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.
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 (as of late 2025 update) - **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.