The Ultimate TikTok Video Size Guide

We all spend hours daily scrolling through TikTok feeds.

But have you ever encountered a TikTok video that’s squished on the sides, and the text on it is hard to read?

This might have made you wonder: What’s going on?

Well, the video creator probably uploaded it in the wrong size, which affected the overall quality of the video.

Or they did not follow the safe margins guidelines. That’s something we always keep an eye out for when we edit TikTok videos or any vertical videos for that matter.

If you are serious about creating successful TikTok videos, you don’t want to make the same mistake. In other words, you need to ensure you are uploading them in the right size.

After all, the right size will ensure that your videos look their best and that your viewers have a good experience watching them.

That said, in this blog post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about TikTok video sizes.

We’ll cover the recommended dimensions, aspect ratios, and file sizes for TikTok videos.

We’ll also give you some tips on how to resize your videos if they are not the right size.

So, let’s dive right in!

Why is TikTok Video Size Important?

TikTok video size is important for a few reasons.

First, it ensures that your videos look their best.

When you upload video content in the wrong size, it can be stretched, squished, or cropped.

This can make your video look unprofessional and unappealing.

Second, the right TikTok video size will ensure that your videos are compatible with all devices.

As TikTok is available on smartphones, tablets, and even PCs, if you upload a video in the wrong size, it may not look right on all devices.

Finally, the right video size will help you improve your engagement rates.

When your videos look good and are compatible with all devices, viewers are more likely to watch them all the way through and interact with them.

Is There Any Recommended Dimension and File Size for TikTok Videos?

The answer is YES!

TikTok Video Size Required on App Version

It’s hard to determine whether this app popularized short vertical videos or if these videos naturally dominated TikTok, but they’ve certainly transformed viewing habits.

In other words, it enhances the immersive experience of these vertical (or portrait) videos by showcasing them in full screen.

Here’s a screenshot of common squence settings we use in Premiere Pro whenever we edit Tik Tok videos.

You can see the frame size, aspect ratio, frame rate, and more.

There are also additional requirements for uploading videos to the TikTok mobile app.

• Video Aspect Ratio: Primary – 9:16, but 1:1 and 16:9 are also allowed (with black bars).
• Video Dimensions: Optimal – 1080×1920 pixels. Horizontal videos will get black bars.
• Maximum Video Length: Up to 10 minutes from the local gallery and up to 3 minutes for video capturing.
• File Size: For iOS – up to 278.6MB. For Android – up to 72MB.
• Video Format: MP4, MOV (H.264 encoded).

TikTok Video Size Required on Web Version

• Video Aspect Ratio: Primary – 9:16, but 1:1 and 16:9 are also allowed (with black bars).
• Video Dimensions: Minimum – 720×1280 pixels. Higher resolutions will be compressed.
• Maximum Video Length: Up to 3 minutes.
• File Size: Up to 1GB.
• Video Format: MP4 (H.264), WebM (VP8)

TikTok Standard Ads vs. TikTok News Feed Ads

TikTok, similar to platforms like YouTube and Instagram Reels, offers advertising opportunities to boost impressions, traffic, and sales for brands and products.

Its video advertisements are classified into two categories: Standard and News Feed, each consisting of distinct elements.

Standard Ads

These types of ads include elements such as video creative, an ad display image, a brand name, and an ad description. In contrast, News Feed ads do not have display images.

Specifications

Aspect Ratio

• Standard Ads: Supports 9:16, 1:1, and 16:9 ratios.
• News Feed Ads: Only supports 1:1 and 16:9 ratios.

Dimensions

• Standard Ads: Accepts 540×960, 640×640, 960×540, and even higher dimensions.
• News Feed Ads: There are no specific restrictions on dimensions.

Max Length

• Standard Ads: Videos can be up to 60 seconds.
• News Feed Ads: No specific restrictions on video length.

Max File Size

• Both Standard and News Feed Ads can have a maximum file size of 500MB.

Video Format

• Both types of ads support MP4, MOV, MPEG, 3GP, and AVI formats.

When planning to advertise on TikTok, understanding these specifications is essential to ensure the video ads are optimized for the platform and provide the best possible user experience. Always refer to TikTok’s official advertising guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Recommended Dimensions

The recommended dimensions for TikTok videos are 1080×1920 pixels. This is a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is the standard aspect ratio for smartphone screens.

