How to Optimize Video Quality on YouTube with Size Settings

YouTube Video Dimensions/Size: Guide for Upload Settings

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Every social media offers a distinct range of dimensions and settings for their publication. So does YouTube.

It’s acutely important to be aware of your setting choices and choosing the right video, thumbnail and screen dimensions of a YouTube video to elevate the user experience.

Merely watching the videos on YouTube is much easier but being able to upload a video there using the right size matters a lot more than one thinks of.

But how can one master it all by himself? Here we are to guide you all along the way! So sit back and relax and enjoy your first-rated content!

You will Learn :

• The right YouTube video size for you
• Important guidelines for YouTube Video dimensions
• What’s the best YouTube video size for you?
• What is the right aspect ratio for YouTube videos
• The correct video image and YouTube screen size
• FAQs about Youtube upload settings
• Basic terminologies that you should know

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The right YouTube video size for you

Resolution	Equivalent Name	Quality
3840×2160	2160p	4K
2560×1440	1440p	2K
1920×1080	1080p	Highest YouTube HD video resolution
1280×720	720p	Least YouTube HD video resolution
854×480	480p	Standard definition
640×360	360p	Conventional website resolution
426×240	240p	Least YouTube video size available

Important guidelines for YouTube Video dimensions

Maximum acceptable size of a YouTube video	426 x 420p
Minimum acceptable size of a YouTube video	3840 x 2160p
The right aspect ratio of a YouTube video	16:9
Maximum size of a YouTube file	128GB
The maximum length of a YouTube video	12 hours
Compatible YouTube video formats	avi mov mp4 (best video format for YouTube) 3GPP webM flv mpeg mpegps wmv

In order to grasp all of the aforementioned configurations thoroughly, a pictorial depiction is a must. So here it is to give you a vivid vision.

Image from learn.g2

What’s the best YouTube video size for you?

It is recommended by professionals to use the YouTube video dimensions 1080p, or 1920 x 1080.

These ones are the ideal because it will not only facilitate the video with a professional and elite look but also consumes relatively much less data. Moreover, if you use a phone for recording your videos then using the quality higher than the ones mentioned above will cost you with ample memory.

If you are a newbie to the world of YouTube and want to up the device’s storage game then 720p would still do wonders.

What is the video aspect ratio?

This term refers to the proportion of your video. In other words, the video aspect ratio can be defined as the width or breadth (of an image or screen) with respect to its height. Such a ratio can be expressed or represented in the form of “width x height.

That means an aspect ratio of 4x3 refers to an image that is 4 unit wide and 3 units high. Similarly, it can also be expressed with a colon in between the units such as 4:3 or 16:9.

The aspect ratio of a video merely refers to the relationship among the width and height respectively and not the actual physical size of the image.

The most common aspect ratios used in the video are depicted below for sound understanding:

Image from learn.g2

The aspect ratio is the proportion of your video. This image displays the three most common aspect ratios.

Aspect ratio refers to the ratio of height and width although dimensions refer to two separate measurements of height and width rather than a ratio with “pixel” as its unit.

Standard aspect ratios

Below are the most common aspect ratios used for the video. There may be certain amendments to the ones mentioned below but the following formats are used mostly by the film and video makers.

Let’s review the quick breakdown of the available aspect ratio options that you can opt accordingly:

Aspect ratio	Application
1:1 or 1x1	This aspect ratio will mostly be seen in the Instagram video. This 1:1 ratio gives a video a perfect square shape.
4:3 or 4x3	This aspect ratio was mostly seen few ages ago in almost the amidst 20th century on the TV. This was used to be a standard television format back then. So if you are a 90’s kid or an adult then you must be familiar with this format while watching your favorite old schooled sitcoms!
16:9 or 16x9	The format was enhanced to 16:9 aspect ratio for more HD quality and better viewing experience. This format is widely being used in televisions, theatres, DVD or high definition professional videos.
21:9 or 21x9	For more than merely an HD video quality and astonishing user experience, the formats have been upgraded to 21:9 aspect ratio. This is dominantly being used in the cinema for movie theatre releases.

