Twitch Clips Video Specs: The Current Upload & Export Requirements
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max length | 60 s - clips can be 5 to 60 s, chosen from a ~90-s capture window (about 85 s before and 5 s after the clip trigger); default published clip is the last 30 s of that window |
| Aspect ratio | Inherits the broadcast's ratio (typically 16:9); Twitch's Clip Editor in the Creator Dashboard (launched May 2023) exports a 9:16 vertical version using a full-vertical crop or a split view (gameplay + camera) with an optional channel-name overlay |
| Resolution | Not separately published - clips are cut server-side from the broadcast; vertical exports come from the Clip Editor |
| Max file size | n/a - clips are generated from the live stream/VOD, not uploaded; downloadable as MP4 from the Clips Manager |
| Formats / codecs | MP4 (download) |
| Captions | No captioning feature for Twitch clips; add/burn in captions when re-posting the vertical export to TikTok/Reels/Shorts |
Sources: https://dev.twitch.tv/docs/api/clips/ · https://techcrunch.com/2023/05/11/twitch-clip-editor-edit-vertical-video-tiktok-reels/ · https://help.twitch.tv/s/article/how-to-use-clips?language=en_US. Specs change - verify in the platform's help center before a big upload.
Official Twitch Clips Video Specs (2026)
According to Twitch’s latest documentation, Clips are created from a live stream or VOD, not uploaded separately. The key specs are outlined in the data table above. Clips must be between 5 and 60 seconds, selected from a 90-second window around the clip trigger. The aspect ratio matches the original broadcast (usually 16:9), but vertical (9:16) exports can be made using Twitch’s Clip Editor.
Exporting Vertical Clips for TikTok, Shorts, and Reels
Twitch’s built-in Clip Editor (in the Creator Dashboard) allows you to crop and export clips in a vertical 9:16 format. You can choose a full-vertical crop or a split view (gameplay plus camera). The vertical version can be downloaded as an MP4, ready for upload to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels. As of 2026, direct sharing to YouTube Shorts is supported; for TikTok and Instagram, you’ll need to manually upload the downloaded file.
File Format, Resolution, and Captions
- Format: MP4 (H.264 codec, downloadable from Clips Manager)
- Resolution: Not separately published; vertical exports are sized for mobile platforms
- Captions: Twitch does not add captions to Clips. If you want burned-in captions for social media, use an external tool before posting.
How to Export Clips That Fit Platform Specs
To ensure your Twitch Clips are optimized for TikTok, Shorts, or Reels:
- Use the Twitch Clip Editor to create a vertical crop (9:16)
- Download the MP4 export
- Add captions using a tool like Vidulk’s free AI Clipper app (iOS & Android), which automatically finds the best moments and exports vertical, captioned clips sized for social platforms
- Check platform requirements before uploading, as specs can change
For the most accurate results, always verify the latest requirements in each platform’s help center before posting major content.
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 length for a Twitch Clip?
Twitch Clips can be 5 to 60 seconds long, chosen from a 90-second window around the clip trigger.
What aspect ratio should Twitch Clips be?
Clips inherit the stream’s original aspect ratio (usually 16:9), but you can export a vertical 9:16 version using the Twitch Clip Editor.
Can I add captions to Twitch Clips?
Twitch Clips do not support captions by default. Add captions externally before posting to TikTok, Reels, or Shorts.
What file format are Twitch Clips exported as?
Twitch Clips are downloadable as MP4 files from the Clips Manager or Clip Editor.
How do I make Twitch Clips fit TikTok or Shorts?
Use the Clip Editor to export a 9:16 vertical MP4, then add captions and upload to your desired platform.