Social Media Video Dimensions Guide 2026: Sizes and Specs for Every Platform
The definitive reference for video dimensions, aspect ratios, file sizes, and duration limits across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter in 2026.
| Published | |
|---|---|
| Updated | |
| Author | By ClipForge Editorial Team |
| Reading | 6 min read |
| Sources | 1 cited |
Contents / 10 sections
Why Dimensions Matter
Uploading a video in the wrong aspect ratio or resolution results in cropping, letterboxing, or quality degradation — all of which reduce engagement. Platform algorithms favor content that meets their technical specifications because it delivers a better viewer experience.
This guide covers the exact dimensions, aspect ratios, and specs you need for every major platform in 2026.
TikTok
Feed Videos (Standard)
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (recommended)
- Minimum resolution: 720 x 1280 pixels
- Duration: 1 second to 10 minutes
- Optimal duration: 30-60 seconds for algorithm boost
- File size limit: 287 MB (mobile), 500 MB (desktop)
- File formats: MP4, MOV
- Frame rate: 30 fps recommended; 60 fps supported
TikTok Photo Mode / Carousel
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Image size: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Up to 35 images per carousel
Key Notes
- Vertical (9:16) is mandatory for optimal distribution. Horizontal videos will display with large black bars and receive significantly lower reach.
- Avoid watermarks from other platforms — TikTok's algorithm deprioritizes content with visible Instagram or YouTube branding.
YouTube Shorts
Shorts
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Duration: Up to 3 minutes (raised from 60 seconds in October 2024)
- Optimal duration: 30-60 seconds
- File size limit: Standard YouTube upload limits apply
- File formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, 3GP
Standard YouTube Videos (for reference)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (horizontal)
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (1080p) minimum; 3840 x 2160 (4K) recommended
- Duration: Up to 12 hours (verified accounts)
Key Notes
- Shorts uploaded in landscape (16:9) will be letterboxed and perform poorly in the Shorts feed.
- Shorts are indexed by YouTube search — use keyword-rich titles.
- The "Shorts shelf" on channels displays only vertical content.
Instagram Reels
Reels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Duration: Up to 3 minutes
- Optimal duration: 30-60 seconds
- File size limit: 650 MB
- File formats: MP4, MOV
- Cover image: 1080 x 1920 pixels (custom cover recommended)
Instagram Feed Video
- Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square), 4:5 (portrait), or 16:9 (landscape)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1080 (square), 1080 x 1350 (portrait)
- Duration: Up to 60 minutes
- Optimal for feed: 4:5 portrait takes up the most screen space in the feed
Instagram Stories
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Duration: Up to 60 seconds per story segment
- File size limit: 250 MB (video)
Key Notes
- Reels posted at 9:16 receive maximum feed real estate and Explore page distribution.
- Custom cover images are important for profile grid aesthetics. Design covers at 1080 x 1920 with the key visual in the center square (1080 x 1080) for grid compatibility.
Facebook Reels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Duration: Up to 90 seconds
- File formats: MP4, MOV
Facebook Feed Video
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (landscape), 1:1 (square), or 4:5 (portrait)
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 minimum
- Duration: Up to 240 minutes
- File size limit: 10 GB
- Recommended format: MP4 with H.264 codec
Key Notes
- Facebook Reels use the same infrastructure as Instagram Reels. Cross-posting from Instagram is supported natively.
- 4:5 portrait video occupies the most space in the mobile news feed.
LinkedIn Video
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (landscape), 1:1 (square), or 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (landscape), 1080 x 1920 (vertical)
- Duration: 3 seconds to 10 minutes (native), longer via LinkedIn Live
- File size limit: 5 GB
- File formats: MP4, MOV
Key Notes
- Vertical (9:16) video is gaining traction on LinkedIn as the platform pushes its short-form video feed.
- Square (1:1) video is a strong choice for LinkedIn because it works well in both mobile and desktop feeds.
- Captions are especially important on LinkedIn — most professionals browse on mute during work hours.
X (Twitter)
X Video
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (landscape), 1:1 (square), or 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (landscape), 1080 x 1920 (vertical)
- Duration: Up to 2 minutes 20 seconds (free), up to 4 hours (Premium)
- File size limit: 512 MB
- File formats: MP4, MOV
Key Notes
- X supports vertical video but the feed is not optimized for it the way TikTok and Reels are. Square (1:1) or landscape (16:9) often performs better for engagement in timeline.
- Videos autoplay on mute in the timeline — captions are important.
Quick Reference Table
| Platform | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Duration | |----------|-------------|-----------|----------| | TikTok | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | Up to 10 min | | YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | Up to 3 min | | Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | Up to 3 min | | Instagram Stories | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | Up to 60s | | Facebook Reels | 9:16 | 1080x1920 | Up to 90s | | LinkedIn | 9:16, 1:1, 16:9 | 1080x1920 | Up to 10 min | | X / Twitter | 16:9, 1:1, 9:16 | 1920x1080 | Up to 2m20s |
The Practical Takeaway
For short-form distribution across all platforms, produce your clips at 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical) in MP4 format with H.264 encoding at 30 fps. This format is natively supported everywhere and requires no per-platform conversion.
If you also produce standard YouTube or LinkedIn content, maintain a 16:9 master file at 1920 x 1080 minimum.
Use a clipping tool that exports with platform-specific presets so you do not need to manually adjust dimensions for each destination.
Keep Reading
- The Complete Guide to Short-Form Video Distribution in 2026
- How to Convert Landscape Video to Vertical Without Losing Quality
- Why Auto Captions Are Essential for Short-Form Video in 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What aspect ratio should short-form video be?
- 9:16 vertical at 1080 by 1920 pixels is the standard across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels. Uploading landscape footage to a vertical surface produces heavy letterboxing, which both looks unfinished and reduces reach, because platforms favour content that matches their display format.
- How long can a TikTok video be?
- TikTok accepts feed videos from 1 second to 10 minutes, with 30 to 60 seconds generally performing best. The file limit is 287 MB on mobile and 500 MB on desktop, in MP4 or MOV, at 30 fps recommended and 60 fps supported. Photo Mode carousels take up to 35 images at the same 1080 by 1920.
- Why do platforms penalise videos with watermarks?
- A visible logo from a rival platform signals the content was made for somewhere else and posted here second. TikTok in particular deprioritises uploads carrying Instagram or YouTube branding. Export a clean version per platform rather than downloading your own post from one app and re-uploading it to another.
- Does uploading the wrong resolution hurt reach?
- Yes, through two routes. Below the recommended resolution the platform upscales and the result looks soft next to native uploads. Wrong aspect ratio triggers cropping or letterboxing that can cut off captions and faces. Both reduce the engagement signals that determine how widely the video is distributed.
References
- [1]Up to 3 minutessupport.google.com
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