Every spec you need for TikTok videos, stories, LIVE streams, and ads. Always up to date.
The standard TikTok video size is 1080 x 1920 pixels with a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio. This is the same resolution used for TikTok feed videos, stories, and LIVE streams. If you upload at this size, your video will fill the entire screen without cropping or black bars. Below you will find the full specs for every TikTok video type.
These are the specs for standard TikTok videos that appear in the For You page and Following feed. This is the most common video type on TikTok and the one most creators use daily.
TikTok Stories are short, ephemeral clips that disappear after 24 hours. They appear at the top of the feed for your followers. The video dimensions are the same as feed videos, but the duration is limited to 15 seconds per clip.
Going live on TikTok requires at least 1,000 followers. The platform streams in 9:16 vertical format by default. Aim for at least 720p resolution for a crisp, professional-looking stream.
TikTok in-feed ads support more aspect ratios than organic videos. While 9:16 vertical still performs best, you can also run square or landscape creatives. Keep the duration between 9 and 15 seconds for the best cost-per-click results.
Getting the dimensions right is just the starting point. These tips will help your TikTok videos look sharper, load faster, and perform better in the algorithm.
Even though TikTok accepts lower resolutions, starting at full 1080 x 1920 gives the compression algorithm more data to work with. The result is a noticeably sharper video on the viewer's screen.
TikTok overlays your username, caption, and action buttons on the right and bottom of the screen. Keep critical text and visuals in the center 80% of the frame to avoid anything being covered up.
H.264 is universally supported and gives TikTok the smoothest upload experience. H.265 (HEVC) files sometimes cause quality issues or processing delays during upload.
30 fps is ideal for talking-head videos, slideshows, and text-based content. Use 60 fps only for fast-moving visuals like sports, gameplay, or dance videos where the extra smoothness matters.
The desktop file size limit is 10 GB versus 287 MB on mobile. If your video is longer than a few minutes or you want to preserve the highest possible quality, upload through TikTok's web interface or desktop app.
Posting to multiple platforms? Check out our dimension guides for YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels so every video is formatted correctly.
Resolution, aspect ratio, duration, and file size requirements for YouTube Shorts in 2026.
View guide →The exact video dimensions, cover photo size, and format specs for Instagram Reels in 2026.
View guide →GhostShorts handles the dimensions, captions, and formatting so every video is platform-ready.
Start Creating FreeCommon questions about TikTok video dimensions, file sizes, and upload requirements.
Uploading a video with the wrong dimensions on TikTok can lead to cropped content, black bars on the sides, or a blurry image that looks unprofessional. The TikTok algorithm also factors in watch time and engagement. If your video looks low quality because of incorrect sizing, viewers are more likely to scroll past it, which signals to the algorithm that the content is not worth promoting.
Using the correct 1080 x 1920 resolution with a 9:16 aspect ratio ensures your video fills the entire screen. This creates an immersive experience that keeps viewers watching longer. Longer watch time means better algorithmic performance, more distribution, and ultimately more followers and engagement on your account.
The 287 MB mobile limit is generous enough for most short videos under 3 minutes. If you are creating longer TikTok content (up to the 10-minute maximum), you may need to compress your file or upload from desktop where the limit jumps to 10 GB. Tools like GhostShorts automatically export videos at the optimal size and codec settings for TikTok, so you never have to worry about file size rejections or quality loss.
Beyond getting the dimensions right, there are a few things you can do to maximize the visual quality of your TikTok videos. First, avoid applying TikTok's built-in filters and effects after upload since they add an extra layer of compression. Instead, add effects during editing before you export. Second, good lighting makes a bigger difference than resolution. A well-lit 720p video will look better than a poorly lit 1080p one. Third, keep text large and readable. TikTok viewers are on small screens, so any on-screen text should be at least 24pt to remain legible.