Avatar video aspect ratio for YouTube: 16:9 vs Shorts at 9:16
Sume avatar videos default to 9:16. YouTube's help says a wider ratio such as 16:9 avoids Shorts classification. When each is the right choice for a 60 s clip.
What YouTube says
YouTube's Shorts help says Shorts can be up to 3 minutes for videos uploaded after October 15, 2024. It also says Shorts over 1 minute with Content ID claims are blocked worldwide, and that most audio library songs can be used for up to 90 seconds in a 3 minute Short, though some tracks are limited to 60 or 30 seconds. To avoid Shorts classification, use a wider ratio such as 16:9 (YouTube Help, read 2026-10-05).
What Sume produces
Talking-video supports aspect_ratio 1:1, 3:4, 9:16, 4:3 and 16:9, with 9:16 the default and resolution fixed at 720p. A single job is at most 60 s.
| Goal | aspect_ratio | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short vertical clip for Shorts | 9:16 | Default; fits Shorts |
| Normal video in the main feed | 16:9 | Wider ratio keeps it out of Shorts |
| Same script on both | Two jobs | One ratio per job; price each separately |
Cost of running both
Rendering the same 30 s script twice on plus is 2 times $7.35, which is $14.70. Use the preview route to check framing for each ratio first, since preview stills do not depend on the tier.
Before you upload
Realistic AI presenters need the AI use answer in YouTube Studio whichever ratio you choose. Ratio decides the surface; disclosure follows the content.
Sources
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Written by Sume