Creator Reference 5 min read •

Social Media Video Specifications 2026: Aspect Ratios, Dimensions & Bitrates

The definitive technical cheat sheet for digital creators. Complete reference for TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook Watch, and X video upload requirements.

SS

SSVideoSave Editorial Team

Peer-reviewed media format specifications

Publishing high-impact video content requires adhering to exact platform specifications to prevent unintended cropping, blurry re-compression, or audio desynchronization. Below is our verified 2026 technical reference guide.

1. TikTok Video Specifications

TikTok prioritizes full-screen vertical immersion designed for modern mobile displays.

  • Optimal Dimensions: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical ratio).
  • Accepted Containers: MP4 or MOV with H.264 video codec.
  • Target Bitrate: 4,000 to 8,000 kbps for crisp 1080p playback.
  • Audio Standard: AAC Stereo, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, 192 kbps.
  • Safe Zones: Leave top 15% and bottom 20% clear of crucial text overlays to avoid platform caption and icon overlap.

2. Instagram Reels & Stories Specifications

Meta enforces strict automated compression filters on uploads with excessive file sizes.

  • Optimal Dimensions: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical ratio).
  • Feed Video Dimensions: 1080 × 1350 pixels (4:5 portrait) or 1080 × 1080 (1:1 square).
  • Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps (progressive scan).
  • Recommended Audio: 48 kHz AAC stereo at 128–256 kbps.

3. X (Twitter) Video & Spaces Specifications

X supports widescreen, square, and vertical formats with adaptive bitrate delivery.

  • Optimal Landscape: 1920 × 1080 pixels (16:9 widescreen) at up to 6,200 kbps.
  • Optimal Vertical: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 mobile).
  • Maximum Video Duration: 140 seconds for standard accounts (longer for Premium subscribers).
  • Spaces Audio: Streamed at 64–128 kbps mono/stereo AAC or Opus.

4. Facebook Watch & Feed Specifications

Facebook accommodates longer-form community videos alongside short-form Reels.

  • Watch Horizontal: 1920 × 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio) at 4,000–8,000 kbps.
  • Facebook Reels: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical).
  • Container: MP4 with moov atom positioned at file front for instant playback.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

By formatting your videos according to native platform dimensions and optimal bitrates, you prevent platform re-compression artifacts and deliver the cleanest visual experience to your audience.

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