You can also upload videos with a 1:1 aspect ratio, but this is not recommended. 1:1 videos will appear square-shaped on TikTok, and they will not take up the full screen.

Maximum File Size

The maximum file size for a TikTok video is 72MB for Android users and 287.6MB for iOS users.

So, if you are trying to upload a video that is larger than the maximum file size, you can try compressing it or reducing the resolution.

Leveraging Marketing Strategies for TikTok Growth

TikTok users scroll fast. Superfast! Just as in the world of websites, where link building is a strategic way to drive traffic and enhance SEO, creating compelling content here can similarly boost your video’s visibility.

Therefore, it is advisable to incorporate strategic external and internal links in your TikTok video descriptions or profile.

It helps you direct viewers to your other content, merchandise sites, or even affiliate partners.

This not only elevates your TikTok page’s authority but can also potentially increase your reach and revenue.

Optimizing Your TikTok Videos for Better Performance

It’s not enough to merely shoot a high-quality video. You need to optimize it for the platforms to ensure that it stands out in a sea of content.

• Thumbnails Matter: When users scroll through their TikTok feeds, they first notice the video’s thumbnail. So, ensure your thumbnail is relevant, high-quality, and eye-catching.
• Sound is Crucial: You must use high-quality music tracks and ensure that the audio is clear, especially if you are speaking or giving instructions in the video.
• Use Hashtags Strategically: Hashtags help categorize your content, making it discoverable to a broader audience.
• Timeliness is Key: Being one of the first to make a video on a new trend can position you as a frontrunner and give your video a better chance to go viral.
• Add Your Unique Spin: While trends provide a framework, always infuse them with your creativity.
• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, engage with other creators, and encourage collaboration.

Ways to Build a Consistent Brand on TikTok

Consistency is the key to establishing a strong brand presence on any platform, and TikTok is no exception.

Develop a Signature Style

Whether it’s a particular filter, a recurrent theme, or a signature move, having a recognizable style can make viewers instantly identify your content.

Stick to a Posting Schedule

While it’s essential to be spontaneous, having a rough posting schedule can ensure that your followers know when to expect new content from you.

Collaborate with Others

TikTok is a community. Collaborating with other creators can expose your content to their followers, expanding your reach.

Monetizing Your TikTok Success

As your TikTok following grows and your content becomes more popular, there are opportunities to turn your creative passion into a source of income.

TikTok Creator Fund

If you meet the requirements, think about becoming part of the TikTok Creator Fund. It lets you make money from your videos when they get lots of views, likes, and shares. It’s a cool way to start earning from the content you already have.

Brand Partnerships

Brands are always on the lookout for influencers to promote their products or services. As your follower count increases, you may receive offers for sponsored content. Ensure that the brands align with your content and values to maintain authenticity.

Affiliate Marketing

You can promote products or services relevant to your niche and earn commissions through affiliate marketing. Include affiliate links in your video descriptions or collaborate with brands offering affiliate programs.

Merchandise Sales

If you’ve developed a strong personal brand, consider selling merchandise related to your content. T-shirts, mugs, and other items with your catchphrases or logos can be a hit among your fans.

Cross-Promotion

Collaborate with other TikTok creators, especially those in your niche, to cross-promote each other’s content. This can expand your reach and attract more followers.

Live Streaming Gifts

TikTok Live allows you to interact with your audience in real-time. Viewers can send you virtual gifts during your live sessions, which you can later convert into real money.

Stay Compliant

When monetizing your TikTok presence, be aware of the platform’s policies and guidelines.

Always disclose sponsored content, follow ethical practices, and maintain transparency with your audience.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

So this brings us to the end of this comprehensive guide!

Mastering TikTok video sizes and specifications can seem daunting at first.

But with this guide, you are well-equipped to produce content that looks professional and resonates with your audience.

Moreover, when you pair technical know-how with creativity, you can achieve TikTok’s success.

So, while you dive deep into pixels and bitrates, never lose sight of the heart and soul of your content.

After all, it’s the blend of both that will make you a star on the platform.