Videos are the ultimate medium that brands are embracing to skyrocket their engagement and conversions. Marketers are loving the positive results it brings.
In this article, you’ll see the optimal video specs for each popular social media platform:
– Facebook
– Instagram
– Twitter or X
– Linkedin
– Youtube
– Tiktok
– Pinterest
Research shows that video gets more attention on social media. Facebook videos reach 135% more people than images and the same positive results for Twitter as well as LinkedIn. It shows videos provide better engagement and reach than their static counterparts.
But there’s a catch—social media video sizes change a lot. Platforms keep tweaking to make the viewing experience better for users, these never-ending fine tuning make it a bit of a rollercoaster ride for marketers, so here’s our list of social media video specs to guide you in this bustling platform.
The granddaddy of social media. For your videos to stand out, go with the formats listed below. Remember, shorter is sweeter! While you can go up to a whopping 240 minutes, aim for concise, engaging videos to keep your audience hooked.
Understand that there are different Facebook video formats due to them making it viewable in different mediums.
For full technical details on supported formats, see here.
Facebook feed video:Â
Recommended size: 1280 x 720 pixels for Landscape and Portrait
Minimum width: 1200 pixels
Supported Aspect ratios: 16:9 (horizontal), 9:16 (full portrait)
Tip: Use .MOV and .MP4 format
Facebook Stories:
Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect ratio: 1.91 to 9:16
Minimum size: 600 x 600 pixels or “square video” (1:1 aspect ratio)
Facebook Reels
Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Minimum size: 540 x 960 (lower resolution = 540p)
Supported aspect ratio: 9:16
Tip: For quality video ads, Facebook recommends uploading your highest resolution video available with a duration ranging between 4-60 seconds.
Facebook Carousel videos
Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Minimum size: 600 x 315 pixels (landscape), 600 x 600 pixels (square)
Tip: This format is great for episodic content. They allow 10 images or videos in one ad, making it easier for your audience to get the message without having to click to visit a new page.
Instagram
Also known as the platform of stunning visuals and artsy vibes. It’s designed for anyone who loves connecting with friends, family, and like-minded individuals through visually captivating content.Â
Instagram Carousel Video Ads
Recommended size: 1080 x 1080 pixels
Minimum size: 600 x 600 pixels
Supported aspect ratio: 9:16
Maximum length: 15 seconds for regular or “organic” posts and 2 minutes for IG story ads
Instagram In-Feed Video/Reels
Recommended size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Supported aspect ratio: 0.01:1 – 10:1 (9:16 recommended)
Tip: Make catchy shorts with music from the Youtube music library and include a call-to-action text.
Twitter (X)
Twitter is a dynamic and fast-paced social media platform. It’s like an online hangout where everyone can join in the fun. It’s a place where people from all walks of life, including celebrities, and everyday users come together to share their thoughts
For the full Twitter video specs and recommendations, see here
Twitter Landscape videos
Recommended size: 1280 x 720 pixels
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Twitter Portrait and Square Videos
Recommended size: 720 x 720 pixels (square), 720 x 1280 (portrait)
Recommended Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (landscape or portrait), 1:1 (square)
Tip: use .MP4 for web, .MOV format for mobile, and video cannot exceed 140 seconds.Â
We all know LinkedIn is pretty much a staple now for every brand who wants to cover their market and LinkedIn is one of those platforms where networking is key. It helps individuals and brands to build and maintain meaningful connections.
For the full LinkedIn video specs and recommendations, see here.
LinkedIn shared/feed video
Maximum video size range: 4096 x 2304 pixels
Ideal sizes:
 -Square (1:1) 1920 x 1920
 -Landscape (16:9) – 1920 x 1080
 -Portrait (9:16) – 1080 x 1920 pixels
Min-Max duration: 3 seconds to 10 minutes
Accepted format: .ASF, .AVI, .FLV, .MOV, .MPEG-1, .MPEG-4, .MKV, and .WebM
File size: 5GB
LinkedIn Video Ads
Maximum size: 1080p (1440 x 1080; wide 1920 x 1080)
Minimum size: 360p (480 x 360; wide 640 x 360)
Tip: Video ads with a 1:1 aspect ratio should have a minimum resolution of 600 x 600 and a max resolution of 1080 x 1080, it should be in .MP4 format and a maximum of 30 minutes long. For better performance, keep video ads under 15 seconds long.
Youtube
Everybody knows what YouTube is at this point, it’s the ultimate video wonderland. It’s the best platform for creators to share passion, talent, and stories with a global audience. It has everything from entertainment to education.
YouTube Video Player
The YouTube player supports a range of sizes to fit different screens so make sure your video falls within those ranges.
Video size range: 426 x 240 pixels (240p) to a whopping 3840 x 2160 pixels (2160p)
Ideal size: 1920 by 1080 pixels (1080p)
Supported aspect ratios: 16:9 or 4:3
Supported formats: .MOV, .MPEG4, MP4, .AVI, .WMV, MPEG-PS, .FLV, 3GPP, or WebM formats. The file size is 128GB and you can have videos up to 12 hours long.
Pro-tip: Upload your video with the highest resolution possible to cater to viewers with various internet connections. YouTube will automatically frame your videos for you.
Youtube Shorts
The same video range applies to YouTube Shorts but the aspect ratio is reversed into 9:16, which is basically in portrait and as always, upload your highest resolution possible.
Video size range: 240 pixels to 2160 pixels
Video length: 60 seconds or less
Supported formats: .MOV, .MPEG4, MP4, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, 3GPP, and WebM
Tip: To make your YT Shorts pop, grab music from YouTube’s music library, and don’t forget to add some catchy call-to-action text. Take note that there is a 100 characters max.Â
TikTok
TikTok is probably one of the most popular emerging platforms when it comes to video content and rightfully so, because it gives the user the platform to unleash their creativity on a plethora of niches they choose.
TikTok Video
Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Video length: 3 minutes max
Aspect ratio: 9:16 or 1:1 with sidebar
Supported formats: .MP4 or .MOV
Pinterest is a super niche but incredibly powerful SEO tool if you know how it works. It is also considered to be a creative haven where inspiration knows no bounds. Very popular with DIY crafts and travel destinations. People can create and curate their own boards through “pins”.
To see the full supported specs on Pinterest, see here.
Video Pin
Recommended size: 1200 x 1800
Aspect ratio: 2:3 (portrait) 1:1 (square)
Min-max duration: 4 seconds to 15 minutes.
Tip: Don’t use sound. Research suggests that people watch with the sound off and videos tend to perform better. Also use software design tools to create video pins that have templates optimized for it, think Canva.Â
That’s it! You’re now equipped with the knowledge of video sizes for the top social media platforms. By following these formats, your videos are set to shine and engage audiences across the social media landscape.
Keep in mind that video creation is also not for everybody and at times can be a lot to handle. If you ever need help or want to take your video to the next level, consider reaching out to us here at Socialize.
We’re experts in video production and ready to help you boost your social media presence. Drop us a message today!