Recommended Overlay Settings for YouTube Videos
Settings that produce good results when publishing fitness videos with data overlays to YouTube.
Resolution: 1080p minimum. YouTube re-encodes everything, so higher input resolution preserves text clarity. 4K is better if your footage supports it.
Frame rate: 60fps produces smoother overlay value transitions than 30fps.
Positioning: lower third and corners are standard. Bottom-left for pace/speed, bottom-right for heart rate is a common layout.
Size: medium works for most cases. Test on a phone screen - if you can't read the values on a 6-inch display, go larger.
How many overlays: 3-4 max before the screen feels cluttered. Typical combo: heart rate + pace/speed + one or two more.
Interpolation: keep Smooth Data on for published content. Raw mode is better for analysis or coaching content where exact values matter.
Export format: H.264 for direct YouTube upload. PNG sequence for Premiere, DaVinci, or Final Cut.
Background panels: overlays with a semi-transparent background are more readable against bright or busy outdoor footage.