Optimal Video and Audio Formats
What resolution should your content be? In short: match your screen's resolution where it's practical, and think about how far away your viewers stand before investing in 4K content. This page lists the minimum and recommended video dimensions for 4K and Full HD displays, plus the audio settings we recommend.
Display resolutions at a glance
| Display | Horizontal (standard) | Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | 3840 × 2160 px | 2160 × 3840 px |
| Full HD | 1920 × 1080 px | 1080 × 1920 px |
Video dimensions for 4K displays
| Horizontal | Vertical | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1920 × 1080 px | 1080 × 1920 px |
| Recommended | 3840 × 2160 px | 2160 × 3840 px |
Do you actually need 4K content?
Consider where the screen will be viewed. In most commercial and public spaces, viewers don't stand close enough to tell 1080p and 4K apart — at a typical viewing distance, the eye simply can't see the difference. That makes Full HD content (1080 × 1920 for a vertical screen) the cost-effective choice for a 4K display, with no visible quality loss: it stays sharp and readable even from a distance.
Viewing distance is the deciding factor. As a rule of thumb, go for full 4K content (3840 × 2160) when viewers are expected to come within 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) of the screen — at that distance, they can actually see the extra detail.
Video dimensions for Full HD displays
| Horizontal | Vertical | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1280 × 720 px | 720 × 1280 px |
| Recommended | 1920 × 1080 px | 1080 × 1920 px |
💡
You don't have to export a separate file for every screen. When you upload a video, video conversion prepares the Full HD version your screens play — and a 4K version too, if the file you upload is already 4K or larger.
Aspect ratio
Keep content at 16:9 — or 9:16 on a vertical screen — to avoid stretching or cropping; create or edit it to fit your screen's ratio, whatever resolution you choose.
Audio
- Bitrate: 320 kbps gives the best clarity.
- Format: MP3 or AAC — both are widely supported.
- Channels: stereo (2 channels) is typically all a signage setup needs.
FAQ
Is Full HD content good enough for a 4K screen?
A: Usually, yes. Unless viewers come within about 2 meters (6.5 feet) of the screen, they won't see the difference — and Full HD is the more cost-effective choice.
What audio settings should I use?
A: MP3 or AAC, at a 320 kbps bitrate, in stereo.
Need help?
Not sure whether your files fit these recommendations? Contact our support team and we'll be glad to advise. For uploading, file size limits, and conversion, see The Media Library.