TikTok Video Size Guide: Perfect Dimensions, Formats & Specs for 2025

Getting your TikTok video dimensions right is essential for creating content that looks professional and performs well. Videos with the wrong size or format appear cropped, blurry, or unprofessional, hurting your chances of going viral.

TikTok Video Specifications Overview

Standard TikTok Video Dimensions

Recommended size:

• Width: 1080 pixels
• Height: 1920 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
• Resolution: 1080×1920 (Full HD)

Minimum requirements:

• Width: 576 pixels
• Height: 1024 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)

File specifications:

• File format: MP4 or MOV
• Video codec: H.264
• Maximum file size: 287.6 MB (iOS) / 72 MB (Android)
• Video length: 15 seconds to 10 minutes
• Frame rate: 30 FPS (frames per second)

Why Video Size Matters on TikTok

User Experience Impact

Videos with correct dimensions fill the entire screen without black bars or cropping, creating a more immersive viewing experience that keeps viewers engaged longer.

Algorithm Performance

TikTok's algorithm favors videos that perform well, and properly sized videos tend to have better watch times, completion rates, and engagement metrics.

Professional Appearance

Correctly sized videos look more professional and credible, which can impact how users perceive your brand or content.

Mobile Optimization

TikTok is primarily a mobile platform, and vertical videos are designed specifically for how people hold and use their phones.

TikTok Video Dimensions by Content Type

Regular TikTok Videos

Standard posts:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16
• Duration: 15 seconds to 10 minutes
• Best for: Most TikTok content including dances, comedy, tutorials, and general entertainment

TikTok Ads

In-feed ads:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels (recommended)
• Aspect ratio: 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9
• File size: Maximum 500 MB
• Duration: 5-60 seconds
• Best for: Sponsored content that appears in users' For You page

TopView ads:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16
• Duration: 5-60 seconds
• Best for: Premium placement as the first video users see when opening TikTok

Brand takeover ads:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16
• Duration: 3-5 seconds
• Best for: Maximum visibility with full-screen display

TikTok Stories (where available)

Story dimensions:

• Width: 1080 pixels
• Height: 1920 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16
• Duration: Up to 15 seconds
• Best for: Temporary content similar to Instagram Stories

TikTok Thumbnail Specifications

Custom Thumbnails

Thumbnail size:

• Dimensions: 1080×1920 pixels
• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (same as video)
• File format: JPG or PNG
• Best practice: Use a frame from your video or create custom graphics

Thumbnail tips:

• Use bright, contrasting colors to stand out
• Include text overlays if they add context
• Show faces clearly as they tend to perform better
• Avoid clutter and keep designs simple
• Test different thumbnails to see what works

Creating TikTok Videos: Technical Requirements

Video Codecs and Formats

Supported formats:

• MP4: Most common, widely supported
• MOV: Also supported, common for iOS devices
• WebM: Supported but less common

Recommended codec:

• H.264: Best compression and quality balance
• H.265 (HEVC): Better compression but less compatibility
• VP9: Good for WebM format

Audio Specifications

Audio requirements:

• Format: AAC or MP3
• Sample rate: 44.1 kHz or higher
• Bit rate: 128 kbps minimum (192 kbps recommended)
• Channels: Mono or stereo

File Size Limitations

Platform limits:

• iOS: Up to 287.6 MB per video
• Android: Up to 72 MB per video
• Desktop web: Up to 500 MB per video

Optimization tips:

• Compress videos before uploading
• Use appropriate bit rates for your content
• Balance quality with file size
• Consider shorter durations for smaller files

Aspect Ratio Considerations

9:16 Vertical (Recommended)

When to use:

• All standard TikTok content
• Maximum screen real estate on mobile
• Best engagement and completion rates
• Optimal for TikTok's native experience

Content types that work best:

• Person-to-camera content
• Dance and performance videos
• Tutorials and demonstrations
• Product showcases and reviews

1:1 Square (Acceptable)

When to use:

• Repurposing content from Instagram
• Product photography or graphics
• Text-heavy content
• Cross-platform content creation

Limitations:

• Smaller display area on mobile
• Black bars above and below
• Less immersive experience
• Lower completion rates typically

16:9 Horizontal (Not recommended)

When to use:

• Repurposing YouTube content
• Landscape footage you can't recreate
• Screen recordings of desktop content

Limitations:

• Very small display on mobile
• Significant black bars
• Poor user experience
• Low engagement rates

Optimizing Videos for Different Devices

Mobile Creation (Phones)

Best practices:

• Film in portrait mode natively
• Use phone's highest video quality setting
• Ensure good lighting for crisp footage
• Hold phone steady or use stabilization
• Fill the frame with your subject

Common mistakes:

• Filming horizontally and cropping later
• Using too low resolution settings
• Poor lighting that creates grainy footage
• Shaky footage that looks unprofessional

Desktop/Camera Creation

Setup considerations:

• Set camera to 9:16 aspect ratio if possible
• Use 1080×1920 resolution in video editing software
• Plan composition for vertical framing
• Consider how text and graphics will appear

Editing workflow:

• Import footage at correct dimensions
• Crop and position for vertical format
• Add graphics and text appropriate to mobile viewing
• Export at 1080×1920 resolution

Video Quality Best Practices

Resolution and Clarity

High quality shooting:

• Use 1080p or higher resolution when filming
• Ensure proper focus throughout the video
• Use good lighting to avoid grain and noise
• Keep camera steady to avoid blur

