TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms, but getting your videos to stand out requires following a few best practices, including uploading videos that meet the TikTok dimensions specifications, including:
- .mov and .mp4 file formats
- 1080×1920 pixels dimensions
- 9:16 aspect ratio
- Videos up to 10 minutes long
- File size of 287.6 MB for iOS users
- File size of up to 72 MB for Android users
We’ll review these specifications in more detail later in this article. First, let’s discuss why TikTok dimensions matter for success on the platform.
Why Do TikTok Dimensions Matter?
Whether you’re switching from creating videos on YouTube to posting on TikTok or you’re adding TikTok to your repertoire of social media channels, you should learn the basics of posting on the platform, which is a completely different environment than YouTube and other networks.
There are a few ways to optimize your videos on TikTok, such as posting at the right times, capitalizing on the latest TikTok trends, and using relevant trending hashtags. Another important best practice is to align your content with the recommended video dimensions, including video length, file size, and aspect ratio. Following these tips and creating videos with the right dimensions will help your TikTok videos perform better, and they’ll look better when your audience watches them.
TikTok Dimensions You Need to Know for Optimization
Screenshot from @candyfunhouse via TikTok
Before uploading a video to TikTok, it’s important to know how the video dimensions the platform requires for the best viewing experience. Here are the dimensions TikTok creators should know.
TikTok Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratio
TikTok video dimensions refer to the sizable length and width of the video in pixels. For TikTok, videos should be 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels long, or 1080×1920.
Technically, videos can be larger than this exact size, but TikTok will always fit them within a 9:16 aspect ratio. Therefore, if you do make larger videos, it’s best to create them using the same aspect ratio. This ensures that, when you add them to TikTok, the platform’s resizing won’t interfere with the dimensions of your video, causing it to look squished vertically or horizontally.
TikTok Resolution
Your video’s resolution relates to its dimensions. If you upload a video less than 1080×1920, TikTok will stretch your video to fit its content space. When that happens, the resolution will suffer, typically causing grainy or blurry video.
For best results, upload a video no smaller than 1080×1920 with an aspect ratio of 9:16. Also, shoot your video in HD quality, if possible, to reduce the chances of quality loss upon uploading.
TikTok Video Length
Screenshot from @heinz_us via TikTok
The most recent TikTok update allows for videos up to 10 minutes in length. The shortest length of time is 15 seconds.
Consider creating longer videos when you need to share a lot of information or document an event that you believe can hold the interest of your viewers. You can also cut longer videos into shorter parts to upload separately, which can make your content more digestible for viewers who don’t want to spend a lot of time on one video.
TikTok File Size
TikTok allows maximum video file sizes of 287.6 MB for iOS users or up to 72 MB for Android users. However, most videos are much smaller than this. If you need to upload a larger video, use a video editing tool to compress it while preserving its quality or split the video into two or three parts to upload separately.
TikTok File Type
TikTok accepts .mov and .mp4 files. If you have a video in another file type that you’d like to upload, you must first convert it to .mov or .mp4. Several apps and web-based tools can accomplish this, as can most video editors.
The easiest way to make sure your video is compatible with TikTok is to use the platform’s video-shooting tools to create your video.
TikTok Dimensions FAQ
Screenshot from @netflix via TikTok
We’ve covered all the TikTok dimensions basics you need to know to start shooting your videos and make them look great on the platform. Here are a few answers to other common questions relating to TikTok dimensions.
Can I make landscape videos on TikTok?
Although TikTok allows you to upload landscape (horizontal) videos, be aware that they may not look their best once uploaded. TikTok will automatically add blank space above and below your video to make your upload fit its screen size. The video itself will be relatively small compared to traditional TikTok videos, which could reduce the overall viewing experience.
How can I make my TikTok video the right size?
When you shoot your video on TikTok, the video will automatically record in the correct size. If using another tool to shoot your video, use the tool’s preset ratio feature to set the video to 9:16.
Are TikTok video ads the same dimensions as TikTok videos?
Yes, video ads are the same dimensions as regular videos on TikTok. However, video ads can be up to 500 MB in size, which is larger than the maximum file size for regular TikTok videos.
What’s the minimum TikTok video size?
TikTok videos should be a minimum of 1080×1920 pixels, with a ratio of 9:16 for the best viewing experience.
How can I make my TikTok videos better quality?
The best way to ensure your videos look great on TikTok is to use the TikTok video tools to shoot your video. Otherwise, be sure that your video is at least 1080×1920 pixels with a 9:16 ratio to avoid losing quality when uploading.
Optimize Your TikTok By Using the Right Dimensions
Using the right video dimensions is crucial for making your videos look great and perform well on TikTok, which is important for growing your audience on the platform. That means creating videos with dimensions of 1080×1920 pixels or a 9:16 aspect ratio, up to 10 minutes long, in .mov or .mp4 format, and 287.6 MB in size or less for iOS users or up to 72 MB for Android users.
Further your TikTok knowledge to boost your marketing strategy by visiting our other guides, like how to create a great TikTok bio and how to use TikTok’s custom fonts.
Don’t forget to add the TikTok follow button to your website for a simple way to build your audience through cross-promotion.
