TikTok
Specs last changed: · Verified against sources
TikTok is full-screen 9:16. Hook viewers in the first seconds, center your subject, and avoid edges where captions/controls sit. Use big, high-contrast type, add captions for sound-off, and export clean MP4 with enough bitrate.
Best Practices
- Compose for 9:16; center subjects; protect UI overlay areas.
- Hook within 1–2 seconds; lead with motion or a reveal.
- Add captions for accessibility and sound-off viewing.
- Export MP4 (H.264) with sufficient bitrate.
- Use bright, even lighting; avoid heavy filters.
Pro Tips
- Add progress cues (steps/chapters) to retain attention.
- Use large, high-contrast type; test on small phones.
- Select clean thumbnails that read instantly.
- Time text to beats/cuts for rhythm.
- Try 2–3 thumbnail frames to see what gets more taps.
Sizes
Tap a size to see its safe zones.
Video
1080×1920 · 9:16 · Video
Video
1080×1920 · 9:16 · Video
130px
320px
120px
60px
1080 x 1920 px
Safe/overlay areas (from spec)
Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.
Profile Pic
1080×1080 · 1:1 · Image
Profile Pic
1080×1080 · 1:1 · Image
90px
90px
90px
90px
1080 x 1080 px
Safe/overlay areas (from spec)
Preview shows relative aspect only. Export at the listed resolution for best quality.
| Type | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | 1080 x 1920 px | 9:16 | Video |
| Profile Pic | 1080 x 1080 px | 1:1 | Image |
FAQ
What resolution should I use for TikTok videos?
1080×1920 (9:16) at 30 fps. Keep the subject centered and protect the bottom ~320px and top ~130px from UI overlap.
Do captions matter on TikTok?
Yes — most viewers watch without sound. Captions boost accessibility, watch time, and engagement for sound-off viewers.
Why does my TikTok video look soft?
Usually over-compression on export. Render at the native 1080×1920 with an H.264 bitrate of 6–10 Mbps, and avoid uploading over a weak connection, which triggers TikTok to re-encode.
What's the maximum length of a TikTok video?
Up to 60 minutes for a pre-recorded upload, or 10 minutes when recording in the app — though the 60-minute limit is still rolling out and not every account has it. Most high-performing TikToks are 15–60 seconds; short videos with fast hooks almost always outperform long ones.
What file format does TikTok accept?
MP4 and MOV are recommended, with H.264 video and AAC audio. Avoid WebM and less common formats, which may get re-encoded more aggressively.
What aspect ratio is safe for TikTok?
Only 9:16 full-screen. Vertical 4:5 or 1:1 gets letterboxed and won't fill the screen, which hurts watch time and the For You algorithm.