Social Media Video Specifications by Platform
Each social platform has specific requirements for video dimensions, duration, file size, and format. Uploading video that doesn't meet these specs results in rejected uploads or quality degradation.
Key Takeaways
- Social platforms re-encode uploaded videos regardless of input format.
- Format**: MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.
- - Safe zones: Keep important content away from edges where UI elements overlay.
Social Character Counter
Count characters against platform limits
Platform-Specific Requirements
Social platforms re-encode uploaded videos regardless of input format. However, uploading video that matches their specs minimizes quality loss during transcoding.
| Type | Duration | Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed video | 3-60 sec | 1080px wide | 1:1, 4:5, 16:9 |
| Reel | 15-90 sec | 1080x1920 | 9:16 |
| Story | Up to 60 sec | 1080x1920 | 9:16 |
| IGTV | Up to 60 min | 1080x1920 | 9:16 |
TikTok
| Type | Duration | Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | 15 sec - 10 min | 1080x1920 | 9:16 |
| Max file size | 287 MB (iOS), 72 MB (Android) | โ | โ |
YouTube
| Type | Resolution | Aspect Ratio | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1920x1080 | 16:9 | 24-60 fps |
| Shorts | 1080x1920 | 9:16 | 24-60 fps |
| 4K | 3840x2160 | 16:9 | 24-60 fps |
Universal Best Practices
- Format: MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.
- Bitrate: Follow platform recommendations (too low = poor quality, too high = slow upload).
- Captions: Add text captions โ 85% of Facebook video is watched on mute.
- First 3 seconds: Hook viewers immediately (most scrolling happens in the first 3 seconds).
- Safe zones: Keep important content away from edges where UI elements overlay.
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