YouTube Shorts Video Specifications 2025
Complete guide to YouTube Shorts dimensions, aspect ratios, and specifications for 2025. Create engaging Shorts with the perfect vertical video format.
Quick Specs
Dimensions & Resolution
Required for Shorts shelf eligibility
Allowed but adds black bars, not recommended
Video Duration
Minimum: 0 seconds
Maximum: 180 seconds
Up to 3 minutes (Oct 15, 2024). No minimum length required. Views count on start/replay since Mar 31, 2025
Important Notes
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 3 minutes. Must be 9:16 aspect ratio and ≤180 seconds to qualify for the Shorts shelf. Maximum upload resolution for Shorts is 1080p. Views count on start/replay since March 31, 2025, with "engaged views" retained in Analytics.
Optimization Tips
- ✓Must be vertical - horizontal videos won't qualify as Shorts
- ✓Keep key content in 4:5 safe area for different devices
- ✓Best performing Shorts are 20-40 seconds
- ✓Add text overlays for viewers watching without sound
- ✓Use YouTube's audio library for copyright-free music
- ✓Hook viewers in first 3 seconds for better retention
- ✓Upload directly from mobile or use #Shorts in title
Sources & Verification
Last verified: 2025-09-28
3 minutes since Oct 15, 2024. Views count on start since Mar 31, 2025. Max 1080p.
safe Area
Keep critical content in center 4:5 area
thumbnail Generation
YouTube auto-generates thumbnails for Shorts
monetization
discovery
music Features
Copyrighted music limited to 60 seconds. Videos over 60s must use royalty-free music
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a video qualify as a YouTube Short?
Videos must be vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) and no more than 3 minutes (180 seconds). There's no minimum length requirement. Horizontal videos won't qualify even if under 3 minutes. Shorts are limited to 1080p upload resolution.
Can I monetize YouTube Shorts?
Yes, YouTube Shorts are eligible for monetization through the YouTube Shorts Fund and ad revenue sharing for channels in the YouTube Partner Program.
What's the safe area for YouTube Shorts?
Keep important content within a 4:5 aspect ratio in the center of your 9:16 video to ensure visibility across all devices and avoid UI element overlap.
Should I add #Shorts to my video title?
While not required, adding #Shorts to your title or description can help YouTube identify and properly categorize your Short, especially when uploading from desktop.
Recent Updates
Views now count on start/replay with no minimum watch time. "Engaged views" retained in Analytics
Maximum duration increased from 60 seconds to 3 minutes for all creators
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