Every platform has different video requirements. Upload the wrong aspect ratio and your content gets cropped, letterboxed, or compressed into oblivion. I keep this reference updated at Biricik Media because getting specs wrong wastes production time and client money.
Instagram Video Specs 2026
Reels: 9:16 vertical (1080x1920), up to 90 seconds, MP4 format. Cover image should be 1080x1920 with text positioned in safe zones. Maximum file size 4GB.
Feed Video: 1:1 square (1080x1080) or 4:5 portrait (1080x1350). Up to 60 minutes. Portrait format takes more screen real estate and typically outperforms square.
Stories: 9:16 (1080x1920), up to 60 seconds per story. Keep key content within the center 80% to avoid UI overlay.
TikTok Video Specs 2026
Standard: 9:16 vertical (1080x1920), 15 seconds to 10 minutes. The first 3 seconds determine whether viewers stay — front-load your hook. File size up to 4GB on desktop upload.
YouTube Video Specs 2026
Standard: 16:9 (1920x1080 or 3840x2160 for 4K). No maximum duration for verified accounts. Upload in the highest resolution available — YouTube handles compression. Shorts are 9:16, up to 60 seconds.
LinkedIn Video Specs 2026
Feed: 1:1 or 16:9, up to 10 minutes. LinkedIn prioritizes native video over links. Add captions — most LinkedIn users browse with sound off during work hours. Maximum file size 5GB.
Facebook Video Specs 2026
Feed: 16:9 or 1:1, up to 240 minutes. Reels: 9:16, up to 90 seconds. Facebook heavily promotes Reels to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Always export your master file at the highest quality, then create platform-specific versions. Never compress a compressed file — always start from the master.
Universal Best Practices
H.264 codec, AAC audio at 128kbps or higher, frame rates of 24, 30, or 60fps (match your source). Always include captions — accessibility is not optional, and most social feeds autoplay without sound. Export separate versions for each platform rather than relying on auto-cropping.