---
title: "4K Video"
canonical: "https://blitzreels.com/glossary/4k-video"
---

# 4K Video

URL: https://blitzreels.com/glossary/4k-video
Markdown URL: https://blitzreels.com/glossary/4k-video.md
Category: Video Formats & Codecs

## Definition

4K video has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K UHD), four times as many pixels as 1080p. Cinema 4K is slightly wider, at 4096 x 2160.

## 4K sizes in pixels

| Format | Width x height | Aspect ratio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 4K UHD | 3840 x 2160 | 16:9 |
| Cinema 4K (DCI) | 4096 x 2160 | About 1.9:1 |
| Vertical 4K | 2160 x 3840 | 9:16 |
| 1080p, for comparison | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 |

4K UHD holds 8,294,400 pixels, four times as many as 1080p.

- [YouTube Help, read November 4, 2026](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6375112)
- [Wikipedia on DCI 4K, read November 4, 2026](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4K_resolution)

## Extended Definition

Shooting in 4K helps most when you plan to crop. A 9:16 crop from a 3840 x 2160 frame is 1215 x 2160 pixels, which is still above 1080 x 1920. The same crop from 1080p is only 608 x 1080, so it needs upscaling to fill a 1080 x 1920 export.

A 4K export cannot add detail the source never had, and 4K files are large. At YouTube's recommended 35 to 45 Mbps, one minute of standard frame rate 4K is about 260 to 340 MB. Paid BlitzReels plans export up to 3840 x 2160.

## FAQ

### What is the resolution of 4K video?

4K video is usually 3840 x 2160 pixels, known as 4K UHD. Cinema 4K, or DCI 4K, is 4096 x 2160. Both hold about four times as many pixels as 1080p.

### What aspect ratio is 4K video?

4K UHD is 16:9, the same shape as 1080p. Cinema 4K is about 1.9:1. A vertical 4K video is 2160 x 3840 at 9:16.

### How big is a 4K video file?

It depends on bitrate. YouTube recommends 35 to 45 Mbps for standard frame rate 4K uploads, which works out to about 260 to 340 MB per minute. A phone or camera may record at a different bitrate, so your files can be larger or smaller.

## Next Step

[Export a clip in 4K](https://blitzreels.com/features/4k-export): Paid BlitzReels plans export up to 3840 x 2160. Trial exports are 720p with a watermark.

## Related Terms

- bitrate

## Search Terms

- 4K video size
- 4K video resolution
- 4K video
- 3840x2160
- UHD video
- 4K video ratio