Optimizing Your Content: Guide to TikTok Formats and Sizes

Coinvertify - Apr 22, 2024 - 7 minute read

Maximize the appeal and quality of your TikTok videos with this essential guide to formats and sizes

TikTok Size and Format Guide

Graphic Dimensions Aspect Ratio File Format
TikTok In-Feed Video 1080 x 1920 9:16 MP4 or MOV
TikTok Stories 1080 x 1920 9:16 MP4 or MOV
TikTok Profile Photo 200 x 200 1:1 JPG, or PNG
TikTok In-Feed Ad Video Varied Dimensions* Varied Ratios* Multiple Formats*

*Note: TikTok In-Feed Ad videos support multiple dimensions and aspect ratios to cater to different advertising needs, including 540 x 960, 640 x 640, or 960 x 540 with aspect ratios of 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9. Acceptable file formats include MP4, MOV, MPEG, 3GP, or AVI.

To ensure your TikTok videos resonate with viewers and meet platform standards, follow these tailored guidelines:

Resolution and Aspect Ratio

The resolution and aspect ratio are vital to how your video displays. Whether it’s a story or an in-feed video, the recommended resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels, maintaining a 9:16 aspect ratio for full-screen mobile viewing.

Profile Presence

Your TikTok profile picture should be 200 x 200 pixels and square, maintaining a 1:1 aspect ratio. Preferred formats are JPEG or PNG for the best clarity.

Adaptable In-Feed Ads

In-feed ads on TikTok are more flexible, offering various dimensions and aspect ratios to best suit your campaign's goals. Whether you're looking for a tall, square, or wide format, ensure your content is encoded in TikTok-compatible formats like MP4, MOV, or others listed above.

Remember, while visual quality is crucial, the creativity and originality of your content remain the heart of TikTok success.

Understanding TikTok Video Specifications

The size of your TikTok video is a crucial factor that can greatly impact its appearance and effectiveness. Getting the size and format right is essential for creating professional-looking videos that resonate with your audience. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding TikTok video specifications:

TikTok Video Specs Overview

Before diving into the specifics, let's start with an overview of TikTok video specifications:

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
  • Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • File Format: MP4 or MOV

TikTok Video Size and Format Guide

Here are the detailed requirements for TikTok videos:

  • Aspect Ratio: TikTok videos should have a vertical aspect ratio of 9:16, similar to a standard iPhone screen.
  • Resolution: The minimum video resolution is 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels, ensuring high-quality playback.
  • File Size: While there is no lower size limit for TikTok videos, the maximum file sizes for certain devices are as follows:
    • Android: 72 MB
    • iOS: 287 MB
    • Online Video Uploads: 500 MB
  • File Formats: TikTok supports various file types, including MOV, MPEG, AVI, 3GP, and MP4.
  • Frame Rate: TikTok videos support up to 60 frames per second (fps).
  • Bitrate: While there is no specific bitrate requirement, higher bitrates typically result in better video quality.

Choosing Between Portrait and Landscape Videos

When filming a video, you'll need to decide between portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation. Here are the key considerations for each:

  • Portrait Videos (9:16 Aspect Ratio):
    • Pros: Full-screen experience, platform-friendly, higher engagement.
    • Cons: Limited view, less versatile for other platforms.
  • Landscape Videos (16:9 Aspect Ratio):
    • Pros: Familiar format, broader view, easy to reformat.
    • Cons: Reduced visibility on TikTok, not algorithm-friendly.

Best File Formats for TikTok Videos

The recommended file formats for TikTok videos are MP4 and MOV. These formats balance quality and compression, ensuring clear and crisp videos with manageable file sizes.

Understanding TikTok Ad Specifications

If you're planning to run ads on TikTok, it's important to understand the specifications for different ad formats:

In-Feed TikTok Video Ads:

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9
  • Video Resolution: Minimum of 540 x 960 pixels, recommended at least 720 x 1280 pixels
  • Video Length: 5 to 60 seconds, shorter videos recommended for optimal engagement
  • Maximum File Size: 500 MB
  • Supported File Formats: MP4, MOV, MPEG, AVI

News Feed TikTok Video Ads:

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9
  • Video Resolution: Minimum of 540 x 960 pixels, recommended at least 720 x 1280 pixels
  • Video Length: 5 to 60 seconds, shorter videos recommended for optimal engagement
  • Maximum File Size: 500 MB
  • Supported File Formats: MP4, MOV, MPEG, AVI

Conclusion

Understanding TikTok video specifications is essential for creating engaging and professional-looking content on the platform. By following the recommended guidelines for aspect ratio, resolution, and file format, you can ensure that your TikTok videos stand out and resonate with your audience.