Optimal Vertical Video Specs by Platform: TikTok, Reels, Shorts
Export your vertical video at the wrong resolution and you'll waste 10 minutes of work. It gets letterboxed, cropped, or distorted on the platform. Get it right the first time.
This is part of our complete vertical video guide. Here, we're covering exact specs for every platform.
Universal Vertical Video Spec (Works for All Platforms)
Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Frame rate: 24fps or 30fps (60fps if slow-motion content)
Video codec: H.264 (most compatible)
Audio: AAC, 128 kbps minimum
The Critical Safe Zone
Just because the video is 1080x1920 doesn't mean you can use all of it. Platforms and phones add UI elements (status bar, navigation buttons, player controls). These overlay your video.
Safe area: 1000 x 1800 pixels (50px margin on all sides). Keep important content (faces, text, visual elements) within this zone.
Danger zones to avoid:
- Top 50px: Status bar and system notifications
- Bottom 120px: Player controls, action buttons, progress bar
- Left/right 50px: Edge swipe gestures and platform buttons
TikTok Specific Specs
Ideal length: 21-34 seconds (algorithm sweet spot). Anything from 15-60 seconds performs well.
Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 (9:16)
File format: MP4
Max file size: 287.6 MB (huge, so not a real limit)
Special consideration: TikTok favors native uploads. Upload directly to TikTok, not cross-posted from Instagram or YouTube.
Instagram Reels Specs
Ideal length: 15-30 seconds (shorter is better for algorithm)
Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 (9:16)
File format: MP4 or MOV
Max file size: 4 GB (not a real limit)
Special consideration: Instagram now prioritizes native Reels uploads over cross-posts from TikTok. Create natively when possible for better reach.
YouTube Shorts Specs
Ideal length: 15-60 seconds (up to 3 minutes now, but shorter = better engagement)
Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 (9:16) or 9:16 flexible
File format: MP4
Max file size: 256 MB
Special consideration: YouTube prioritizes frequency. Post 3-5 Shorts per week and you'll see consistent growth. Algorithm is less about viral moments, more about consistency.
Text Placement Rules
Never put important text in the danger zones. If your caption, title, or logo is in the bottom 120px, it will be covered by player controls on some devices.
Text sizing: 45-50px minimum for captions. 60-80px for titles. Test on an actual phone before uploading.
Color contrast: White/light text on dark background (best). Black on light (also good). Avoid light on light or dark on dark.
Recommended Export Settings (CapCut, Premiere, DaVinci)
Resolution: 1080 x 1920
Frame rate: 30fps
Video bitrate: 20-30 Mbps (higher quality, larger file)
Codec: H.264
Audio bitrate: 128 kbps
File format: MP4
Pro tip: Export at 25-30 Mbps for social media. Higher bitrates (40+) are overkill and just create larger files. Lower bitrates (under 15 Mbps) look compressed and lose quality.
Next Steps
Bookmark this page. Next time you export a vertical video, use these specs exactly. For more on vertical video, read about AI captions and transitions.
