How to Resize a Youtube Video: Effectively Change Video Size & Aspect Ratio

As content creators ourselves, we know firsthand how frustrating it can be when your meticulously crafted video doesn't look quite right on YouTube. Black bars, distorted images, or low-quality playback, improper sizing - all of this can seriously put a damper on your content.

That's why we want to help you learn how to resize a YouTube video. It's an essential skill for any aspiring YouTuber or video marketer.

If you're struggling with YouTube video dimensions too, keep reading as we explore various methods to resize your videos. We'll also share some insider tips to ensure your content always looks its best.

Understanding YouTube Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratios

Let's talk about optimal YouTube viewing conditions. YouTube has some specific recommendations when it comes to video dimensions and aspect ratios.

The standard YouTube video dimensions are 1920x1080 pixels. Some folks refer to this as 1080p or Full HD. This resolution offers a great balance between quality and file size - it's what makes it the go-to choice for most creators.

YouTube also supports other resolutions, including:

• 720p (1280x720)
• 1440p (2560x1440), and
• 4K (3840x2160).

When it comes to aspect ratios, 16:9 is the most common and recommended format for YouTube. This ratio is for widescreen viewing, and it fits perfectly with most modern displays providing an immersive viewing experience.

YouTube supports other aspect ratios as well. For example, 4:3 (for older content), and 9:16 (for vertical videos such as YouTube shorts).

Why does all this matter? The proper dimensions and aspect ratio ensure your video displays correctly across all devices (i.e. from smartphones to smart TVs).

When you're videos are sized correctly, it also helps maintain video quality. As a side benefit - proper sizing prevents issues like letterboxing or pillarboxing - those pesky black bars on the sides or top and bottom of your video. 

Methods to Resize Videos for YouTube

Now that we've got the basics down, let's explore some ways to resize your videos for YouTube. Don't worry - there's a method for every skill level and budget! 

Using Online Video Resizing Tools

If you're looking for a quick and easy solution, online video resizers can be a lifesaver. These web-based tools allow you to upload your video, choose your desired dimensions, and download the resized version - all without installing any software!

Here's a general step-by-step guide for using online resizers:

1. Upload your video to the online tool

2. Choose your desired dimensions or aspect ratio

3. Apply any additional settings (like maintaining aspect ratio or adding letterboxing)

4. Preview your resized video

5. Download the final result

A few examples of online video resizing tools:

• Kapwing
• VEED.IO
• Clideo
• EZgif
• CloudConvert

While online tools are convenient, they often have limitations on file size or video length. They may also compress your video, potentially reducing its quality. So, they're great for quick fixes but may not be ideal for professional-grade content.

Resizing with Desktop Video Editing Software

For more control and higher quality results, desktop video editing software is the way to go. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even free options like DaVinci Resolve offer powerful resizing tools.

Here's a general process for resizing in most desktop editors:

1. Import your video into the software

2. Create a new sequence with your desired dimensions

3. Drop your video into the sequence

4. Use the transform or scale tools to fit your video to the new dimensions

5. Adjust positioning if needed

6. Export your video in the new size

A few examples of desktop video editing software:

• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Final Cut Pro X (for Mac)
• DaVinci Resolve
• Filmora
• OpenShot (free and open-source)

The big advantage of desktop software is the level of control you have. You can make precise adjustments, maintain video quality, and even apply advanced techniques like cropping or adding custom borders.

Related: 8 Best AI Video Generators Your YouTube Channel Needs

Mobile Apps for Video Resizing

Sometimes you need to resize a video right from your smartphone. Luckily, there are plenty of mobile apps that can help you do just that!

Using a mobile app to resize your video usually involves these steps:

1. Open the app and import your video

2. Choose your desired dimensions or aspect ratio

3. Use pinch-to-zoom gestures to adjust your video's size and position

4. Apply any additional effects or adjustments

5. Save or share your resized video

A few examples of mobile apps for video resizing:

• InShot
• Video Crop
• Videoshop
• Filmmaker Pro
• KineMaster

Mobile apps are super convenient, but they may lack some of the advanced features found in desktop software. They're perfect for quick edits or when you're away from your computer.

Best Practices for Resizing YouTube Videos

Now that we've covered the how, let's talk about the best practices to ensure your resized videos look amazing. 

First and foremost, always start with the highest quality source video possible. It's much easier to size down than up, so beginning with a high-resolution video gives you more flexibility. 

Whenever possible, try to maintain your video's original aspect ratio to avoid distortion. However, if you need to change the aspect ratio, consider cropping instead of stretching your video. This approach helps maintain the integrity of your footage. 

Many editing software options offer a "scale to fill" feature, which is a great way to avoid those pesky black bars that can appear when resizing.

When in doubt, it's usually safe to stick with YouTube's recommended 16:9 aspect ratio at 1080p resolution - this format tends to look great across most devices and platforms. 

