A video decoder may obtain a syntax element from a bitstream comprising an encoded representation of a block of video data. The block comprises a series of runs, each of which may consist of one pixel or two or more consecutive pixels. Furthermore, the video decoder may obtain a set of palette run length syntax elements indicating lengths of one or more of the runs. The video decoder may determine, based on the syntax element, that the palette run length syntax elements do not include a palette run length syntax element indicating a length of the first run. Rather, the video decoder determines, based on the lengths indicated by the set of palette run syntax elements, the length of the first run. The video decoder may determine, based on the palette sample modes of the pixels, palette indices of the pixels, each indicating an entry in a palette.