YouTube Ads Sizes & Specs Guide [2026 Update]
Avoid wasted ad spend in 2026—discover the latest YouTube ad sizes, formats, and file specs to design high-impact campaigns that load fast, display perfectly on every device, and never get rejected.
![YouTube Ads Sizes & Specs Guide [2026 Update]](https://honest-garden-2954e8e7e9.media.strapiapp.com/youtube_ad_sizes_thumbnail_b2065813cf.png)
Want to launch a YouTube ad campaign in 2026?
You can't afford to wing it when it comes to creative specs.
Whether you are a seasoned marketer or are trying YouTube Ads for the first time, the knowledge of ad dimensions, duration limits, and file requirements is key to ensure your videos get maximum impact without being cut off or rejected.
Let’s walk you through all the updated YouTube ad specs and formats so you can design smarter, convert better, and waste zero ad spend.
Why ad sizes & specs matter on YouTube
YouTube isn’t just TV on a smaller screen; it’s a dynamic platform with users across mobile, tablet, desktop, and smart TVs.
Which means:
- A wrongly formatted ad might appear with black bars or be cropped
- A heavy file may load slowly or face playback issues
- Non-compliant specs could get your ad disapproved
Translation? Poor specs = lost reach, lower engagement, and wasted budget.
YouTube ad formats & their recommended sizes
1. Skippable in-stream ads
These are the most common formats; you have seen them a million times. Viewers can skip after 5 seconds.
It is best used in: Brand awareness, product intros, storytelling.
Its major specs include:
- Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (horizontal), 1:1 (square), 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD), 1280x720 (minimum)
- Duration: Up to 3 minutes (ideal: under 60 seconds)
- File Type: MP4, MOV, AVI
- Max File Size: 256 GB
- Audio: AAC or MP3, 44.1 kHz or higher
Pro tip: Capture attention within the first 5 seconds, before the skip.
2. Non-skippable in-stream ads
It is mandatory to view it for 15–20 seconds. Great for high-impact messages.
Best use: Limited-time offers, brand launches, awareness blitz.
Specs:
- Aspect Ratios: 16:9, 1:1, 9:16
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (recommended)
- Duration: 15 or 20 seconds max (30 seconds allowed in some regions)
- File Type: MP4, MOV
- Max File Size: 256 GB
Heads up: Keep your message concise. No skips means high scrutiny.
3. Bumper ads
Want the short, punchy 6-second videos that can't be skipped?- Bumper Ads. Think of them like digital billboards.
It is best used for: Brand recall, reminders, snackable content.
Specs:
- Aspect Ratios: Same as in-stream
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)
- Duration: Max 6 seconds
- File Type: MP4, MOV
- Max File Size: 1 GB
Pro tip: Focus on a single idea or call-to-action.
4. In-feed video ads (Discovery ads)
These appear next to search results, on the YouTube homepage, and in the "Up next" section.
Best use: Product tutorials, unboxings, vlogs, testimonials.
Specs:
- Thumbnail Size: 1280x720 (minimum)
- Thumbnail Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Title: Max 100 characters
- Description: 2 lines, 35 characters each
Pro tip: A strong thumbnail and headline combo is everything here.
5. Companion banners
These are small visuals that appear next to your video on desktop.
Specs:
- Size: 300x60 or 300x250 pixels
- File Types: JPG, PNG, GIF
- Max File Size: 150 KB
Why use them? They help reinforce your brand message even after the video ends.
6. Masthead ads
Premium ad placement on YouTube’s homepage. Great for big product launches or major brand moments.
Specs:
- Dimensions: 1920x1080
- Length: Up to 30 seconds (auto-play muted)
- File Size: Max 3 MB (initial load)
- Formats: MP4 or MOV
Tip: These require Google rep approval and planning; they’re not self-serve.
7. YouTube shorts ads
If you're advertising on Shorts, vertical video is non-negotiable.
Specs:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical only)
- Resolution: 1080x1920
- Duration: Up to 60 seconds
- File Size: Max 100 MB
Hot tip: Keep it fast-paced, mobile-friendly, and native to short-form culture.
Curious to learn more about dynamic ads? Here is our curated guide on types of digital ads for you.
Comparison table: YouTube ads sizes & specs (2026)
| Format | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Max Length | Max File Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skippable In-Stream | 16:9 / 1:1 / 9:16 | 1920x1080 / 1280x720 | 3 minutes | 256 GB |
| Non-Skippable In-Stream | 16:9 / 9:16 | 1920x1080 | 15-20 seconds | 256 GB |
| Bumper | 16:9 / 9:16 | 1920x1080 | 6 seconds | 1 GB |
| In-Feed Video | Thumbnail only | 1280x720 | Any | 256 GB |
| Companion Banner | N/A | 300x60 or 300x250 | N/A | 150 KB |
| Masthead | 16:9 | 1920x1080 | 30 seconds | 3 MB |
| Shorts | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | 60 seconds | 100 MB |
Best practices for YouTube ads in 2026
- Design mobile-first: Over 70% of YouTube watch time comes from mobile devices.
- Front-load your message: Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds—especially for skippable formats.
- Test multiple aspect ratios: Horizontal, vertical, and square to cover all placements.
- Always upload HD or higher: Poor quality kills engagement.
- Use captions: They boost watch time and help non-native viewers.
- Pair with companion banners: Especially if you are targeting desktop users.
- Compress smartly: Use tools like HandBrake to reduce file size without killing quality.
FAQs
While you can go up to 3 minutes, the sweet spot is 15-30 seconds—short, punchy, and to the point.
Not always—vertical is key for Shorts and mobile-first audiences, but horizontal still dominates in-stream and desktop views.
Technically, yes, but performance improves drastically when you tailor each version to its placement.
Skippable in-stream ads offer the most flexibility and reach for budget-conscious advertisers. Combine with Shorts for a broader impact.
Yes. Shorts need vertical, fast-paced edits; in-stream can tell a longer story.
Manisha is a Data-Driven Marketing Expert who turns numbers into narratives and ad clicks into conversions. With a passion for performance marketing and a sharp eye for analytics, she helps brands cut through the noise and maximize their impact in the digital space.
Leszek is the Digital Growth Manager at Feedink & Cropink, specializing in organic growth for eCommerce and SaaS companies. His background includes roles at Poland's largest accommodation portal and FT1000 companies, with his work featured in Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, and TechRepublic.
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