Last update: Jun 17, 2025·4 minutes read

YouTube Ads Sizes & Specs Guide [2025 Update]

Avoid wasted ad spend in 2025—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.

Manisha Saini
Written by Manisha Saini , Data-Driven Marketing Expert
Leszek Dudkiewicz
Reviewed by Leszek Dudkiewicz , Digital Growth Manager
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    Want to launch a YouTube ad campaign in 2025? 

    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.

    Turn product images into catalog ads. Automatically!

    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 (2025)

    FormatAspect RatioResolutionMax LengthMax File Size
    Skippable In-Stream16:9 / 1:1 / 9:161920x1080 / 1280x7203 minutes256 GB
    Non-Skippable In-Stream16:9 / 9:161920x108015-20 seconds256 GB
    Bumper16:9 / 9:161920x10806 seconds1 GB
    In-Feed VideoThumbnail only1280x720Any256 GB
    Companion BannerN/A300x60 or 300x250N/A150 KB
    Masthead16:91920x108030 seconds3 MB
    Shorts9:161080x192060 seconds100 MB

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    Best practices for YouTube ads in 2025

    1. Design mobile-first: Over 70% of YouTube watch time comes from mobile devices.
    2. Front-load your message: Hook viewers in the first 5 seconds—especially for skippable formats.
    3. Test multiple aspect ratios: Horizontal, vertical, and square to cover all placements.
    4. Always upload HD or higher: Poor quality kills engagement.
    5. Use captions: They boost watch time and help non-native viewers.
    6. Pair with companion banners: Especially if you are targeting desktop users.
    7. Compress smartly: Use tools like HandBrake to reduce file size without killing quality.

    FAQs

    What’s the ideal length for a YouTube ad?

    While you can go up to 3 minutes, the sweet spot is 15-30 seconds—short, punchy, and to the point.

    Should I always create vertical videos now?

    Not always—vertical is key for Shorts and mobile-first audiences, but horizontal still dominates in-stream and desktop views.

    Can I run the same video across all formats?

    Technically, yes, but performance improves drastically when you tailor each version to its placement.

    What format delivers the highest ROI?

    Skippable in-stream ads offer the most flexibility and reach for budget-conscious advertisers. Combine with Shorts for a broader impact.

    Do I need separate creatives for Shorts and in-stream?

    Yes. Shorts need vertical, fast-paced edits; in-stream can tell a longer story.

    Manisha Saini
    Written by Manisha SainiData-Driven Marketing Expert

    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.

    Follow me:LinkedIn
    Leszek Dudkiewicz
    Reviewed by Leszek DudkiewiczDigital Growth Manager

    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.

    Follow me:LinkedIn
    What is Cropink?

    Cropink is an app that turns raw product feed into appealing Facebook ads enriched with product data. It helps to drive engaging campaigns without creative limitations and keeps everything in sync.

    Beautify your product catalog in minutes

    No credit card required

    What is Cropink?

    Cropink is an app that turns raw product feed into appealing Facebook ads enriched with product data. It helps to drive engaging campaigns without creative limitations and keeps everything in sync.

    Beautify your product catalog in minutes

    No credit card required

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