Navigating YouTube’s algorithm can feel like solving a puzzle, especially when figuring out the right size for your video. Not only does video size impact upload speed and quality, but it also plays a key role in optimizing your content for when to post on YouTube.
Timing your uploads can differentiate between going viral and getting lost in the shuffle. Think about how you want to create viral short videos; the right video size can help you achieve that goal.
Crayo AI’s clip creator tool is here to help you craft those moments. This tool can help you create viral short videos by optimizing the size and timing of your content so you can focus on what matters: making excellent content that connects with your audience.
Table Of Contents
Ideal YouTube Video Size and Dimensions
Understanding the basics of YouTube video sizes is crucial for content creators. Standard YouTube videos have an aspect ratio of 16:9. This is non-negotiable whether you're uploading a 240p clip or a 4K masterpiece. Supported dimensions range from 426 x 240 pixels to 3840 x 2160 pixels. Quality is key while the platform can handle hefty files up to 128 GB or 12 hours. Formats like MOV, MP4, AVI, and WMV are your best bets.
Crafting the Perfect YouTube Ad
Creating effective YouTube ads means balancing creativity with technical requirements. Skippable in-stream ads, for example, require a 16:9 aspect ratio and can last anywhere from 12 seconds to 6 minutes. Non-skippable ads are capped at 15 seconds, while bumper ads clock in at just 6 seconds. TrueView ads give you up to 3 minutes of runtime. Video discovery ads should have a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels. On the other hand, display ads use a 4:3 aspect ratio and have a file size limit of 150 KB.
Resolution: The Key to Quality
Resolution dictates the clarity of your video. YouTube supports many resolutions from 240p to 8K, but higher is usually better. A resolution of at least 720p is ideal for desktop viewing, while 480p works for smartphones. Simply put, the more pixels you have, your video will be more precise. A 1080p video looks crisp and sharp, while a 360p clip might appear blurry. Bigger screens demand higher resolutions, so keep that in mind during production.
Understanding Video Dimensions
Dimensions refer to the actual pixel measurements of a video. Together with the aspect ratio, they determine the resolution. YouTube recommends a 16:9 aspect ratio for standard videos and 9:16 for Shorts. While other ratios like 4:3 or 1:1 are supported, YouTube will adjust the display to fit the screen. This might result in black bars on your video's sides or top and bottom.
How Long Should A YouTube Video Be
On YouTube, most viewers prefer watching videos in the 8 to 15-minute range, according to YouTuber Aprilynne Alter. Videos of this length feel less like a commitment, especially when viewers are just browsing. But there’s no magic number, as viewing habits keep changing. With more people replacing TV with YouTube and watching on big screens, longer videos exceeding 30 minutes are seeing more success. Ultimately, it depends on your audience and content. Create videos that feel authentic to you while conveying your message clearly and concisely.
Should You Make Your YouTube Videos Longer?
Should you extend the length of your YouTube videos? It depends on your audience. If you make videos under 15 minutes, you might be tempted to stretch them out or try longer formats like video podcasts. But first, analyze your audience’s viewing habits. Do they also watch long-form videos in your niche? If your audience sticks around for a decent percentage of your content, it’s worth experimenting with longer videos to see if they’ll engage with them. YouTube values viewer retention and longer watch times, after all.
Shifting Length Preferences on TikTok
In 2021, viewer preferences on TikTok shifted from 11 to 17-second videos to 24 to 31-second clips, according to Buffer. The platform is testing a new 30-minute maximum for videos, suggesting an interest in longer content. However, longer videos may feel burdensome to viewers used to rapid-fire consumption. At the same time, TikTok’s monetization policy has changed to compensate creators for videos 1 minute or longer, so it’s impossible to say if the trend will continue.
Ready to make your mark with short-form content? Try Crayo’s free clip creator tool today—just click the ‘Try Now’ button on our homepage to get started. No account is required! Go from prompt to viral shorts videos in minutes with Crayo.
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How To Decide Ideal YouTube Video Length
Identify Your Content Type
Different video types thrive at distinct lengths. Consider these categories:
Tutorials and How-To Videos (7–15 minutes)
These videos must be long enough to offer thorough guidance without losing viewers. For instance, Tasty’s "How to Bake the Perfect Cake" (10 minutes) simplifies a complex process.
Vlogs and Storytelling (10–20 minutes)
Personal narratives should develop a connection but avoid dragging. Emma Chamberlain’s "A Week in My Life" (12 minutes) offers an inside look without overstaying its welcome.
Educational Content (8–20 minutes)
These videos should explain topics fully while keeping viewers engaged. Kurzgesagt’s "The History of the Universe" (12 minutes) uses visuals and storytelling to make complex subjects accessible.
Entertainment Videos (4–12 minutes)
These need to be quick and engaging. MrBeast’s "Last to Leave Circle Wins $500,000" (11 minutes) keeps viewers hooked with fast pacing and constant action.
