What format for YouTube videos?

For many years, YouTube has been considered a great online platform for sharing video content . According to estimates made by experts, it has nearly 2 billion active users per month.  Originally, YouTube was used by individuals to become influencers and celebrities . However, many companies and big brands make use of the platform to develop the visibility of their sector of activity. This allows them to acquire other prospects and retain them as customers. To succeed on YouTube, the ideal would be to publish powerful content while respecting the video format imposed by this platform.

So what are the formats to follow to publish videos on YouTube?

We will discuss the subject further in the lines to follow. 

What are the recommended formats and resolutions for YouTube videos? 

The standard format for a YouTube video on a computer is 16:19. When the video is in a vertical format, YouTube's algorithm will add black white padding according to the theme of the viewing device. Here is the list of resolutions for the default 16:9 format: 

• For 2160p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 3840 x 2160
• For 1440p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 2560 x 1440
• For 1080p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 1920 x 1080
• For 720p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 1280 x 720
• For 480p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 854 x 480
• For 360p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 640 x 360
• For 240p resolution, the appropriate dimensions are 426 x 240
• Etc. 

Users wishing to maintain exceptional video quality should not use encoding methods lower than 720P for YouTube videos of this format. Similarly, it is specifically not recommended to opt for a resolution of less than 640 x 480px for YouTube videos in 4:3 aspect ratio. 

What video files are supported on YouTube? 

YouTubers wishing to post videos on YouTube have several formats at their disposal. Here is a complete list of video formats available on this platform: 

• .MOV: first of all, know that the MOV format is developed by Apple for QuickTime Player. Thanks to this one, you will benefit from videos of better quality and more voluminous compared to MP4. This format is particularly supported by YouTube because of its superior quality.
• .MPEG-1
• .MPEG-2
• .MPEG4
• .MP4: MP4 is considered the most competent and popular format. Indeed, it allows to have a reasonable file size while maintaining a good image quality. MP4 therefore presents itself as the preferred format for several social networks and mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc. 
• .MPG
• .AVI: this format was developed in 1992 by the giant Microsoft. It is compatible with several video playback software. Also, Windows, Mac and Linux web browsers can perfectly accept this video format. 
• .WMV: Developed by Microsoft, the AVI format is specifically designed for Windows Media Player. Users of devices from Apple must have this software if they want to watch videos in wmv. They can also convert using a dedicated tool. 
• .MPEGPS
• .FLV
• 3GPP
• website
• DNxHR
• ProRes
• CineForm
• HEVC (h265)

When the file format to post to YouTube is not compatible, you will see an error message as "invalid file format". These are the technical bases allowing you to record a YouTube video and post it on this streaming platform.

Tools to convert to video format (MP3, MOV, MP4, MKV, etc.)

Today, many Internet users ask the question in order to know: 

• How to convert video format to MP3?
• How to convert MOV to MP4?
• How to convert FLV format to MP4? 
• Etc. 

Indeed, you should know that there are several tools and software to achieve this with confidence. Some of them are free while others are paid. Similarly, there are software that can be used directly on a web browser, while others must be downloaded for offline use (such as Factory format). In addition, it may happen that an editing software is equipped with a converter.

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is considered a renowned converter capable of handling multiple video and audio formats. To achieve this, users of this conversion software need to import the file to be converted and choose the suitable conversion format. It can be MP4, MKV, MOV, etc. Similarly, the users of the converter can choose a specific profile, including that of YouTube.

Finally, you have to choose the size of the outgoing file and have a preview.  You should also know that Wondershare UniConverter has the features to do video editing. 

Format Factory

Unlike the previous converter, format factory is a converter software that can be downloaded online for free. Also at this level, you have to select the output format of the video. You can choose the MP 4 version in order to have a smaller file. 

With this converter, users can change other settings like the ideal frame rate for their content. 

Cloudconvert

Cloudconvert is a handy web converter for converting all kinds of videos. It has a free version and a paid one. Thanks to the features of this converter, you can convert to video format:

• AVI to MP4; 
• MP4 to MP3; 
• MKV to AAC; 
• Etc. 

Apart from its great ease of use, users of this software can benefit from the integration with Google drive. They will therefore not be able to lose the converted files. Do not hesitate to use this software for more efficiency and comfort during your moments of conversion. 

Freemake

Freemake presents itself as a free video converter allowing any user to transform the format of videos from their web browser. Also at this level, you must select a file and choose the format that will suit you. This can be for example MP4, GIF, AVI, etc. After clicking the "convert" button, you will see a loading bar appear. These are precisely the ones that show you the progress of the conversion. Besides, you will enjoy several other benefits by downloading the Freemake software. It is compatible to work with operating systems such as: Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. 

 Some techniques for a successful YouTube video format?

For YouTube to be able to accept your video, your content must be in one of the formats imposed by this platform. To achieve this with complete peace of mind, you can, for example, follow a few key tips. These will allow you to set up the right YouTube video format and stand out from the competition. 

Compliance with technical specifications

Today, many people think that only horizontal format videos can be managed on YouTube. Although the classic 16:9 is considered the standard and recommended format, you can also opt for square and vertical formats. 

Be aware that the size of the player set up on YouTube has the ability to automatically adapt in order to adjust the posted video to the viewers' device. It must therefore be deduced that the YouTube videos published will be managed and cropped automatically by the algorithm of this platform. In this way, YouTube guarantees their correct display on smartphones, tablets and computers. This algorithm does not have the ability to crop or stretch images. 

Some youtubers only have a stock of videos in horizontal or square version. At this level, there are adequate solutions allowing you to publish on YouTube, without using a video editor. By opting for one of them, you will be able to deliver stunning quality YouTube videos, without having to use any editing software.

Audiovisual content to be published on YouTube must have a minimum duration of 33 seconds. However, the maximum durability has not been specified. YouTubers who use editing software should export their video to YouTube in MPEG-2 or MPEG-4.

YouTube video structure

Getting into a YouTube video shoot without having an idea of ​​the specifics to take into account is a big mistake not to make. To present better quality content, the ideal would be to put in place a well-detailed plan. The Youtuber must prepare as if he wants to make a visual presentation or return an Audit. 

To have a better quality video, you must introduce in each audiovisual content an introduction, a credits, a body of the video and a Call To action. By doing it this way, you can't get lost while recording content. Likewise, you will have exceptional video quality, accompanied by remarkable consistency, logic and eye-catching.