Discovering, “What Is the Ratio of YouTube Shorts?” – a short-form, vertical video format designed for mobile viewing.
The aspect ratio of YouTube Shorts is quite distinct and designed with mobile consumption in mind. YouTube Shorts videos are displayed in a vertical format, specifically in a 9:16 aspect ratio, akin to the screen of a smartphone held upright. This ratio allows for the optimal consumption of the content on mobile devices, providing viewers with a full-screen, immersive experience. Suppose you’re a content creator looking to capitalize on the Shorts format. In that case, it’s crucial to adhere to this 9:16 ratio to ensure that your viewers can comfortably watch your videos without any awkward cropping or adjustments. This format is a key component of the YouTube Shorts design, underscoring its focus on mobile-first, on-the-go content consumption.
The aspect ratio of YouTube Shorts is 9:16. This aspect ratio, which means that the height of the video is 1.5 times the width, is optimized for viewing on mobile devices, which are typically held in portrait orientation.
It’s essential to resize your videos to the correct dimensions using video editing software to maintain the recommended aspect ratio. This ensures that your Shorts display optimally across various devices and platforms, maximizing the impact of your content.
Creating YouTube Shorts from Existing YouTube Videos
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Choose Your Video:
Pick an existing video from your YouTube channel that you think would make a great Short. Ideally, this video should contain engaging content that can be condensed into 60 seconds or less.
Use Video Editing Software:
Import your chosen video into a video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie. There are also mobile apps such as InShot or Quik that can do the job.
Adjust the Aspect Ratio:
You’ll need to change the video’s aspect ratio to 9:16 for Shorts. In your editing software, look for the ‘Project Settings’ or ‘Sequence Settings’ option and then select the 9:16 aspect ratio.
Resize Your Video:
Now it’s time to resize your video to fit the new aspect ratio. You might need to crop, scale, or reposition your video to ensure it looks good in the vertical format.
Edit Your Video:
Trim your video to the best parts, making sure it’s under 60 seconds, the maximum length allowed for Shorts.
Export and Upload:
Once you’re happy with your edited video, export it in the highest resolution possible. Then, upload it to YouTube and add ‘#Shorts’ to the video title or description.
How to Get the Right Size for Vertical Content?
Getting the right size for vertical content is essential for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and viewer engagement of your videos. Here are the steps to achieve this:
Understand the Aspect Ratio:
The first step is understanding the aspect ratio. For vertical content like YouTube Shorts, the aspect ratio is 9:16. This ratio represents the width and height of the screen, respectively.
Choice of Editing Software:
Choose a video editing software that allows for aspect ratio adjustments. Software like Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie or mobile apps like InShot and Quik are great options.
Set the Aspect Ratio:
In your chosen editing software, find the ‘Project Settings’ or ‘Sequence Settings’. From there, select the 9:16 aspect ratio.
Adjust Your Content:
Now, you need to adjust your content to fit into this new aspect ratio. This might involve cropping, scaling, or repositioning your video.
Preview Your Video:
Always preview your video before finalizing it. This step ensures that your video looks good on a vertical screen and there are no crucial elements cut out of the frame.
Export in High Resolution:
After you’re satisfied with the preview, export your video in the highest resolution possible. This will ensure your video maintains its quality across different platforms and devices.
Remember, creating engaging vertical content is as much about the content itself as it is about the presentation. So, make sure to prioritize both in your video creation process.
Why the 9:16 Aspect Ratio is Optimal for YouTube Shorts?
Maximizes Mobile Screen Utilization:
The 9:16 aspect ratio takes full advantage of the vertical screen space on a typical smartphone. This means the video fills up the entire screen, providing viewers with an immersive, full-screen viewing experience without any black bars on the sides.
Aligns With User Behavior:
Most people naturally hold their phones upright, in portrait mode. The 9:16 aspect ratio caters to this natural user behavior, ensuring users don’t have to flip their phones sideways to watch the video properly.
Consistency Across Platforms:
The 9:16 aspect ratio is a common standard used by other popular short-form video platforms like Instagram Stories and TikTok. Using the same aspect ratio helps maintain consistency, making it easier for viewers to switch between platforms.
Enhanced Viewer Engagement:
Videos that fill the entire screen can capture viewer attention more effectively, leading to higher engagement rates. This can be crucial for content creators looking to improve their viewer retention rates and watch times.
Designed for On-the-Go Viewing:
Given the mobile-first design of YouTube Shorts, the 9:16 aspect ratio supports on-the-go viewing. Viewers can comfortably watch these videos even when they’re moving, making the 9:16 ratio ideal for the fast-paced, mobile viewing habits of today’s audiences.
Can You Make a Square YouTube Short?
Square Videos:
Yes, you can make a square (1:1) aspect ratio video for YouTube Shorts. But remember, it won’t utilize the full-screen space on mobile devices compared to the recommended 9:16 ratio.
Viewing Experience:
While a square Short is technically possible, it may not provide the most optimal viewing experience. Viewers may see black space above and below the video.
Consistent Aspect Ratios:
Using square videos could disrupt the viewing consistency of users who are accustomed to vertical formats on other short-form video platforms like Instagram Stories and TikTok.
Viewer Engagement:
A square video may not be as immersive or engaging as a full-screen vertical video, potentially leading to lower viewer retention rates.
Converting Existing Content:
Square videos can be a good option when repurposing existing content originally made for platforms that use the 1:1 aspect ratio, like Instagram. Remember to ensure your content still makes sense when cropped to a square.