The right aspect ratio for YouTube videos

YouTube recommends using an aspect ratio of 16:9 according to the video player that YouTube uses. You are also given an option to upload your videos vertically but this will amend the aspect ratio respectively.

When you upload a video with an aspect ratio other than the one mention formerly then YouTube will automatically place the black bars on the sides. This is done to display the best quality video with the right resolution otherwise it will be displayed as distorted or cropped.

A vertical ratio with may be 4:3 video aspect ratio will be displayed like the image given below:

Image from learn.g2

The correct video image and YouTube screen size

Videos are undoubtedly the most important asset of YouTube but we cannot ignore the significance of the optimal images there! Using the right channel images will enhance the user experience and will ultimately level up your game!

The appealing and attractive cover photos, banners, thumbnails, channel icons possess equal importance as the video itself.

So don’t forget to tune your images! Just grab a cup of coffee and see how your views increase exponentially by this simple yet most important change!

Just skim through the checklist given below and you will be ready to nail it!

1. Perfect size for your YouTube profile photo

The profile photo of YouTube, often called a YouTube channel icon, is preferably a facial picture when is run by an individual and a respective logo if run by a brand or a business.

The suggested YouTube screen size of your YouTube profile picture or channel icon is 800 x800 pixels.

Image from metricool

2. Perfect size for your YouTube thumbnail photo

What is YouTube thumbnail?

A thumbnail photo is the picture of one of the frames of your video that you select to let the viewers see the quick glace or snapshot of your video while they browse YouTube.

You can choose any of the snapshots, technically known as a thumbnail, right after uploading your video on your channel. Either you can let YouTube choose any thumbnail or you choose your own.

Why is it important?

Choosing the appropriate thumbnail is one of the most important factors you cannot neglect. In order to gain views the most on your videos, a wise selection of a perfect YouTube video thumbnail dimensions will attract the viewers. Hence this will can uplift your views to a drastic extent.

A quick tip for the perfect YouTube thumbnail

Take a look at the popular you tubers and see what strategies they use when uploading their thumbnails. Usually, the video content is not as appealing as the thumbnail itself. That’s what you need to understand! Just see by yourself how large text and striking images will do wonders!

YouTube video thumbnail dimension for a perfect thumbnail image

The preferred YouTube screen size of your thumbnail image is 1280 x 720 pixels.

Similar to the YouTube video, the aspect ratio of your thumbnail is 16:9.

For even more clear understanding, look into this illustration:

Image from learn.g2

3. Perfect size for your YouTube banner

YouTube offers two main areas for image display of your channel. One is an icon image while other is what YouTube calls “Channel Art”. This is the same as Facebook’s cover photo. People often call it “YouTube banner”. It is a header image displayed at the top of your channel.

For each kind of display (mobile, desktop, and TV), channel art (or banner) dimension changes accordingly.

Either your cover photo or your YouTube banner is displayed at the top of the channel so it’s highly significant to consider what you are depicting about your channel through these images.

Hence, this being said or realized, selecting the appropriate banner resolution should be among your topmost priorities.

The recommended banner dimensions of a YouTube video as suggested by YouTube are 2560 x 1440 pixels. But the dimensions may slightly vary with the variation in the devices being used by the users.

Displays	Banner image Dimensions
Video display	2560 x 1440 pixels
Desktop display	2560 x 423 pixels
Tablet display	1855 x 423 pixels
Television	2560 x 1440 pixels

For a thorough understanding, refer to the image below:

Image from learn.g2

The right cover photo size on TV

The image displayed when accessing YouTube from TV will appear and be uploaded full or maximized. So a wise image size must be opted. So the accurate resolution would be 2560 x 1440 pixels which will cover the entire background of your channel.

The right cover photo size on desktop displays

The image size may vary to some extent as per the browser you are accessing with or the desktop itself. But generally, the suggested cover photo size for desktop displays is 2560 x 423 pixels.

The right cover photo size on Tablet displays

As per the recommendation for uploading the image while specifically considering the table display is 1855 x 423 pixels. This will cover the area appropriately.

