Tiktok video size guide: Everything you need to know

TikTok Video Size Guide: Everything You Need to Know (SEO Optimised)

TikTok has rapidly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, allowing users to create and share engaging short-form videos. To get the best performance from your videos, it’s essential to understand TikTok's video size requirements and how they affect quality, reach, and engagement. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about TikTok video sizes, including dimensions, aspect ratios, file formats, and tips to optimise your content for maximum visibility.

1. Why TikTok Video Size Matters

TikTok is a visually driven platform where video quality plays a significant role in user engagement. Videos that are well-optimised for the platform have a higher chance of going viral. Poorly formatted videos may appear stretched, blurry, or may not display correctly, which can lead to decreased audience retention and lower engagement rates.

Properly formatting your video ensures that it displays correctly across different devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops. Understanding TikTok’s video specifications will help you create content that stands out, providing an optimal viewing experience for your audience.

2. TikTok Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratio

2.1 Dimensions

TikTok videos are primarily viewed on mobile devices, and the platform’s video player is optimised for vertical viewing. The most common dimensions for TikTok videos are:

• Vertical Video (Recommended): 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
• Horizontal Video: 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)

While vertical videos are the most widely used format, horizontal videos can also be uploaded. However, horizontal videos will display with black bars on both sides to fit the vertical video player, which may diminish their visual impact.

2.2 Aspect Ratio

The 9:16 aspect ratio is the standard format for TikTok videos. This is the vertical format used for fullscreen mobile viewing and is best suited for most TikTok content.

However, TikTok also supports other aspect ratios:

• 1:1 (Square): 1080 x 1080 pixels
• 16:9 (Horizontal): 1280 x 720 pixels

Using a 9:16 aspect ratio ensures that your video takes up the full screen, maximising visibility and engagement.

3. File Size and Duration

3.1 File Size

TikTok videos have file size limitations based on the device and format:

• iOS users: Maximum file size of 287.6 MB
• Android users: Maximum file size of 72 MB
• Ads: Maximum file size of 500 MB

Keep in mind that while larger files may offer higher quality, they can take longer to upload and may not play smoothly on all devices. It's important to find a balance between file size and video quality to ensure optimal performance.

3.2 Video Length

TikTok initially allowed videos up to 15 seconds in length, but the platform has since expanded the maximum video length to:

• 15 seconds (default option for quick content)
• 60 seconds (common for storytelling or longer engagement)
• 3 minutes (for more detailed content)

In 2023, TikTok introduced videos up to 10 minutes long, allowing creators more flexibility in delivering detailed or extended content. However, shorter videos (15 to 60 seconds) typically perform better in terms of user engagement.

4. TikTok Video Formats

4.1 Recommended File Formats

The best video formats for TikTok are:

• MP4 (Most recommended)
• MOV

Other formats supported include AVI and GIF, but MP4 and MOV provide better quality and compression, ensuring faster uploads and smoother playback.

4.2 Video Codecs

TikTok supports the following video codecs:

• H.264 (best for high-quality video compression)
• H.265 (next-generation compression standard, though not as widely used yet)

Using the H.264 codec ensures your video retains quality without significantly increasing the file size.

5. Tips to Optimise TikTok Video Performance

Creating high-quality TikTok videos requires more than just uploading the right dimensions. Below are some tips to improve your video performance on TikTok:

5.1 Keep It Short and Engaging

While TikTok now allows longer videos, the platform’s users are still more likely to engage with content that is concise and to the point. Videos under 60 seconds typically perform best. Start strong, as users decide whether to continue watching within the first few seconds.

5.2 Use High-Resolution Video

To attract viewers, always shoot in the highest resolution available on your device. Avoid pixelated or blurry footage by ensuring your camera settings are set to record in 1080p HD or higher.

5.3 Add Captions and Subtitles

Adding captions not only makes your content more accessible but also helps with viewer retention. TikTok users often watch videos without sound, so using on-screen text can ensure they stay engaged.

5.4 Leverage TikTok’s Built-In Editing Tools

TikTok provides built-in editing tools, including filters, music, and effects, which can enhance the visual appeal of your video. Use these tools to make your content more dynamic and interactive.

5.5 Engage with Trends and Hashtags

To increase visibility, participate in TikTok trends and use popular hashtags relevant to your content. This can help your video appear in the “For You” feed, where most users discover new content.

5.6 Optimise for Mobile Viewing

Since TikTok is a mobile-first platform, ensure that your videos are optimised for vertical viewing. Avoid adding important elements (e.g., text, logos) to the edges of the video, as they may get cut off.

6. Audio and Music Considerations

6.1 Audio Format

TikTok supports both AAC and MP3 audio formats. Using high-quality audio is critical for making your content more engaging, especially since music and sound play a big role on the platform.

6.2 Add Music and Sound Effects

TikTok allows you to add music from its extensive library. Choose trending or relevant sounds to enhance your video's appeal and align it with TikTok culture.

6.3 Sync Audio and Video

Ensure your audio is synced properly with your video. TikTok’s editing tools make this easier by allowing you to adjust the timing of your soundtracks or effects.

7. Creating Ads on TikTok

If you're a brand or business, TikTok offers several ad formats that require different video specifications:

7.1 In-Feed Ads

These ads appear in users’ feeds and should follow the same specifications as standard TikTok videos (1080 x 1920 pixels, MP4 format). Ads should be visually compelling within the first few seconds to capture attention.

7.2 TopView Ads

TopView ads appear when a user opens the app and can last up to 60 seconds. These ads must be visually immersive, so follow the recommended vertical video dimensions and keep file size optimised for quick loading.

7.3 Branded Hashtag Challenges

These are interactive ads where users are encouraged to participate in a branded challenge. Make sure your video meets the recommended aspect ratio and adds clear calls-to-action for maximum user engagement.

8. How to Upload and Compress Videos for TikTok

8.1 Uploading from Your Device

When uploading a video, TikTok allows you to choose from existing videos on your device or record directly in the app. If you’re uploading pre-recorded videos, ensure that they meet the resolution, size, and format requirements to avoid any issues.

8.2 Using Compression Tools

If your video file is too large or doesn’t meet TikTok’s size requirements, you can use video compression tools such as HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder. These tools allow you to reduce the file size without sacrificing video quality.

8.3 Avoid Over-Compression

While it’s important to compress videos for faster upload, over-compressing can result in a loss of video quality. Use the highest settings available to keep your video crisp and clear, even after compression.

9. Conclusion

Creating the perfect TikTok video requires understanding the platform’s video size and format guidelines. By adhering to TikTok’s recommended video dimensions, aspect ratios, and file formats, you can ensure that your content is optimised for maximum visibility and engagement. Additionally, keeping your videos high-quality, short, and engaging, while leveraging TikTok’s built-in tools, will enhance your chances of reaching a broader audience.

Whether you’re a content creator or a business, using the right strategies and staying within TikTok’s video guidelines will ensure your content performs well on the platform. By following this video size guide, you’ll be on your way to creating viral-worthy TikTok videos that captivate and engage your audience.