Remember, the ultimate goal is to make your video look fantastic on all devices, so it's crucial to preview your resized video on different screens before uploading.

Taking the time to check your work can save you from potential headaches down the line and ensure your content looks professional and polished no matter where it's viewed.

Common Challenges When Resizing Videos for YouTube

Resizing videos isn't always smooth sailing. Here are some common challenges you might face and how to overcome them: 

1. Letterboxing and pillarboxing: Those pesky black bars can be eliminated by properly scaling your video or adding a creative background.

2. Quality loss: Always export your video at a high bitrate to maintain quality. YouTube will compress the file size further after you upload it, so start with the best possible version.

3. Distortion: If your video looks stretched or squished, double-check your export settings to ensure you're maintaining the correct aspect ratio.

Advanced Techniques for Video Resizing

Ready to take your resizing skills to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques to consider: 

Cropping vs. Scaling: Which to Choose?

Cropping involves cutting away parts of your video, while scaling adjusts the entire frame. Cropping is great for removing unwanted elements or changing aspect ratios without distortion. Scaling is better when you want to keep all of your original content visible. 

Adding Borders and Backgrounds

If your video resizer is causing you to deal with aspect ratio changes that leave empty space, get creative! Add colorful borders, blurred versions of your video, or even animated backgrounds to fill the gaps. This can turn a resizing challenge into a design opportunity!

Does Video Format Matter?

Great question! Video format does indeed matter when it comes to uploading to YouTube. Let's dive into this important aspect.

Video Format for YouTube Uploads

When it comes to choosing the best video format for YouTube, MP4 is generally considered the gold standard.

Here's why:

1. MP4 Advantages: 
   • MP4 (with H.264 codec) is YouTube's preferred format.
   • It offers an excellent balance between quality and file size.
   • MP4 files are widely compatible across different devices and platforms.

2. Other Supported Formats:
   While MP4 is preferred, YouTube also supports other formats including:
   • MOV
   • AVI
   • WMV
   • FLV
   • 3GPP
   • MPEG4
   • WebM
   • MPEGPS

3. MOV vs MP4:
   • MOV files (commonly used by Apple devices) are also high quality, but tend to be larger than MP4 files.
   • YouTube will accept MOV files, but may take longer to process them.

4. Conversion Considerations:
   If your video isn't already in MP4 format, it's often worth converting it before uploading. This can:
   • Speed up the upload process
   • Reduce the chances of processing errors on YouTube's end
   • Give you more control over the final quality

5. Audio Codec:
   For best results, use AAC-LC (Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity) for your audio.

All this said, while format is important, it's not the only factor. Video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate also play crucial roles in determining the final quality of your YouTube video. Always aim for the highest quality source file possible, and YouTube's system will optimize it for various playback scenarios.

Optimizing Resized Videos for YouTube SEO

Don't forget about SEO! Even perfectly resized videos need to be discoverable. Here are some quick tips:

1. Use keywords in your video title, description, and tags

2. Create eye-catching thumbnails that look good at all sizes

3. Add closed captions to improve accessibility and searchability

Pro tip: Castmagic's AI software can help generate optimized YouTube descriptions, saving you time and boosting your SEO efforts!

Future-Proofing Your Video Content

As video technology evolves, so do the standards for online video. To future-proof your content:

1. Always record in the highest quality possible

2. Save your original, uncompressed video files

3. Stay updated on YouTube's latest recommendations and best practices

And after you're done with all that video editing, use Castmagic's AI platform. Our software can help you repurpose the content from your video files for different platforms, ensuring your content stays relevant across the ever-changing digital landscape. 

Size Matters, But So Does Quality!

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of YouTube's video dimensions, advanced resizing techniques, and more. You're now equipped to tackle any video sizing challenge that comes your way.

Remember, the key to successful YouTube videos isn't just about getting the size right - it's about creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with your audience. So don't let resizing woes hold you back from sharing your awesome videos with the world! 

Whether you're using online tools, professional software, or mobile apps, the perfect solution for resizing your YouTube videos is out there. So go ahead, experiment with different techniques, and find what works best for you and your content. 

And hey, if you want to streamline your entire YouTube content creation process, give Castmagic a try! Our AI-powered tools can help with everything from generating video ideas to optimizing your descriptions. Try it free here!

Additional YouTube Resources:

• How to Start a YouTube Channel: Don't Start Until You Read This
• How to Make a YouTube Video: 17 Tips for Beginners
• 10 Hacks to Promote and Grow Your Channel on YouTube
• 10 Innovative Youtube Content Ideas for Your Channel
• How to Make the Best YouTube Video for Your Niche
• How to Title YouTube Videos: the Ultimate Guide to Get More Views
• 25 Best Marketing Ideas for Your YouTube Content Strategy
• Youtube Script Writing: Tips and Tricks for Engaging Content
• 9 Best YouTube Keywords Tools to Consider