FAQs about Youtube upload settings

What is the maximum YouTube upload limit of size?

The allowed maximum video file size for uploading is 128GB at present.

What is the maximum YouTube upload limit of length?

The allowed maximum video length today for uploading is 12 hours.

How the default upload setting is reset on YouTube?

Step 1: Sign In to your YouTube account using a browser.

Step 2: By clicking your profile icon on the top right corner of the pane, you’ll see the YouTube Studio option. Click on it.

Step 3: Go on settings option where a pop-up window will appear.

Step 4: Look for upload defaults and change the configurations on 2 tabs.

Step 5: Click on save button.

How is YouTube video uploaded using the mobile application?

Step 1: Sign in to your YouTube channel using your mobile phone.

Step 2: Tap on the video camera icon to upload a video. Grant access to your photo gallery and camera is asked by the app while uploading for the first time.

Step 3: You may “Go Live” or simply drag an already made video file to upload.

Step 4: Click “Next”.

Step 5: Enter the video name, select visibility level and then click upload.

How is YouTube video uploaded using a web browser?

Step 1: Sign in to your YouTube account in a web browser.

Step 2: Click on the video icon appearing on the top of the pane.

Step 3: Click on upload video in the drop-down.

Step 4: You will be redirected to the video upload page. Click “public” under “Select files to upload” option and choose visibility level (public, private or scheduled).

Step 5: Click on a large arrow for video file selection or simply drag the file onto the page.

Step 6: You may enter miscellaneous information related to the video while the video is being uploaded.

Step 7: Click on publish and you are done!

Read More to Get : Best Video Websites Like YouTube >>

Basic terminologies that you should know

Video Format

A file format is a way that is standard for the storage of information in the encoded form within the computer file. It entails how exactly the bits are used while encoding the information in a digital storage medium.

So, a video file format is basically a type of file format in order to store the digital data of a video in the computer system. Mostly, video is often stored using the lossy compression in order to reduce the file size.

Frame Rate

“Frame rate” essentially entails the frequency (rate) at which the simultaneous images display on the screen. These images or called “frames”. Frame rate is expressed in “frames per second or FPS”. The unit or term is applicable for film, cameras, motion capture, video, and computer graphics. This is also known as “frame frequency”, expressed in the unit “hertz”

Resolution

Resolution is a measure to entail the clarity and sharpness of an image and most often used as a metric to judge the quality of cameras, monitors, printers, etc.

It basically refers to the number of different pixels in each dimension which can be viewed in any display device.

File Size

File size refers to the space that a file occupies in a storage medium, like hard drive or USB. The measure of file sizes can be expressed in bytes (B), kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), terabytes (TB), and so on.

As shown in the picture below, the files listed in the Windows Explorer assorted as per the file with the largest size first. The file with the name “family-safety.jpg” occupies the largest size of 47 KB and the smallest one with 32 KB size.

Codec

Codec is a device or maybe a computer program that is used to encode or decode a stream of digital data or signal. A codec is a short form of “coder-decoder”.

The basic function of a coder is to encode the stream of data or signal for storage or transmission, usually in an encrypted form.

While, a decoder decodes the encoded (possibly encrypted) data, which is merely a reverse process of a coder. The application of codec are in streaming media, videoconferencing, and video editing applications.

Aspect ratio:

This term refers to the proportion of your video. In other words, the video aspect ratio can be defined as the width or breadth (of an image or screen) with respect to its height. Such a ratio can be expressed or represented in the form of “width x height.

That means an aspect ratio of 4x3 refers to an image that is 4 units wide and 3 units high. Similarly, it can also be expressed with a colon in between the units such as 4:3 or 16:9.

Need a YouTube support?

If you need any support, guidance or may face any queries related to anything regarding your YouTube channel, here’s the link of YouTube support .

Final Verdict

Hopefully, with this detailed guide, you are now ready to make a wise decision regarding customizing your videos and channel as per viewers likeliness. So get ready to see your channel grow drastically!

