Upload in 4K if you have a 4K file and you’re releasing the video as a normal upload. Use a 1080p file if you want to premiere it, because YouTube says an output above 1080p isn’t supported for Premieres. Either way, YouTube recommends an MP4 file with H.264 video and AAC-LC audio, at the same frame rate you filmed in.
What YouTube recommends
YouTube publishes its recommended upload encoding settings. For a music video, these are the parts to check in your export:
- Container: MP4, with the moov atom at the front of the file. YouTube calls this “Fast Start”.
- Video codec: H.264, High Profile, progressive scan with no interlacing.
- Audio: AAC-LC at a 48 kHz sample rate. YouTube suggests 384 kbps for stereo.
- Frame rate: the same rate the video was recorded at. Common rates are 24, 25, 30, 48, 50 and 60 frames per second.
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 is the standard for YouTube on a computer. Vertical and square videos still play, and the player adapts to their shape.
- Colour: BT.709 for standard dynamic range (SDR) video.
So if the video was shot at 25 frames per second, export it at 25. There’s no need to convert it to 30 for YouTube.
Bitrates for 1080p and 4K
YouTube’s recommended video bitrates for SDR uploads are:
- 1080p: 8 Mbps at 24, 25 or 30 fps, and 12 Mbps at 48, 50 or 60 fps.
- 1440p: 16 Mbps at standard frame rates, and 24 Mbps at high frame rates.
- 4K (2160p): 35 to 45 Mbps at standard frame rates, and 53 to 68 Mbps at high frame rates.
These figures are there for reference. YouTube’s page says no bitrate limit is required.
4K or 1080p?
Two things decide it: the resolution the video was finished in, and how you plan to release it.
If the video was finished in 4K and you’re releasing it as a normal or scheduled upload, upload the 4K file. YouTube notes that viewers need a browser or device that supports VP9 to watch new 4K uploads in 4K.
If you want a Premiere, plan for 1080p. YouTube’s Premieres help page says an output greater than 1080p isn’t supported for Premieres. A Premiere gives you a public watch page in advance, a countdown and live chat while fans watch together. If that shared moment matters more to you than 4K, upload a 1080p file and premiere it. If 4K matters more, schedule a normal upload and build the excitement on social media.
Make the call before the edit is finished, so you know which file to ask for and can plan the release around it. We cover release day in more detail in Premiering a music video on YouTube and getting an Official Artist Channel.
What Aligned Vision delivers
Our help centre sets out the standard delivery: an H.264 MP4 at 1080p or 4K, optimised for YouTube, Apple Music, Tidal and social platforms. ProRes master files are available on request for label distribution or future re-edits.
The file you receive already uses the codec YouTube recommends. When you book, tell us whether you want 4K and whether you’re planning a Premiere. The help centre also asks for needs such as 4K, 120fps slow motion or drone shots to be raised on the discovery call, so the camera kit can be confirmed for them.
The Signature package on our music videos page is described as YouTube and social media ad ready, and it includes 10 social media reels for the build-up to release.
Thumbnails
YouTube’s rules for custom thumbnails:
- Your account must be verified to upload a custom thumbnail.
- Use an image format such as JPG or PNG.
- For videos, use a 16:9 image. YouTube recommends 3840 x 2160 pixels, with a minimum width of 640 pixels.
- Keep the file under 50 MB when uploading from a computer, or 2 MB from a phone.
Check that your account is verified well before release day. Otherwise you may be left with one of YouTube’s suggested frames.
A still from the shoot is a good starting point. The Signature package includes behind-the-scenes photography, which gives you more images to choose from. You can also build a thumbnail from a title design, as explained in Making YouTube thumbnails from your title templates.
Captions and lyrics
Adding the lyrics as captions lets people follow the words with the sound off, and it helps viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. YouTube offers several ways to add subtitles and captions, either during upload or afterwards:
- Upload a subtitle file that already contains timings.
- Paste or upload the lyrics as a transcript and let YouTube set the timings.
- Type the captions in while the video plays.
- Start from automatic captions, which YouTube creates with speech recognition in the video’s default language only.
YouTube says transcripts aren’t recommended for videos with poor audio quality. With a beat under the vocal, play the video through and check each line before you publish. For more on captions, see Captions and subtitles for church and creator videos.
A short upload checklist
- MP4 file, H.264 video, AAC-LC audio, at the frame rate you filmed in.
- A 4K file for a normal upload, or 1080p for a Premiere.
- A verified account and a 16:9 thumbnail ready to go.
- A lyrics file or transcript ready to add as captions.
If you’re planning a release and want the video made with the upload in mind, look at our music video packages or get in touch.
