TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms that put a heavy emphasis on video. If you want to stand out on the platform, you’ve got to make videos that stand out.

Keep reading to learn all the video specs you need to know to ensure users are viewing your videos exactly how you intended them to.

Check out our page on How to use TikTok to flesh out your knowledge and get creating as soon as possible

TikTok formatting guide:

TikTok Video File Maximum Size

287.6 MB. For ads, this becomes 500 MB.

TikTok Video Dimensions: Portrait or Landscape?

Portrait videos work best on TikTok since the platform is naturally portraited. If your video works better as a landscape, you can use this format too, but users will have to tilt their phones!

landscape

TikTok video dimensions and resolution:

1080×1920.

TikTok canvas size (width and height):

1080×1920.

Aspect ratio required:

9:16 (your normal smartphone screen). You can also use a 1:1 aspect ratio, but it will not be full-screen.

File format:

This should either be in MP4 or MOV (ios automatically saves your videos as MOVs) format.

File format for ads:

This should be either AVI or GIF format.

TikTok video length

As of 2021, TikTok has introduced 3-minute videos for users. You can record and upload videos on the platform from anywhere between 1 second to 3 minutes long.

Types of TikTok video ads

Want to get started on making your ad for TikTok? Well, there are some important specs you need to know before you begin.

Standard ads

These kinds of ads are normal ones that are just integrated into your feed. They will either pop up as soon as a user opens TikTok or while they are scrolling through their FYP.

Length-wise, standard ads can be anywhere from 5-60 seconds long. It’s a good idea to keep it short and snappy, though. Otherwise, users will more than likely just scroll past.

Composition of standard ads: video creative, ad image display, brand name, and an ad description.

What aspect ratio should I use for standard ads?

You can use any of the following: 9:16, 1:1, or 16:9.

What file type should I use for standard ads?

You can use any of the following: mp4, MOV, Mpeg, 3gp, or avi.

News Feed App Series Video Ads

These are composed of video creative, your brand name, and an ad description. There are no restrictions on your video resolution here, but you should probably stick to ≥720*1280px. Also, there is no particular limit on video duration.

What aspect ratio should I use for News Feed App Series Video ads?

You can choose between 16:9 or 1:1.

What file type can I use for News Feed App Series Video Ads?

You can use mp4, MOV, Mpeg, 3gp, or gif files.

BuzzVideo: This includes BuzzVideo in-feed ads, BuzzVideo details page ads, and BuzzVideo story ads.

TopBuzz: This includes TopBuzz in-feed ads and TopBuzz details page ads.

Babe: This includes Babe in-feed ads and Babe details page ads.

3 quick tips on doing video ads on TikTok

Make it short and precise to grab attention immediately.

Even though with many formats of ads, there is either no limit on video duration or you can go up to 60 seconds, your ad must be short and snappy and to the point. Your advertisement should grab the attention of TikTok users immediately before they have the chance to scroll away and completely forget about your brand. Try and keep your ads from 5 seconds to a maximum of 60 seconds.

Add sound or music

As well as being a video platform, TikTok relies heavily upon and uses sound a lot. It’s a great way to engage users and grab their attention without them even having to look at your video. Try and choose popular or appropriate sounds, so your video stands out visually as well as audibly.

Add a compelling call-to-action

Your ad shouldn’t just be engaging and memorable; it should also encourage viewers to take action with your brand. Using call-to-action (CTAs) is a very effective way to do this. Give users a reason for sticking around viewing your ad!

One way to do this is by offering something to customers only through TikTok. This will help you track your engagement through TikTok as well as get people to interact with your brand through that platform.

Closing thoughts

So now you’ve learned the tricky specs behind TikTok videos and ads. Why not put them to use? Check out our page on filmmaking to get started.

TikTok Video Size FAQ

How to reverse other people’s videos on TikTok

View the video once in your app. After that, you’ll see an effects button at the bottom of your screen. Press this, and choose the reverse option. The video will then be played backwards!

Popular listings for rentals