YouTube

Getting Started: Optimizing your video uploads

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Summary

Here's a summary of the audio and video specifications you need for the best results on YouTube. For further details, please read the information listed directly below this summary.

Video
Resolution	Recommended: Original resolution of your video - for HD it is 1920x1080 (1080p) or 1280 x 720.
Bit rate	Because bit-rate is highly dependent on codec there is no recommended or minimum value. Videos should be optimized for resolution, aspect ratio and frame rate rather than bit rate.
Frame rate	The frame rate of the original video should be maintained without re-sampling. In particular pulldown and other frame rate re-sampling techniques are strongly discouraged.
Codec	H.264 or MPEG-2 preferred.
Preferred containers	FLV, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4
Audio
Codec	MP3 or AAC preferred
Preferred containers	FLV, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4
Sampling rate	44.1kHz
Channels	2 (stereo)