How to Edit YouTube Shorts: Dimensions, Pacing and Captions

YouTube Shorts are vertical. Set the aspect ratio to 9:16 in Editsfield AI and export at 1080p, which gives a 1080x1920 MP4.

Safe areas

Platform interface elements sit along the top and the right edge, and the caption and action buttons cover the bottom. Lower-third caption placement keeps text readable without colliding with the top overlays.

Pacing

• Keep most segments between two and four seconds.
• Use the minimal or dynamic transition pack with a short duration.
• Start with the payoff — the first segment decides whether the viewer stays.

Cropping horizontal footage

Horizontal source footage placed in a 9:16 composition is framed to fill the vertical canvas, so keep your subject near the centre of the original frame.