TikTok Video Specs: The Essential Guide for Creators
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max length | Up to 60 min per upload (TikTok confirmed the 60-min upload test to TechCrunch in May 2024; rolled out gradually, availability still varies by account/region); in-app camera recording up to 10 min; Content Posting API caps third-party uploads at 10 min ('all creators can post 3-minute videos, some have 5- or 10-minute access') |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical recommended; 1:1 and 16:9 accepted (TikTok in-feed ad spec: 9:16 >=540x960, 1:1 >=640x640, 16:9 >=960x540) |
| Resolution | 1080x1920 (9:16) standard; Content Posting API accepts 360-4096 px on each side; ads minimum 540x960 |
| Max file size | 4 GB (Content Posting API hard limit); in-feed ads <=500 MB; TikTok does not publish the consumer app/web upload cap in text (third-party guides quote 287.6 MB iOS / 72 MB Android / multi-GB on web - unverified) |
| Frame rate | 23-60 fps (Content Posting API) |
| Formats / codecs | MP4 (recommended), WebM, MOV; codecs H.264 (recommended), H.265, VP8, VP9 (Content Posting API); ads also accept .mpeg/.3gp/.avi; ad bitrate >=516 kbps |
| Captions | Auto captions are built in: TikTok launched auto captions in April 2021 (edit screen toggle) and later made them default-on for videos with speech in supported languages, with auto-translation; creators can edit/hide them. Burned-in captions remain common for cross-posted clips - keep them out of the caption/username area at the bottom and the icon rail on the right |
| Safe zones | TikTok publishes downloadable safe-zone template files for ads (vertical/horizontal/square) but no fixed px values in text; the ad spec states the safe area 'is determined by the dimension, ad caption length and any additional formats used' - text/logos in the red top/bottom zones of the Ad Preview Tool are rejected |
Sources: https://developers.tiktok.com/doc/content-posting-api-media-transfer-guide · https://ads.tiktok.com/help/article/tiktok-auction-in-feed-ads · https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/16/tiktok-upload-60-minute-videos/ · https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/introducing-auto-captions · https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/auto-translations-and-captions. Specs change - verify in the platform's help center before a big upload.
Current TikTok Video Specs (2026-08)
Before uploading, check TikTok’s latest specs (summarized in the table above). Key points:
- Max length: Up to 60 minutes per upload (availability varies by account/region); in-app camera recording up to 10 minutes; API uploads up to 10 minutes.
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 vertical is recommended. 1:1 (square) and 16:9 (horizontal) are accepted but less common.
- Resolution: 1080x1920 (vertical) is standard. The API allows 360-4096 pixels on each side.
- File size: Up to 4 GB via API. Web and app limits may be lower, and TikTok does not publish exact numbers for all platforms.
- Frame rate: 23-60 fps.
- Formats/codecs: MP4 (H.264) is recommended. WebM and MOV also accepted.
How to Export Clips That Fit TikTok’s Specs
To ensure your video uploads smoothly and looks great:
- Set your project to 9:16 (vertical) aspect ratio and 1080x1920 resolution.
- Export as MP4 with H.264 codec for best compatibility.
- Keep file size below 4 GB; 500 MB or less is safer for fast uploads.
- Use a frame rate between 23 and 60 fps.
- Double-check your audio is clear and not muted.
If you’re clipping from long-form content, Vidulk’s AI Clipper (free to start, iOS/Android) automatically finds the best moments and exports vertical, captioned clips tailored for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Reels.
Captions and Safe Zones
TikTok auto-generates captions for most videos with speech (you can edit or hide these on the edit screen). If you add your own burned-in captions, keep them away from the bottom (caption/username area) and the right side (icon rail) to avoid overlaps.
There’s no official pixel value for safe zones, but TikTok’s ad templates and preview tool show red zones to avoid for text and logos. Place key text and graphics toward the center of the frame.
Best Practices for TikTok Uploads
- Preview your video in the TikTok app before publishing.
- Check for black bars: if seen, your aspect ratio or resolution is off.
- Use high-contrast burned-in captions for accessibility and engagement.
- Keep important visuals away from the bottom and right edges.
- Review TikTok’s help center for any recent updates before major uploads.
Export clips that fit these specs automatically - Vidulk reframes to 9:16, captions and trims to length. Free to start on iOS and Android.
Try VidulkFAQ
What is the maximum video length for TikTok uploads?
Up to 60 minutes per upload as of 2026, but availability may vary by region and account. In-app camera recording is limited to 10 minutes.
What is the recommended aspect ratio for TikTok videos?
9:16 vertical is recommended for TikTok. Square (1:1) and horizontal (16:9) are accepted, but vertical performs best.
What video format and codec should I use for TikTok?
Export as MP4 with H.264 codec for best compatibility. WebM and MOV are also accepted.
How do I avoid captions or text being covered on TikTok?
Keep burned-in captions and text away from the bottom (caption/username area) and right side (icon rail). Center your key text for safety.
Can I use Vidulk to create TikTok-ready clips?
Yes. Vidulk’s AI Clipper finds top moments from long videos and exports vertical, captioned clips sized for TikTok, Shorts, or Reels.