Choosing a video format for YouTube Shorts
MP4 with H.264 and AAC is a practical export choice consistent with YouTube’s encoding guidance. It is not the only supported combination. Shorts eligibility also depends on shape and duration, not the container alone.
Fix it
- Convert it to MP4
This browser converter accepts files up to 100 MB, re-encodes them and can lose quality. Convert a copy from the original and preview the generated video and audio before uploading it yourself.
Convert to MP4
Platform reference and evidence
These reference values have partial source coverage. Ratios and dimensions are editing guidance; account and upload-surface limits can differ. Approximate or unknown values do not certify eligibility.
- Platform
- YouTube Shorts
- Editing ratio
- 9:16 or 1:1
- Max length
- up to 3 minutes
- Max file size
- 256 GB overall upload cap; Shorts duration rules still apply
Duration and size: reference and limitations. Approximate values still need confirmation in your composer.
Format reference scope: YouTube video uploads; Shorts also requires an eligible shape and duration. Source checked 2026-09-12; this does not verify every reference field. YouTube supported file formats
Why this choice
A documented encoding option; other containers and codecs can be accepted.
Encoding guidance; Shorts shape and duration are separate eligibility rules. Official reference
Prepare a copy in Koldflux, review its output and check the current destination requirements before publishing.
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