YouTube Limits & Requirements
Complete reference guide for all YouTube platform limits, requirements, and restrictions. From video uploads to live streaming, find all the technical specifications you need.
Video Upload Limits
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum video length (verified) | 12 hours | Unverified: 15 minutes |
| Maximum file size | 256 GB | Or 12 hours, whichever is less |
| Daily upload limit | ~50-100 videos | Varies by channel standing |
| Video title length | 100 characters | Recommended: under 70 for SEO |
| Video description length | 5,000 characters | First 200 shown in search |
| Tags total length | 500 characters | Individual tags: no hard limit |
| Thumbnail size | 2 MB | Recommended: 1280x720 pixels |
Live Streaming Limits
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stream duration | 12 hours | Auto-archived after |
| DVR window (rewind) | 12 hours | For viewers joining late |
| Latency options | ~3s to ~60s | Ultra-low to normal latency |
| Maximum bitrate | 51 Mbps | Recommended: 4.5-9 Mbps for 1080p |
| Resolution support | Up to 4K 60fps | HDR supported |
| Concurrent streams | 1 per channel | Use Stream key rotation for 24/7 |
YouTube Shorts Limits
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum length | 60 seconds | Minimum: 15 seconds |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical | Square also works but not recommended |
| Audio limit | 60 seconds | Music from library or original |
| Title length | 100 characters | Hashtag #Shorts recommended |
Comments & Community
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comment length | 10,000 characters | Most users see ~500 max |
| Comments per video | Unlimited | May be rate-limited if spammy |
| Community post text | 5,000 characters | — |
| Community poll options | 5 options | Plus custom "other" |
| Community images | 5 images | Per post |
Playlists & Organization
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Playlist title length | 150 characters | — |
| Playlist description | 5,000 characters | — |
| Videos per playlist | 5,000 videos | — |
| Playlists per channel | ~200 playlists | Soft limit |
| Sections on channel page | 12 sections | — |
Channel Limits
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Channel name length | 100 characters | — |
| Channel description | 1,000 characters | — |
| Channel keywords | 500 characters | For channel SEO |
| Banner image size | 6 MB | 2560x1440 recommended |
| Profile picture | 4 MB | 800x800 recommended |
| Watermark image | 1 MB | 150x150 PNG recommended |
| Featured channels | 12 channels | On channel page |
| Links in banner | 5 links | — |
Monetization Requirements
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum subscribers | 1,000 | For YPP eligibility |
| Watch hours required | 4,000 hours | In last 12 months |
| Shorts views alternative | 10M views | In last 90 days |
| Super Chat minimum | $1.00 | Maximum: $500 |
| Super Chat message | 200 characters | — |
| Membership tiers | 6 tiers | Custom pricing each |
Cards & End Screens
| Limit | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cards per video | 5 cards | — |
| Card teaser text | 30 characters | — |
| End screen duration | 5-20 seconds | Last 20 seconds of video |
| End screen elements | 4 elements | — |
| Minimum video length for end screen | 25 seconds | — |
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Limits May Change
YouTube regularly updates platform limits. These values are accurate as of 2024 but may change. Always check YouTube's official documentation for the latest.
Channel Standing Matters
Some limits depend on your channel's standing. Channels with strikes or policy violations may have reduced limits. Verified channels have access to extended features.
Quality Recommendations
Just because you can upload at maximum limits doesn't mean you should. Consider viewer experience and platform best practices for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified accounts can upload videos up to 12 hours long or 256 GB in size. Unverified accounts are limited to 15 minutes. To verify, you need to provide a phone number in your YouTube settings.
YouTube live streams can run for up to 12 hours before being automatically archived. For 24/7 streaming, you need to restart the stream or use specialized streaming software that handles reconnection automatically.
YouTube Shorts must be 60 seconds or less, filmed in vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio), and ideally include #Shorts in the title. Shorts can use music from YouTube's library or original audio.
There's no official hard limit, but YouTube typically allows 50-100 uploads per day for channels in good standing. New channels may have lower limits. Mass uploading can trigger spam detection.
Super Chats can range from $1 to $500. Messages are limited to 200 characters. There are daily and weekly spending limits per user to prevent excessive spending.