Compression considerations:

• Don't over-compress before uploading
• Let TikTok handle final compression
• Balance quality with upload speed
• Test on different devices after uploading

Frame Rate Optimization

Standard frame rates:

• 30 FPS: Most common, good for most content
• 60 FPS: Smoother motion, good for action content
• 24 FPS: Cinematic look, good for artistic content

When to use higher frame rates:

• Sports and action content
• Gaming footage
• Dance videos with quick movements
• Any content with rapid motion

Content Creation Tips by Video Type

Tutorial and Educational Videos

Dimension considerations:

• Leave space at top and bottom for text overlays
• Ensure any demonstrations are clearly visible
• Use close-ups when showing detailed processes
• Plan for vertical screen recording if needed

Text and graphics:

• Use large, readable fonts
• Place important text in the middle third of screen
• Use high contrast colors for readability
• Keep text brief and punchy

Dance and Performance Videos

Framing tips:

• Show full body when possible within vertical frame
• Use wide shots for group performances
• Consider multiple angles for dynamic content
• Ensure performers stay within frame boundaries

Technical considerations:

• Use good lighting to show movement clearly
• Higher frame rates for smooth motion
• Stable camera or tripod for consistency
• Clear audio for music synchronization

Product and Brand Content

Product showcasing:

• Fill frame with product details
• Use vertical orientation to show more product
• Create graphics that work on mobile screens
• Show scale and size references clearly

Brand consistency:

• Use brand colors that show well on mobile
• Keep logos and branding visible but not overwhelming
• Ensure brand elements work at small sizes
• Maintain consistent visual style

Common TikTok Video Size Mistakes

Technical Errors

Incorrect aspect ratios:

• Uploading horizontal videos to vertical platform
• Using square videos that waste screen space
• Cropping existing content poorly
• Not planning for vertical composition

Quality issues:

• Over-compressing videos before upload
• Using too low resolution for sharp display
• Poor audio quality that detracts from content
• Inconsistent frame rates causing stuttering

Creative Mistakes

Poor composition:

• Important elements cut off by mobile interface
• Text placed where it's hard to read
• Not considering how content appears at small sizes
• Ignoring mobile viewing patterns

Technical oversights:

• Not testing videos on actual mobile devices
• Forgetting about TikTok interface elements
• Using fonts too small for mobile reading
• Not accounting for different screen sizes

Tools for Creating TikTok Videos

Mobile Video Editing Apps

Free options:

• TikTok's built-in editor: Basic but sufficient for many needs
• CapCut: TikTok's companion editing app
• InShot: Simple mobile video editor
• Splice: User-friendly with good templates

Premium mobile apps:

• LumaFusion: Professional-grade mobile editing
• Filmora Go: Feature-rich with effects
• Adobe Premiere Rush: Desktop-quality on mobile
• KineMaster: Comprehensive editing tools

Desktop Editing Software

Professional options:

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Industry standard with full control
• Final Cut Pro: Mac-exclusive professional editor
• DaVinci Resolve: Free professional-grade editor
• Adobe After Effects: For motion graphics and effects

Beginner-friendly options:

• Filmora: Easy to use with TikTok templates
• Camtasia: Good for screen recording and tutorials
• iMovie: Simple and free for Mac users
• Windows Video Editor: Basic but functional for PC

Online Video Editors

Browser-based tools:

• Canva: Simple editing with templates
• WeVideo: Cloud-based collaborative editing
• Clipchamp: Microsoft's online editor
• FlexClip: Template-based video creation

Testing and Optimization

Quality Check Process

Before uploading:

• Preview at 1080×1920 resolution
• Test on actual mobile device
• Check audio quality with headphones
• Verify text readability at small sizes
• Ensure smooth playback without stuttering

After uploading:

• View on different mobile devices
• Check how interface elements overlay
• Test with different internet speeds
• Monitor initial performance metrics
• Gather feedback from test audience

Performance Monitoring

Key metrics to track:

• View completion rate: How many people watch to the end
• Engagement rate: Likes, comments, shares per view
• Save rate: How often people save your content
• Share rate: How often content gets shared

Optimization based on performance:

• Adjust video length based on completion rates
• Modify thumbnail strategy for better click-through
• Test different aspect ratios for your content type
• Experiment with different quality settings

Future-Proofing Your TikTok Content

Staying Updated

Platform changes:

• Monitor TikTok's official announcements
• Test new features as they're released
• Adapt to algorithm changes quickly
• Follow platform best practices updates

Technical improvements:

• Upgrade equipment as budget allows
• Learn new editing techniques regularly
• Experiment with new formats and styles
• Stay current with trending video techniques

Cross-Platform Considerations

Content repurposing:

• Create content that works across platforms
• Plan for multiple aspect ratios when possible
• Maintain quality when adapting content
• Consider platform-specific optimizations

Getting TikTok video sizes right is just the beginning of creating successful content. Focus on combining technical excellence with creative storytelling to create videos that not only look professional but also engage and entertain your audience.

Remember that while technical specifications are important, compelling content always wins over perfect technical execution. Use these guidelines as a foundation, but don't let them limit your creativity.

Ready to create more engaging TikTok content? Check out our TikTok Marketing Guide and use our TikTok Tools to optimize your content creation.

Creating video content for clients? Use our YouTube to Instagram Converter to repurpose content across platforms efficiently.