TikTok Video Dimensions
The recommended TikTok video size is 1080 × 1920 pixels at a 9:16 aspect ratio. This is Full HD vertical — the format the entire TikTok experience is built around. Anything else gets letterboxed and underperforms.
Supported aspect ratios
- 9:16 (1080 × 1920): Native, fills the screen — use this.
- 1:1 (1080 × 1080): Square. Black bars top and bottom.
- 16:9 (1920 × 1080): Landscape. Major black bars — avoid.
File Size & Format Limits
| Spec | Limit |
|---|---|
| Max file (iOS) | 287.6 MB |
| Max file (Android) | 72 MB |
| Max file (web upload) | 500 MB |
| Min duration | 3 seconds |
| Max duration | 10 minutes |
| Format | MP4 or MOV |
| Video codec | H.264 |
| Audio codec | AAC, 48 kHz |
TikTok Safe Zones
TikTok overlays UI on top of every video. Anything placed in these zones gets covered:
- Top ~150 px: username, status bar, "Following / For You" tabs
- Bottom ~480 px: caption, hashtags, music attribution, like / comment / share / bookmark buttons
- Right edge ~120 px: profile picture, action buttons
Keep all important visuals and text in the center 1080 × 1290 area. This is even tighter than Instagram Reels because TikTok's bottom UI is taller.
Optimal Video Length
Although TikTok supports up to 10 minutes, the algorithm rewards videos that get replayed. The replay-friendly sweet spot is 21–34 seconds — long enough to land a payoff, short enough that viewers will watch twice.
| Duration | Best For |
|---|---|
| 3–10 sec | Hooks, transitions, trending audio |
| 15–34 sec | Most viral content — quick stories, jokes, tips |
| 45–90 sec | Tutorials, how-tos, mini-lessons |
| 3–10 min | Long-form vlogs, podcasts, deep dives |
Tips for Maximum TikTok Quality
- Export at exactly 1080 × 1920 — TikTok downscales 4K anyway, so larger files just take longer to upload
- Use H.264 video codec (TikTok re-encodes to H.264, so other codecs lose quality twice)
- Keep text and key visuals in the center 1080 × 1290 safe zone
- Upload over Wi-Fi — mobile uploads get extra compression
- Don't re-upload downloaded TikToks — watermark detection demotes them and re-encoding adds artifacts
- Use bitrates of 6,000–10,000 kbps for clean motion in fast-moving content
- Need to convert horizontal footage? Use our video resizer to crop to 9:16 without re-encoding twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TikTok aspect ratio?
The TikTok aspect ratio is 9:16 (vertical). This is the only ratio that fills the entire screen without black bars. Square (1:1) and landscape (16:9) videos work but appear with letterboxing.
What are the exact dimensions for a TikTok video?
TikTok video dimensions are 1080 × 1920 pixels. This is Full HD vertical and matches the native screen ratio of most modern smartphones.
What is the maximum file size for a TikTok video?
On iOS the maximum file size is 287.6 MB. On Android it is 72 MB. Files larger than these limits must be compressed before uploading.
How long can a TikTok video be?
TikTok videos can be from 3 seconds up to 10 minutes long. Most viral videos sit between 21 and 34 seconds — long enough to deliver value, short enough for high replay rates.
Can I upload a horizontal video to TikTok?
You can, but TikTok displays it with black bars above and below to fit the 9:16 frame. The wasted screen space hurts engagement. Always shoot or convert to vertical 1080 × 1920 before uploading.
What video format does TikTok support?
TikTok supports MP4 and MOV files. Use the H.264 codec for video and AAC for audio at 48 kHz. MP4 is preferred because TikTok re-encodes everything to H.264 internally.
Where are the TikTok safe zones?
Avoid placing important content in the top ~150 pixels (username and "Following / For You" tabs) and the bottom ~480 pixels (caption, action buttons, music info). Keep critical visuals and text in the center 1080 × 1290 area.
Why does my TikTok video look blurry?
Blurry uploads are usually caused by uploading below 1080 × 1920, using a non-H.264 codec, or uploading over poor mobile data. Export at 1080 × 1920, use H.264 at 6,000+ kbps, and upload over Wi-Fi.