How long can YouTube Shorts be? Length, aspect ratio and specs
By the ShortsMachine team · Updated
Short answer: YouTube Shorts can be up to 3 minutes long, in a vertical 9:16 or square 1:1 aspect ratio, ideally at 1080×1920. Most Shorts perform best at 30–60 seconds. Below are the full specs, plus how they compare with TikTok and Instagram Reels.
The three big short-video platforms all want vertical video, but they differ in maximum length and in how much of the screen their buttons cover. Here is what to know before you export. Platforms change limits regularly, so double-check the current numbers in each app’s upload screen.
Specs at a glance
| YouTube Shorts | TikTok | Instagram Reels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 (1:1 also accepted) | 9:16 | 9:16 |
| Recommended size | 1080×1920 | 1080×1920 | 1080×1920 |
| Maximum length | Up to 3 minutes | Several minutes; longer uploads allowed for many accounts | Up to 3 minutes |
| Sweet spot | 30–60 s | 20–60 s | 15–60 s |
Limits as commonly documented in 2026; check each app before publishing. HD 720×1280 is also accepted by all three.
Safe zones
Each app overlays buttons, captions and your username on the bottom and right of the video. Keep faces and key text out of roughly the bottom fifth and the right edge. ShortsMachine places captions in the lower-middle area, above the bottom controls.
One video, three platforms
A single 9:16 export under 60 seconds works everywhere. Post natively to each platform rather than sharing a link, and write platform-specific titles and captions.
Ideal length by goal
- Reach and replays: 15–30 seconds with a loopable ending.
- Teaching one idea: 30–60 seconds.
- Stories: 60 seconds to 3 minutes, with a hook that promises a payoff.
- Depth: over 3 minutes belongs on long-form YouTube in 16:9.
Exporting from ShortsMachine
Choose 9:16 for all three platforms. Videos export as H.264 MP4 at 720×1280 and 30 fps with AAC stereo audio, with captions already burned in and no watermark on paid plans. Upload the same file to each app and write platform-specific titles and hashtags.
Frequently asked questions
Is 720p good enough?
Yes for most content: all three apps accept 720×1280 and it looks sharp on phones. If you need 1080p delivery, upscale in an editor before uploading.
Put this guide into practice
Type an idea and ShortsMachine writes the script, generates every scene, adds a voiceover and captions, and stitches it into one video — up to 5 minutes long.
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