can a 16:9 video be a Short?
YouTube asks for a square or vertical video. Crop it to 9:16 first, for example with the video to 9:16 converter.