Best video size for online video

There is no single best size for an online video but here are a few suggestions so you can successfully post the best looking online video on your site.

The Short Answer

In short make your video in HD 1280x720. Just because your video is made at 1280x720 that doesn't mean that will be that size of your video on your website. All services like YouTube will give you options on the size of your embed code (the HTML that is placed on your website to call the video).

An video size example

This video was made in HD 1280x720 but has been sized down to 560x315.

Where are you going to host your video

Where you are going to host your video is going to play a huge part in answering what is the "best size" for your online video. If you plan on using a hosting site like YouTube or Vimeo I suggest making your video to the HD 1280x720 standards.

Unlike 1920x1280 HD video, 1280X720 is accepted at almost every video hosting service and you can watch this size on any HD television. This size is the most versatile of standard video sizes, plus it will start playing faster than 1920x1280 because it is smaller in pixel and file size. 

Custom video sizes

Our front page is a nonstandard video size of 1150x450. It stands out from your normal video because of this, but the drawback is if you upload a nonstandard video size to a hosting site will not be encoded to HD quality, and your video could be squashed out of proportion.

If you plan on doing a custom video size you will want to host the video on a Video Content Delivery Network (CDN).

Extra tip

I like using Google labs browser size page to calculate how large my video player should be. I suggest having your video be small enough that it is seen in the 90% range of height and width. This way you know 90% of your visitors will see the video without have to scroll. Your player might be 525x295 once sized down, or any other proportionately smaller size.