YouTube Shorts Safe Zone Guide 2026 (Dimensions, Overlay & Subtitle Placement)
Last updated: June 2026
Contents
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (Vertical)
- Main Danger Zone: Red timeline scrubber at the absolute bottom.
1. Navigating the YouTube Shorts UI
The most critical element to watch out for on YouTube Shorts is the timeline scrubber. Unlike TikTok, YouTube Shorts allows users to scrub through the video at the very bottom, meaning all text in that area is completely blocked. Furthermore, the channel name and subscribe button sit heavily in the lower-left area.
2. Best Shorts Subtitle Placement
Because the lower-left is completely obscured by channel info, and the right side houses the Like/Dislike/Share buttons, your text must live strictly in the middle 50% of the screen. Keep all hardcoded text elevated above the bottom 30% mark to ensure maximum readability and prevent accidental UI clicks when users try to read your text.
Avoid The Red Scrubber
Position your call to action and hooks where they can actually be seen. Test your layout in seconds.
Test Shorts Safe Zone3. Download Shorts Overlay Template
Ensure your rendering is safe. Download our YouTube Shorts PNG overlay and use it inside your video timeline.
download Download YT Shorts PNG Overlay4. People Also Ask (FAQ)
What resolution should Shorts use?
YouTube Shorts should be exported in 1080x1920 pixels, which is a 9:16 aspect ratio. This is standard for vertical video in 2026.