Understand Audience Behavior
Analyze your analytics to determine how long viewers typically stick with your videos. For example:
If your average view duration is 4 minutes, aim for 5–7 minute videos.
Longer videos might work better if you’re targeting an older, more engaged audience.
Cater to Algorithm Preferences
YouTube rewards watch time and viewer retention. If you keep viewers engaged with a longer video, it might rank higher. Casey Neistat’s 10–12 minute daily vlogs consistently perform well because they balance length with engaging content.
Real-Life Examples by Niches
Fitness
Chloe Ting’s workout videos (10–20 minutes) cater to people following a structured program.
Tech Reviews
Marques Brownlee's in-depth reviews (15–20 minutes) provide detailed insights.
Comedy/Sketches
SNL’s skits (5–8 minutes) deliver quick humor.
Gaming
PewDiePie’s gaming videos (20–30 minutes) cater to fans who prefer more extended sessions.
Experiment and Adjust
Start with different lengths and monitor engagement metrics. For instance:
If a 10-minute video gets a higher retention rate than a 5-minute one, lean toward longer formats.
Use YouTube's Audience Retention Graph to identify drop-off points and adjust your pacing.
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7 Tips for Long-Form YouTube Videos
1. Turn Ideas into Shorts with Crayo AI
Transforming your ideas into engaging shorts is now a breeze with Crayo AI. This tool lets you create unlimited short videos in record time. Crayo auto-generates captions, effects, backgrounds, and music, streamlining the process. Simply jot down a prompt, customize the style using Crayo’s free templates, and export. Take advantage of this opportunity to go viral and earn with platforms like TikTok. Give Crayo’s free clip creator a try—no account is needed. Click the ‘Try Now’ button on the homepage and make viral shorts in minutes.
2. Identify and Stick to Your Unique Selling Proposition
Long-form videos allow you to define and highlight your unique selling proposition (USP), setting you apart from the competition. Take YouTuber Mr. Beast, for instance. He’s so adept at blending formats that his videos have become their own genre. Defining your USP will make it easier to generate new topics and ensure viewers know what to expect. Before creating content, sit down with your team to decide on the USP you want to highlight. Use a scheduling app to do this exercise regularly and stay on track.
3. Optimize Titles and Thumbnails for Higher Engagement
Viewers often find long-form videos through searches on Google or YouTube. Like other online content, your videos should be SEO-friendly and enticing enough to generate clicks. This is where title and thumbnail optimization comes in. Use keywords in your video titles and descriptions, and place them at the start of the title for better results.
Avoid stuffing your title with keywords; keep it between 40 to 60 characters for optimal engagement. When it comes to thumbnails, use bright colors that pop, and avoid predominantly white or black thumbnails, as they won’t stand out against similar backgrounds. A/B testing is a good way to isolate elements affecting your video’s performance.
4. Keep Viewers Hooked with Effective Storytelling
Getting the audience’s attention in the first few seconds is crucial for short-form videos, but long-form content requires more. Use classic storytelling techniques to keep viewers engaged from start to finish. For example, treat your video like a crucial playoff game, creating excitement to engage viewers emotionally. Channels like Dude Perfect use this structure, featuring a series of clever trick shots interspersed with seemingly impossible ones. This structure maintains energy and engagement while setting viewers up for a big payoff.
5. Trend-Jack with Purpose and Credibility
Trend-jacking is a powerful way to attract views and grow your audience, but it’s a double-edged sword. Audiences can quickly tell when you’re just riding a trend for exposure. To do trend-jacking right, involve other content creators and contribute to the conversation. Airrack’s YouTube channel grew to one million subscribers in a year partly through this strategy. By referencing trending content and using relevant keywords, Airrack’s videos attract both the original creator’s audience and his own.
6. Consistency Is Key to Building Trust
Predictability might seem bad, but it can work in your favor, especially if you want to inform and educate your audience. Channels like Paddy Galloway’s have built loyal followings by sticking to a consistent format. Galloway’s videos review different YouTube creators and identify three main factors for their success. This pattern is consistent across all his content, giving viewers confidence that they’ll get the insights they need every time.
7. Use Realistic Text-to-Speech for Professional Narration
Recording audio for long-form videos can be tricky, but a realistic text-to-speech tool can make the process easier. Murf offers natural-sounding AI voices in 20 languages and all the tips you need for a professional recording. Choose the right tone of voice, plan pauses, and emphasize essential keywords. Double-check your grammar and use background music to enhance your videos. With Murf, you can save time without sacrificing quality, ensuring your videos sound as engaging as they look.
Create Viral Shorts In Seconds With Crayo
Ever feel like creating YouTube Shorts is like trying to juggle flaming swords? Enter Crayo AI. This tool is here to transform your content creation game. You can whip up unlimited Shorts in seconds. Craft an outline, pick your style from Crayo’s free templates, and hit export. The best part? It adds captions, effects, and music automatically. Consider the time you’ll save. Don’t miss out on making easy money with the TikTok Creator Fund. Crayo is free and ready to boost your content to viral status.
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