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Format guide · 2026
The complete YouTube video format and upload specification guide for 2026.
| Quality | Dimensions | |
|---|---|---|
| 240p | 426×240 | |
| 360p | 640×360 | |
| 480p | 854×480 | |
| 720p HD | 1280×720 | |
| 1080p Full HD | 1920×1080 | Recommended |
| 1440p 2K | 2560×1440 | |
| 2160p 4K | 3840×2160 |
| Recommended container | MP4 |
| Video codecs | H.264 (recommended), H.265/HEVC, VP9, AV1 |
| Audio codecs | AAC-LC (recommended), MP3, Opus |
| Aspect ratios | 16:9, 9:16 (Shorts), 1:1, 4:3 |
| Frame rates | 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60 fps |
| Minimum resolution | 426×240 (240p) |
| Recommended resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) or 3840×2160 (4K) |
| Maximum file size | 256 GB |
| Maximum duration | 12 hours (verified accounts); 15 minutes (unverified) |
Upload at 1080p minimum — YouTube re-encodes all uploads, but starting higher preserves quality
Use H.264 in MP4 for fastest processing and widest compatibility
Export at the highest bitrate your editing software allows — YouTube compresses on its end
Set your video's frame rate to match your original footage; don't convert to a different frame rate before uploading
What is the best video format for YouTube in 2026?
MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio is the recommended format for YouTube in 2026. It processes fastest, is universally compatible, and produces smaller file sizes without sacrificing quality. YouTube also accepts MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, and WebM.
What resolution should I upload to YouTube?
1080p (1920×1080) is the minimum recommended resolution for YouTube. 4K (3840×2160) is ideal if your camera supports it. YouTube re-encodes all uploads, so higher source quality always produces a better final result.
What is the maximum file size for YouTube uploads?
YouTube allows uploads up to 256 GB. In practice, most creators upload files between 1–20 GB. There is no minimum file size requirement.
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