For professional content creators in 2026, staying ahead of social media video specifications is essential to ensure high engagement and avoid platform-side cropping.
Here are the latest recommended video sizes and technical specifications for the major platforms.
Quick Reference: 2026 Social Media Video Sizes
| Platform | Best Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
| TikTok | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Instagram Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Instagram Stories | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Facebook Reels | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Facebook Feed | 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
| YouTube (Standard) | 1920 x 1080 | 16:9 |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| Snapchat | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 |
| 1080 x 1350 | 4:5 |
Size and Aspect Ratio Details on Each Social Media Platform
TikTok
TikTok remains strictly vertical-first. While it now supports horizontal uploads for some users, the algorithm continues to favor the native 9:16 format.
- Optimal Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels.
- Max File Size: 1GB (500MB recommended for faster processing).
- Preferred Format: .MP4 or .MOV (H.264 codec).
- Pro Tip: Keep text and essential visuals in the "Safe Zone"—the center 1080 x 1440 area—to avoid being covered by the UI elements (username, captions, and side buttons).
Instagram (Reels, Stories, and Feed)
Instagram has consolidated many of its video features, but sizing varies by placement.
- Reels & Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- In-Feed Video: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5) is the "Gold Standard" for the feed as it takes up 70% more screen real estate than a square (1:1) video.
- Reels Safe Zone: Avoid the top 220px and bottom 450px for important text, as these areas are obscured during feed previews and in the Reels discovery tab.
Facebook continues to prioritize mobile-first, vertical content, especially with its heavy push on Reels.
- Facebook Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- Facebook Feed: 1080 x 1350 (4:5) is now the preferred ratio for engagement, though 1080 x 1080 (1:1) is still widely used for ads.
- Technical Specs: H.264 compression, 30 fps, and AAC audio at 128kbps+ are required for optimal quality.
Snapchat
Snapchat content is almost exclusively full-screen vertical.
- Single Video Ads & Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- File Size: Max 1GB.
- New for 2026: With the launch of the latest Snap Specs AR glasses, first-person point-of-view (POV) content in 1080p is becoming a major trend for creators.
YouTube
YouTube is the only platform where landscape is still the primary focus, though Shorts are now a major traffic driver.
- Standard Video: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9). 4K (3840 x 2160) is highly recommended for evergreen or high-production value content.
- Shorts: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16).
- Thumbnail Size: 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 ratio).
LinkedIn videos should lean toward professional quality. Native uploads get significantly higher reach than external links.
- Mobile-First Feed: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5).
- Desktop/Professional: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9).
- Note: Native videos on LinkedIn are now capped at 10 minutes (15 minutes via desktop), with the best engagement typically occurring under 90 seconds.
General Technical Checklist for All Platforms
- Video Codec: H.264 (The most universal and stable).
- Audio Codec: AAC (Stereo, 128 kbps or higher).
- Frame Rate: 30 fps (industry standard) or 60 fps for high-action content.
- Color Space: Rec. 709 (The standard for web and mobile displays).
