The specs that work everywhere
- Aspect ratio: 9:16, vertical.
- Resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels.
- Frame rate: 30 fps (or what you filmed in).
- Format: MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.
Length
YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels accept videos up to 3 minutes, and TikTok allows longer ones. Length limits change often, so check each app if you are near the edge. Shorter usually performs better: most short videos that do well are under a minute.
Safe zones for text and faces
Each app covers part of the screen with buttons, the caption and your username.
- Keep text and faces out of the bottom 20% or so of the frame.
- Leave space on the right edge, where the like, comment and share buttons sit.
- Keep a margin at the top for the app's header.
TipPut captions a little above the middle of the lower half, not at the very bottom.
Posting one video to all three
- Export a clean version without another app's watermark; platforms may show less of reposted watermarked videos.
- Write the caption and hashtags for each app; the video can stay the same.
- Add any trending sound inside each app, not baked into the export.
What about horizontal videos?
A 16:9 video in a vertical feed shows as a small strip. Reframe it: follow the speaker's face to crop it vertically, or stack two speakers in a split screen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best size for Reels, TikTok and Shorts?
1080 × 1920 pixels, 9:16, at 30 fps, as an MP4 file.
Can I post a square video?
Yes, but it fills less of the screen. Vertical gets more attention.
Why does my video look blurry after uploading?
Usually a low-resolution export or a weak connection while uploading. Export at 1080 × 1920 and upload on Wi-Fi.