Threads Video Dimensions
The recommended Threads video size is 1080 × 1920 pixels at a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio. This fills the screen edge to edge on mobile and matches the Reels format Meta uses across Instagram and Facebook.
Threads runs through the same encoder pipeline as Instagram, so the upload requirements are nearly identical. If you have a Reel ready, you can post it directly to Threads with no resizing.
Supported aspect ratios
| Ratio | Pixel Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:16 (vertical) | 1080 × 1920 px | Recommended, full screen, no padding |
| 1:1 (square) | 1080 × 1080 px | Cross-posting from older feed video |
| 16:9 (horizontal) | 1920 × 1080 px | Letterboxed in feed, wastes >50% of screen |
Length & File Limits
- Maximum length: 5 minutes
- Recommended length: under 60 seconds for highest completion rate
- Maximum file size: 1 GB
- Recommended file size: under 200 MB for reliable mobile uploads
Threads autoplays videos in feed muted, so the first 1–2 seconds need to communicate the value of the post visually. Longer videos can work but expect a sharp drop-off after the first minute.
Codec & Format Specifications
- Container: MP4 (preferred) or MOV
- Video codec: H.264, Threads re-encodes everything to H.264, so this avoids double compression
- Audio codec: AAC, 48 kHz, 128 kbps stereo minimum
- Frame rate: 30 fps recommended; 24 and 60 fps also supported
- Bitrate: 5,000 kbps for 1080p (up to 10,000 kbps before diminishing returns)
- Color space: Rec. 709 / sRGB
Threads Video Safe Zones
Threads overlays UI elements on top of video playback. Keep important content out of these areas:
- Top 210 px: status bar and back button
- Bottom 290 px: caption text, like / comment / reshare buttons
- Right edge (60 px): action buttons
A safe content area of 1080 × 1420 px centered on the 1080 × 1920 canvas keeps everything clear of UI on every device.
Why Videos Look Compressed
- Upload at 1080 × 1920 not 4K, Threads downsamples and the conversion adds artifacts
- Use H.264 not HEVC or ProRes, Threads converts these and quality drops
- Keep bitrate at 5,000–10,000 kbps, higher is wasted, lower introduces banding
- Upload over Wi-Fi when possible, mobile uploads sometimes get extra compression
- Don't re-upload downloaded Threads videos, every cycle adds compression artifacts
Tips for High-Quality Threads Videos
- Default to 9:16 vertical at 1080 × 1920, never horizontal
- Export H.264 MP4 with AAC audio at 5,000 kbps for 1080p
- Keep critical content within the 1080 × 1420 safe zone
- Hook in the first 2 seconds, Threads autoplays muted, so visuals must carry
- Aim for under 60 seconds for highest completion rate
- Cross-post Instagram Reels unchanged, identical specs, no resize needed
- Need exact 9:16 cropping for video posters? Try our Instagram Photo Resizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video size for Threads?
The best video size for Threads is 1080 × 1920 pixels at a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio. This fills the screen edge to edge on mobile, where most Threads viewing happens, and matches Reels formatting.
What aspect ratios does Threads video support?
Threads video supports 9:16 (vertical, 1080 × 1920), 1:1 (square, 1080 × 1080), and 16:9 (horizontal, 1920 × 1080). Vertical 9:16 is strongly preferred, horizontal video gets letterboxed and uses less than half the screen.
How long can a Threads video be?
Threads videos can be up to 5 minutes long. For most posts, keep videos under 60 seconds, completion rate drops sharply past the one-minute mark on social feeds.
What is the maximum file size for Threads video?
Threads accepts videos up to 1 GB. For reliable uploads, especially on mobile, target under 200 MB by exporting H.264 at 5,000 kbps for 1080p.
What video format and codec should I use for Threads?
Use MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio at 48 kHz. This is the format Threads re-encodes to anyway, so uploading in this format avoids double compression.
Does Threads compress video?
Yes. Threads re-encodes every upload to H.264 to keep playback smooth on mobile data. To minimize quality loss: export at 1080 × 1920, use H.264 at 5,000–10,000 kbps, and don't upload 4K (Threads downsamples to 1080 anyway and the conversion adds artifacts).
Can I post a horizontal video on Threads?
You can, but Threads adds black bars above and below to fit the vertical viewer, wasting more than half the screen. For maximum impact, always export vertical 9:16. If you must use horizontal footage, crop or extend the canvas before uploading.
Where is the safe zone on a Threads video?
Threads overlays the like, comment, and reshare buttons along the bottom right and the caption along the bottom of the frame. Keep critical text and faces inside a 1080 × 1420 px box centered on the canvas, leaving roughly 250 px clear at the top and bottom.