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Effortless Estimation of Digital Gains

Free YouTube Money Calculators-Calculate YouTube Money

Shanoon Cox

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Most YouTubers get started simply because they love to make videos, to be the center of attention, and to have such a creative outlet for their ideas. However, for almost all YouTubers, their mind will soon turn to whether they can make money from YouTube , and how much they could be making.

If you’re curious about how much money you could make from your channel, or just want to see what the potential is for creating a revenue stream once you’ve built your audience, we’ve got just the thing for you. We’ve developed this YouTube Money Calculator, a simple tool that lets you see at a glance how much you could be earning from your videos and channel. And we will also introduce some YouTube Money Calculator alternatives to you.

Table of Content:

• Part 1: What is a CPM and How Do YouTube Money Calculators Average It Out?
• Part 2: The Free YouTube Money Calculator
• Part 3: Free YouTube Money Calculator Alternatives
• Part 4: How is YouTube Partner Money Calculated?
• Part 5: How to Join the YouTube Partner Platform
• Part 6: Making Money on YouTube

You May Also Like: YouTube SEO Complete Guide

Let’s take a look at the YouTube Money Calculator now and explore your potential for generating income from your passion for YouTube.

Part 1: What’s a CPM and How Do YouTube Money Calculators Average It Out?

CPM stands for ‘cost per mille/thousand’ and is the price of a thousand ad impressions (to the advertiser. For the creator, this is the amount of money they make per thousand ad impressions).

YouTube calculators will never be able to know the CPM for a YouTube channel as the rates vary for different channels and different ads. Disclosing your CPM is against the rules, so there’s not a lot of information out there to go on.

However, by taking an average of some of the current CPM rates from advertisers on YouTube, calculators are able to average out what a YouTube channel could be making. Keep in mind that, usually, the numbers that they use can be a bit on the high side compared to actual earnings. At times, though, these calculators can be very close.

Part 2: The Free YouTube Money Calculator

The YouTube Money Calculator is a free calculator tool that allows you to estimate the money obtained from any YouTube video. Calculations are entirely based on the number of views and an average CPM of $2 - $5. A user just needs to insert the total number of video views that they think they can get or that another channel has to discover how much a person could earn or be earning.

If you don’t know your CPM yet, don’t worry because our tool can give you an estimated revenue calculation based on a commonly accepted range of CPM figures for your views. Using this number, the YouTube Money Calculator can give you potential revenue by video as well as by channel on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis. Let’s take a look:

• 1. Estimated YouTube Revenue by Videos
• 2. Estimated YouTube Revenue by Channel

1. Estimated YouTube Revenue by Videos

To use YouTube Money Calculator to get an estimated calculation of your revenue for a single video, simply set the number of views you get per day (or hope to get) and the CPM rates. If you don’t know your CPM, the tool will automatically select a typical range based on the number of views.

From here you can start to play around and see what the impact could be of a different number of views and different CPM range. Do keep in mind that these figures are estimated, and there are many factors that come into play to determine your final CPM rate.

If you want to go deeper into your research and discover how much revenue a specific video could make, you can simply paste in the URL of the video you want to investigate, and the YouTube Money Calculator will show you the results. These will be presented as the number of total video views as well as the estimated earnings for that video based on typical CPM rates, making it a great resource to establish whether to monetize a video or not.

2. Estimated YouTube Revenue by Channel

If you’d like a more complete view of your YouTube earnings potential, why not investigate the revenue possibilities for the whole channel? Simply paste your channel link into the box and our tool will estimate how much you could be earning if you monetize that channel.

As well as showing this, the tool will show all sorts of other useful information such as number of total views, number of subscribers, number of uploaded videos and even your country and category. It’s a great place to start to evaluate your efforts and to get a realistic idea of what your earnings could be.

