TikTok Video Dimensions and Specs 2026
Every size, format, and limit for TikTok video — updated monthly.
TikTok Video Specs
TikTok is a vertical-first platform. 9:16 is not optional if you want reach — square and horizontal formats are deprioritized in the For You feed.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Preferred aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical (fills the full screen) |
| Also supported | 1:1 square, 16:9 horizontal (both display with black bars) |
| Resolution | 1080×1920px recommended, minimum 540×960px |
| Video length | 15 seconds – 10 minutes |
| File format | MP4 or MOV |
| Video codec | H.264 or H.265 |
| Audio codec | AAC or MP3 |
| Frame rate | 23–60fps |
| Max file size (mobile) | 287.6MB (iOS and Android) |
| Max file size (web) | 500MB |
| Recommended bitrate | 2Mbps+ for best quality after TikTok re-encoding |
TikTok Caption and Hashtag Specs
The caption is secondary to the video, but the first 150 characters matter for user experience on the For You feed.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Max caption length | 2,200 characters |
| Visible before cutoff | ~150 characters (then "...more") |
| Recommended hashtags | 3–5, niche-specific (not generic spam tags) |
| Links in caption | Not clickable for most accounts. Use bio link. |
TikTok Profile and Cover Image Specs
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Profile picture | Minimum 20×20px, recommended 200×200px, circular crop |
| Video cover image | Auto-selected from your video, or upload a custom frame |
| Banner (LIVE) | 1280×720px, JPEG or PNG |
Why Short Videos Outperform Long Ones on TikTok
TikTok's algorithm ranks videos primarily by completion rate — what percentage of viewers watch to the end. A 15-second video that 80% of viewers finish outperforms a 2-minute video that 20% finish, even if the 2-minute video has more total watch time.
This means shorter, tightly edited content gets more distribution. The algorithm interprets a high completion rate as a signal that the content is worth pushing to more people. Start with a hook in the first 1-2 seconds, deliver the value fast, and end clearly.
If you use Xroad Studio to generate and post to TikTok, the video comes out at the correct 9:16 dimensions automatically. No re-exporting for each platform.
FAQ: TikTok Video Specs
9:16 vertical (1080x1920px). TikTok is a full-screen mobile experience. Horizontal or square video plays in a small window with black bars on the sides, which dramatically reduces watch time and reach. Always shoot vertical for TikTok.
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