Read a video file on your device and get a plain verdict: Short or standard video, the recommended settings, and anything worth fixing before you upload.
How to use
- Add your video. Drop the file you plan to upload.
- Read the facts. See the duration, resolution, aspect ratio, orientation and file size.
- Check the verdict. The tool tells you whether the file would count as a Short and compares it with the recommended settings.
- Fix what it flags. Use the Shorts maker to reframe, the converter to change format, or the compressor to shrink a draft.
Features
Short or not
A Short must be vertical or square and no longer than 3 minutes. The checker tests both.
Resolution and ratio
Shows the pixel size and the nearest common ratio, such as 16:9 or 9:16.
Plain next steps
Each warning links to the tool that fixes it.
Private
The file is read in your browser and never uploaded.
Instant
It reads the file header, so even long videos are checked in a second.
What people use it for
- Check that a clip will count as a Short before you upload it.
- See the exact resolution and aspect ratio of a file.
- Find out why a video was published as a normal video.
- Check the length of a file without opening an editor.
- Compare a clip with YouTube's recommended upload settings.
- Decide whether a file needs converting, trimming or reframing.
What counts as a YouTube Short
Since October 2024 a Short can be up to 3 minutes long. YouTube treats an upload as a Short when it is vertical or square and within that length. A horizontal video is a normal video, however short it is. 9:16 at 1080 by 1920 is the recommended shape.
The checker applies those rules to your file. They are YouTube's published rules at the time of writing, so check the help pages if you are near a limit.
Recommended settings for standard videos
For a standard upload, 16:9 is the usual shape, and 1920 by 1080 or higher is a good target. MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio is the safest format. The checker flags videos that are much smaller than that, because they will look soft on large screens.
The two rules behind a Short
A video is treated as a Short when it is vertical or square and no longer than 3 minutes. The checker tests the shape from the pixel width and height, treating a width and height within about one percent of each other as square, and it tests the length from the duration in the file. A video that passes both is reported as a Short. One that fails either is reported as a standard video, with the reason.
Reading the aspect ratio
The tool shows the nearest common ratio, such as 16:9 for standard landscape, 9:16 for vertical, 1:1 for square, 4:3 and 4:5. If your video is a slightly different shape, it shows the exact ratio instead. A ratio close to 16:9 is a normal widescreen video, and a ratio close to 9:16 is the shape YouTube recommends for Shorts.
Resolution advice
For standard uploads, 1920 by 1080 or higher is a good target. For Shorts, 1080 by 1920 is recommended. Videos below HD look soft on large screens. The checker flags these cases and points to the tool that fixes them, rather than just reporting a number.
Troubleshooting
It says it cannot read my file
Your browser can only read formats it can play. Convert the file to MP4 with the video converter, then check it again.
The length is not exactly what my editor shows
A few files report a slightly different length in their header than in the editor. A difference of a fraction of a second is normal.
My vertical video was not a Short
Check the length. A vertical video over 3 minutes is a standard video.
The file type shows something odd
The file type comes from the file name. A mislabelled file can still be read if the browser recognises its contents.
Limits and good to know
- The browser can only read files it can play. A few formats cannot be read, and the tool will say so.
- The checker reads the file, not YouTube. YouTube makes the final decision when you upload.
- It does not check the content for policy compliance.
Related searches
- is my video a youtube short
- youtube shorts length
- youtube shorts 3 minutes
- video resolution checker
- video aspect ratio checker
- check video before upload
- video length checker
- vertical or square video
- youtube upload requirements
FAQ
How long can a Short be?
Up to 3 minutes, as long as the video is vertical or square.
Does a horizontal video under a minute count as a Short?
No. It has to be vertical or square.
Is my file uploaded?
No. It is read on your device.
What resolution should I use?
1080 by 1920 for Shorts, 1920 by 1080 or higher for standard videos.
Does the tool upload my video?
No. It reads the file header on your device.
Does the checker guarantee YouTube's decision?
It applies YouTube's published rules. YouTube makes the final decision when you upload.
What if my video is exactly 3 minutes?
A video of exactly 3 minutes or less is within the limit. A fraction of a second over is not.