Part 3: Free YouTube Money Calculator Alternatives

Some of the best YouTube Money Calculator alternatives available are:

• Social Blade
• Influencer Marketing Hub

1. How Social Blade Calculates YouTube Money

Social Blade delivers a calculation based on a CPM rate between .25 cents and $4 USD. Users need only type in the name of the channel they are interested in and Social Blade will deliver all kinds of information about that channel, like how many subscribers and views it received in the last 30 days. It will also include estimates of monthly and yearly earnings. The revenue results are adjusted based off of the overall size of the channel and the total number of views that they receive each day. You can even scroll down for estimates of daily earnings listed by date.

2. How Influencer Marketing Hub Calculates YouTube Money

Influencer Marketing Hub is almost like an active infographic that allows a user to very quickly adjust sliders based on the daily video views, active engagement, views per month, and views per year.

Part 4: How is YouTube Partner Money Calculated?

YouTube partner money is calculated using something called the CPM. Your CPM, if you’re new to YouTube and partner advertising, is likely to be quite low, but can be built up over time.

CPM is actually a term for advertisers rather than content creators, as it denotes the amount an advertiser pays to serve its ad to 1,000 views of a video. What you really want to know is your RPM, or revenue per thousand, which is about how much you’ll get paid for 1,000 views of that ad. In the YouTube world, they call this number eCPM which stands for effective CPM, and if you have access to YouTube analytics, you’ll be able to find it under the estimated monetized playbacks metric.

If you don’t have YouTube Analytics, you can estimate your eCPM by dividing your most recent earnings by the number of monetized views and then multiplying by 1,000. For example, if you got 10,000 views of a video and earned $30, then your CPM would be $3.

There are a number of factors that affect what your CPM is, including what category it’s in, what the season is (e.g. Christmas, Halloween), what language you speak, which country you’re from, how much competition there is and much more. As an average, most advertisers are paying in the region of $7.60 per 1,000 impressions, although this can be as high as $15 or as low as $0.10.

But that’s not the whole story.

Of course, YouTube needs to make money too, so don’t expect to see all of that $7.60 popped into your AdSense account. Google keeps 45 percent of all YouTube advertising revenue, so you’ll get the other 55 per cent. If you were earning that average $7.60, your actual earnings would be $4.18 per 1,000 views.

As your subscriber numbers rise and your daily views rise, so will your CPM, so don’t get disheartened if you’ve discovered you’re on $2 or worse. Keep plugging away and building your fan base, and you’ll get there in the end.

It’s important to realize that, for most new channels, they’ll need to post videos for around two years before they start earning anything significant. If you’re just getting started on YouTube, find your niche and make sure it’s one that advertisers care about. Get it right, and you’ll have a highly targeted audience base which advertisers are willing to pay good money to use.

Part 5: How to Join the YouTube Partner Platform

If you’ve had a go with the YouTube money calculator and are excited about the potential to make money from YouTube, the next thing you’ll need to do is to sign up for the partner program. Here’s how:

     * **Find out if you qualify**: You'll need to be 18 or over and to have had at least 4,000 views on your channel and 1,000 subscribers in the past 12 months
     * **Enable monetization on your account**: Sign in, select 'creator studio', then go to Channel > Status features. Look for the tab for Monetization and click to enable.
     * **Agree to the terms**: Once you've read and agreed to them, click accept
     * **Choose monetizing options**: Pick from overlay in the video, TrueView in-stream ads or video contains product placement. You can always change this later.
     * **Confirm enrolment**: Click 'monetize my videos' to confirm enrolment

Once you’ve done all that, YouTube will review your application and decide if you can join the program. Usually, this happens within a matter of seconds, generating confirmation via email. Your account will now have ‘Partner Verified’ on it, and your chosen ads will start being displayed immediately.

Part 6: Making Money on YouTube

We’ve all been seduced by the big hitters on YouTube, from PewDiePie to Lilly Singh, and have imagined that we’ll be the next YouTube millionaire. However, the reality is that 99 per cent of those on YouTube are earning peanuts for the effort they put into their channels from these advertising streams.

However, there are other ways to make money on YouTube. It makes sense not to put all your eggs in one basket, so alongside ads and growing your fanbase, we’ve come up with a number of other ways to monetize your YouTube channel and estimate how much your video can make.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

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