# YouTube Shorts ad specs

> YouTube Shorts ads work best at 9:16 and 1080 x 1920. Videos can run 3 minutes but only the first 60 seconds play in the feed. Lengths, files and safe zone.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-05
- **Category**: Ad specs
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/youtube-shorts-ad-specs

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Google says vertical 9:16 video suits YouTube Shorts ads best, at a recommended 1080 x 1920. Videos can run up to 3 minutes, but only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed (checked 3 Nov 2026).

## The specs

| Item | Shorts ads (Google Ads) |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 best. 2:3 and 4:5 vertical also accepted |
| Recommended size | 1080 x 1920 |
| Minimum size | 720 x 1280 (480 x 640 for SD, not recommended) |
| Length | Up to 3 minutes. First 60 seconds play in the feed |
| Video reach | 6 to 60 seconds |
| Other campaign types | 10 to 60 seconds |
| Where the video lives | On YouTube, public or unlisted |
| File size | Under 256 GB |

Sources: Google's help pages on [Shorts ads](https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/16041697) and video specs. An overlay at 50 seconds lets viewers continue on the watch page. For action-oriented ads, Google suggests 10 to 30 seconds.

## Files

Google recommends MPG (MPEG-2 or MPEG-4). It also accepts WMV, AVI, MOV, FLV, MPEG-1, MP4, MPEGPS, 3GPP, WebM, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm and HEVC (H.265). It does not accept audio-only files. Its pages give no frame rate, bitrate or loudness figure. For a safe MP4 setup, see [YouTube Shorts export settings](/guides/export-settings-for-youtube-shorts).

## Demand Gen

For Demand Gen, Google lists 9:16 at 1080 x 1920 as recommended for YouTube Shorts and 4:5 at 1080 x 1350. The minimum length is 5 seconds. Under 10 seconds cannot serve in YouTube in-stream, and over 15 seconds helps reach.

## Safe zone and buttons

Google provides transparent PNG templates. The vertical 1080 x 1920 template shows a red "Safe Zone" rectangle. Keep your logo, product and text inside it. Google's text gives no percentages. See [the YouTube Shorts safe zone](/guides/youtube-shorts-safe-zone).

The call-to-action button appears at 3 seconds for Performance Max, App and Demand Gen campaigns. It appears at 10 seconds for Video view and Video reach.

## A worked example

Say your ad runs 90 seconds.

1. Only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed.
2. An overlay at 50 seconds invites viewers to continue on the watch page.
3. So the offer and call to action must land before second 50.

Better still, cut a 30-second version for the feed. [Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) has safe-zone overlays for Shorts and can fit a cut to a target duration. We make Marxx.

## FAQ

### What size is a YouTube Shorts ad?

Google recommends 9:16 at 1080 x 1920, with 720 x 1280 as the minimum.

### How long can a YouTube Shorts ad be?

Up to 3 minutes, but only the first 60 seconds play in the Shorts feed.

### Does the ad need to be on YouTube?

Yes. Google says the video must be on YouTube as public or unlisted.

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